1 CITY COUNCIL REGULARMEETING MINUTES - - Wednesday, February 26, 2025, at 6 PM Municipal Court Room/Council Chamber 2801 Ranch Road 1869 Liberty Hill, Texas 78642 & ?o WN BIo 1. CALL TO ORDER Mayor Mancilla called the meeting to order at 6:03 PM. Liberty Hill Police Chaplin David Joiner led the invocation. Mayor Mancilla led the Pledges of allegiance to the flags. City Council Members Present: Mayor Crystal Mancilla Council Member Diane Williams Council Member Wade Ashley Council Member Jacquetta Thayer Council Member Michael Helbing Council Members absent: Mayor Pro Tem Amanda Young City Staff Members Present: Mike Etienne, Deputy City Manager Jeff Ringstaff, Police Chief Elaine Simpson, City Secretary James Herrera, Interim Public Works Director McKenzi Hicks, Interim Director of Planning and Development Josh Armstrong, Director of Finance Marianne Banks, City Attorney Candice Scott, Director ofHuman Resources Katie Amsler, Director of Communications and Community Engagement Jennifer Glaess, Pape-Dawson Engineering Trey Evans, Water Superintendent 2) PROCLAMATIONS, RECOGNITIONS OR ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS FROM MAYOR MANCILLA a) Proclamation - Amplify Austin - Mayor Crystal Mancilla Page 113 Liberty Hill City Council Regular Called Meeting minutes February 26, 2025 Piper Stege Nelson, I Live Here I Give Here's Executive Director accepted the Proclamation. Proclamation from Mayor Mancilla declaring Amplify Wilco Day.' WHEREAS, the spirit ofcommunity engagement and philanthropy is a part of our 'Big Heart' culture and is a cherished value in the City of Liberty Hill; and WHEREAS, Amplify Wilco Day, the biggest giving event in Central Texas, has emerged as a powerful platform) for local nonprofits to connect with donors and amplify their impact in the community through a 24-hour online giving event; and WHEREAS, the citizens of Liberty Hill recognize the importance of supporting organizations that diligently address the diverse needs of our community, spanning education, health, the arts, andthe environment; and WHEREAS, Amplify Wilco Day unites businesses, individuals, and organizations to create a collective force for positive change, fostering a culture ofgiving and making a lasting difference in the lives ofour fellow residents; and WHEREAS, the CiyofLiberty Hill proudlyendorses andparticipates in Amplif Wilco Day, encouraging residents to. support the causes that matter most to them and contribute to the vibrancy andwell-being ofour city; and NOW, THEREFORE, 1 Crystal Mancilla, Mayorofthe CiyofLibertyHill, Texas, dol hereby proclaim March 5-6, 2025, as 'Amplify Wilco. Days"inc our city. Icall upon all residents to embrace the spirit ofs giving, amplifying! the impact ofourlocal nonprofits, andshowcasing the generosityand compassionthat define Liberty Hill. Iurge businesses, organizations, and individuals toparticipate inAmplify Wilco Day, eitherby donating to their favorite cmsesorbylolumeerng theirtime andtalents tosupportthe incredible work ofourlocal nonprofits. IN WITNESS WHEREOF, Ihave hereunto set my hand and caused the Seal ofthe City of Liberty Hill to be affixed this 26th day of February, in the year of 2025. Mayor Crystal Mancilla. Mayor Mancilla called upon two applicants who were unable to present their presentations in support of their grant applications at the Workshop meeting earlier: Hope House representative made a brief presentation to the City Council. City Secretary Simpson played a brief presentation from the Liberty Hill Community Theatre in support of their grant application. Page 2/13 Liberty Hill City Council Regular Called Meeting minutes February 26, 2025 3) STAFF ANNOUNCEMENTS / NEW EMPLOYEE INTRODUCTIONS There were no staff announcements or new employees. It was announced that City Manager Brandenburg was out sick this evening. 4) REPORTS City Departments, Committees or other groups may submit reports to City Council. There is no official action required by City Council to accept these reports. a) Financial Report - J. Armstrong Finance Director Armstrong fielded a few questions about the report. He explained that there are purchase orders which show as being paid, expended, when in reality they are encumbered. There were no other questions from City Council. No motion was made on reports. 5) PUBLIC HEARING(S) a) Discussion, consideration, and possible action regarding Ordinance No. 2025-013, a request for a Zoning Map Amendment from the Agricultural Zoning District (AG) to the Medium Density Residential Zoning District (SF2) on property legally described as Lot 8, Ryan Acres Subdivision, consisting of approximately 1.01 acres of land, addressed as 121 Independence Drive, and more particularly described by Williamson Central Appraisal District Parcel R415133, Liberty Hill, Williamson County, Texas. (M. Hicks) 1.) Introduction and staff report on the proposed Ordinance. 2.) Hold Public Hearing. 3.) Consider recommendation from the Planning and Zoning Commission. 4.) Possibly take action on proposed Ordinance. Page 3113 Liberty Hill City Council Regular Called Meeting minutes February 26, 2025 Interim Director of Planning and Development Hicks introduced the item and presented the staff report, reminding the City Council that they are familiar with this case. It was the subject of Resolution #2024-R-043 passed by City Council on December 11, 2024, which authorized the waiver of re-zoning application fees for the property at 121 Independence Drive, Liberty Hill, TX. She reminded the City Council that this application fee was waived in consideration oft the fact that the City annexed this property but never submitted it to City Council for permanent zoning. It was annexed with the 'default' zoning designation of'AG' Agricultural. This zoning was never updated. The owners wish to build a detached garage. This is not allowed in 'AG' but will be in the SF2 Zoning. Mayor Mancilla opened the Public Hearing at 6:21 PM. Mayor Mancilla closed the Public Hearing at 6:21 PM. There were no speakers during the Public Hearing. It was noted that there was a small correction to the Ordinance. Motion: Council Member Williams moved, and Council Member Ashley seconded, to approve, as corrected, Ordinance No. 2025-0-013 a request for a Zoning Map Amendment from the Agricultural Zoning District (AG) to the Medium Density Residential Zoning District (SF2) on property legally described as Lot 8, Ryan Acres Subdivision, consisting of approximately 1.01 acres ofl land, addressed as 121 Independence Drive, and more particularly described by Williamson Central Appraisal District Parcel R415133, Liberty Hill, Williamson County, Texas. Vote on the motion: Motion carried unanimously by a vote of 5-0. Ayes: Mancilla, Thayer, Helbing, Williams, and Ashley. Nays: 0. Absent: Mayor Pro Tem Amanda Young. Here is the Ordinance Caption: CITY OF LIBERTY HILL ORDINANCE NO. 2025-0-013 121 INDEPENDENCE DRIVE ZONING MAP AMENDMENT AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF LIBERTY HILL, TEXAS, REZONING A TRACT OF LAND LOCATED AT 121 INDEPENDENCE DRIVE FROM THE AG DISTRICT TO THE SF2 DISTRICT; AUTHORING AN AMENDMENT1 TO THE OFFICIAL CITY ZONING MAP; PROVIDING FOR FINDINGS OF FACT; ENACTMENT; SEVERABILITY; EFFECTIVE DATE; AND PROPER NOTICE AND MEETING. Page 4/13 Liberty Hill City Council Regular Called Meeting minutes February 26, 2025 6) PUBLIC COMMENTS Regarding items not on this agenda/Public Comments: Those desiring to speak on a topic not listed on the agenda, please complete a speaker. form and present to the City Secretary before the meeting. Speakers will have three minutes each to speak, this time cannot be transfèrred or shared. Council members may not take action during this item and any responses will be limited to factual statements, recitation ofe existing policy, or request for the topic to be placed on afuture agenda. Regarding lopics listed as an agenda item/During specific agenda item: Council requests that speakers complete a speaker form, indicate which agenda item they are interested in speaking about, and submit form to the City Secretary before the agenda item is addressed. Speaker forms may be emailed to the City Secretary before the meeting at impondlberohalacges There were no public comments. 7) CONSENT AGENDA Consent Agenda items are considered to be routine and will be enacted by one motion. There will be no separate discussion of those items unless requested by Council, in which event the item(s) will be removed.from Consent Agenda and considered under Regular Agenda. a) Approve February 12, 2025, City Council Workshop meeting minutes. (E. Simpson) b) Approve February 12, 2025, City Council Regular Called meeting minutes. (E. Simpson) c) Approval of Resolution # 2024-R-010 approving and authorizing filing ofa correction deed for the Special Warranty Deed dedicating certain property as public parkland and water supply, known as the Larkspur Parkland Dedication ( Park officially known as Fisk-Cashion Park); repealing provisions of prior Resolutions No. 2023-R-019 and No. 2024-R-041 to the extent of any conflict; and establishing an effective date. (K. Amsler) d) Approval of Ordinance No. 2024-0-046A, updating and authorizing the amount of utility service associated with the Gunner Southwest Final Plat, generally located southeast ofthe intersection ofUS 183 and Gracie Lane, consisting of approximately 35.86 acres of land, legally described as part of and out of the John B. Robinson Survey, Abstract No. 521, and more particularly described by Williamson Central Appraisal District Parcel R022856, Liberty Hill, Williamson County, Texas. (M. Hicks) e) Approval of Resolution #2025-R-014 approving Appendix A Revised for American Rescue Act (ARPA) - (A.L.N. 21.027) project expenditure allocation that will be submitted to Williamson County to reflect modified project expenditure allocation for Page 5113 Liberty Hill City Council Regular Called Meeting minutes February 26, 2025 downtown area AC Water Pipe Replacement project, and Water Tower #3 rehabilitation. (Josh Armstrong) f) Discussion, consideration, and possible action regarding Resolution 2025-R-013 approval of letter accepting public infrastructure improvements for the 12 Oaks Estage MultiFamily Wastewater Tie-In to the manhole. (J. Herrera) g) Discussion, consideration, and possible action regarding Resolution #2025-R-015 approval of letter of acceptance for public infrastructure improvements for the Gunner Seward Junction Wastewater Line Extension. (J. Herrera) The following items were pulled from the Consent Agenda: items d.) was pulled by the Mayor, item f.) was pulled by Council Member Williams, and item g.) was pulled by Council Member Williams. Motion on the Consent Agenda: Council Member Ashley moved, and Council Member Helbing seconded, to approve, as presented, Consent Agenda items a., b., C., and e.). Vote on the motion: Motion carried unanimously by a vote of 5-0. Ayes: Mancilla, Thayer, Helbing, Williams, and Ashley. Nays: 0. Absent: Mayor Pro Tem Amanda Young. Motion on item 7.d.) d Approval ofOrdinance No. 2024-0-046A, updating and authorizing the amount of utility service associated with the Gunner Southwest Final Plat, generally located southeast of the intersection of US 183 and Gracie Lane, consisting of approximately 35.86 acres of land, legally described as part of and out of the John B. Robinson Survey, Abstract No. 521, and more particularly described by Williamson Central Appraisal District Parcel R022856, Liberty Hill, Williamson County, Texas. (M. Hicks) City Attorney Marianne Banks explained that there was a change to the number of Living Unit Equivalents (LUEs) being requested. Motion: Council Member Ashley moved, and Council Member Helbing seconded, to approve, as corrected today, Ordinance #2024-0-046A, an amendment to Ord. 2024-0-046, approving the Gunner SW Plat. Vote on the motion: Motion carried unanimously by a vote of 5-0. Ayes: Mancilla, Thayer, Helbing, Williams, and Ashley. Nays: 0. Absent: Mayor Pro Tem Amanda Young. Here is the Ordinance caption: CITY OF LIBERTY HILL ORDINANCE NO. 2024-0-046A UPDATING WASTEWATER CAPACITY FOR GUNNER SOUTHWEST MINOR PLAT AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF LIBERTY HILL, TEXAS, AMENDING ORDINANCE NO. 2024-0-046 TO UPDATE THE STATUS OF WASTEWATER CAPACITY FOR THE GUNNER SOUTHWEST MINOR PLAT, PROJECT NO. 2024-9- Page 6113 Liberty Hill City Council Regular Called Meeting minutes February 26, 2025 MPL ("THE PROJECT"); PROVIDING FOR FINDINGS OF FACT, REPEALER AND SEVERABILITY CLAUSES; NOTICE OF MEETING AND PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE. Motion on item 7f.) Discussion, consideration, and possible action regarding Resolution 2025-R-013 approval of letter accepting public infrastructure improvements for the 12 Oaks Estage MultiFamily Wastewater Tie-In to the manhole. (J. Herrera) Motion by Council Member Williams, seconded by Council Member Thayer, to approve Resolution, as presented by the City Secretary. Vote on the motion: Motion carried unanimously by a vote of5-0. Ayes: Mancilla, Thayer, Helbing, Williams, and Ashley. Nays: 0. Absent: Mayor Pro Tem Amanda Young. Motion on item 7g.) Discussion, consideration, and possible action regarding Resolution #2025-R-015 approval of letter of acceptance for public infrastructure improvements for the Gunner Seward Junction Wastewater Line Extension. (J. Herrera) Motion by Council Member Williams, seconded by Council Member Thayer, to approve Resolution, as presented by the City Secretary, with the inclusion of the punch list, letter and signed waiver. Vote on the motion: Motion carried unanimously by a vote of5-0. Ayes: Mancilla, Thayer, Helbing, Williams, and Ashley. Nays: 0. Absent: Mayor Pro Tem Amanda Young. 8) REGULAR AGENDA It was announced that items 8a.), 8b.) and 8c.) were being pulled from the agenda tonight and would return to a future agenda. There was no formal motion taken. a) Discussion, consideration, and possible action regarding Ordinance No. 2025-0- 009, conditionally approving the Trussmate Site Plan and conditionally issuing the Site Development Permit, consisting of approximately 10.48 acres of land, addressed as 12901 W SH 29, more particularly described by Williamson Central Appraisal District Parcel R660946, and legally described as Lot 1, Block A, Liberty Hill Trussmate Minor Plat Subdivision, Liberty Hill, Williamson County, Texas. (M. Hicks) Page 7/13 Liberty Hill City Council Regular Called Meeting minutes February 26, 2025 b) Discussion, consideration, and possible action regarding Ordinance No. 2025-0- 010, conditionally approving the Bojangles Site Plan and conditionally issuing the Site Development Permit, consisting of approximately 1.58 acres ofland, addressed as 13003 W. SH 29, more particularly described by Williamson Central Appraisal District Parcel R638695, and legally described as Lot 3A oft the Replat Lot 3, Block 1 - Heritage Ridge Subdivision, Liberty Hill, Williamson County, Texas. (M. Hicks) c) Discussion, consideration, and possible action regarding Ordinance No. 2025-0- 012, conditionally approving the Heritage Ridge Lot 5 Site Plan and conditionally issuing the Site Development Permit, consisting ofa approximately 1.266 acres of land, addressed as 12917 W. SH 29, more particularly described by Williamson Central Appraisal District Parcel R605653, and legally described as Lot 5, Heritage Ridge Subdivision, Liberty Hill, Williamson County, Texas. (M. Hicks) d) Discussion, consideration and possible action to provide direction to city staff regarding plans and preparations for Forensic Audit including but not limited to scope of services. (P. Brandenburg, J. Armstrong) This item was postponed from the February 12, 2025, City Council meeting due to time constraints. Director of Finance Josh Armstrong introduced the item and presented the staff report. The City ofLiberty Hill's recently passed charter states, "the City will conduct an independent forensic audit, in scope as determined by the City Manager and Auditor, and in accordance with the City budget. 9 Staff would like the City Council to provide directions on the methodology and scope for this process. Staff would like to engage with a consultant to assist with identifying the scope and with the engagement of a firm to conduct the audit. Director Armstrong explained that many factors involved in the scope oft the audit would affect the cost. Director Armstrong requested City Council direction and input. There was a request that Director Armstong poll nearby cities and see ifthey have any experience with forensic audits and can give advice. The Council Members agreed to send their ideas to him regarding what scope would be most beneficial for this audit, how far back to go date-wise, and what areas ofthe budget(s) to audit. There was no formal motion on the item. Page 8113 Liberty Hill City Council Regular Called Meeting minutes February 26, 2025 e) Discussion, consideration, and possible direction to staff regarding the provisions for Ordinance implementing the Board ofEthics Review required by the City's Home Rule Charter, Article IX, Section 9.01 (b) and Ethics Ordinance. (M. Banks) City Attorney Marianne Banks introduced the item and presented the request of city staff for some Council guidance regarding establishment ofthis Board. She asked for ideas regarding composition of the Board, number of members, qualifications for membership (residency within the City limits, for instance), and what the Boards scope of review would be. The Home Rule Charter has the Ethics Review Board limited to Ethics complaints and review of candidate financial reports. Section 9.01Conflicts ofinterest; board ofe ethics. (a) Conflicts ofinterest. The use ofpublic office for private gain is prohibited. The City Council shall implement this prohibition by ordinance, the terms of which shall include, but not be limited to: acting in an official capacity on matters in which the official has a private financial interest clearly separate from that of the general public; the acceptance of gifis and other things of value; acting in a private capacity on matters dealt with as a public official; the use of confidential information; and appearances by City officials before other City agencies on behalf of private interests. This ordinance shall include a statement ofpurpose and shall provide for reasonable public disclosure offinances by officials with major decision-making authority over monetary expenditures and contractual and regulatory matters and, insofar as permissible under State law, shall provide for fines and imprisonment, for violations. (b) Board lofethics. The City Council shall, by ordinance, establish an independent Board of Ethics to administer and enforce the conflict of interest andfnancial disclosure ordinances. No member ofthe Board may hold elective or appointed office under the City or any other government or hold any political party office. Insofar as possible under State law, the City Council shall authorize the Board to issue binding advisory opinions, conduct investigations on its own initiative and on referral or complaint from officials or residents, subpoena witnesses and documents, refer cases for prosecution, impose administrative_fines: and hire independent counsel. The City Council shall appropriate sufficient funds to the Board of Ethics to enable it to perform the duties assigned to it and to provide annual training and education ofcity officials and employees, including candidates for public office, regarding the ethics code. (Ordinance 2024-0-045 adopted 11/18/2024) There was a general agreement that the Board would best keep with the strict charge as listed in the Charter language to administer and enforce the conflict of interest andfinancial disclosure ordinances. Page 9/13 Liberty Hill City Council Regular Called Meeting minutes February 26, 2025 City Secretary Simpson explained that ifthe City Council is interested in determining the desire ofthe Commissioners regarding the scope and composition ofthe Board, the city website will have the agendas and meeting minutes from the Home Rule Charter Commission restored to the Agenda Center page oft the city official website. There was a discussion ofholding a Special Called meeting of the City Council to discuss the following: Composition. Any Best practices for the Board. Number of Members. Qualifications of members required. Training and education ofthe Board members to be provided. City Secretary and City Attorney will determine. Finance Director Armstrong will review and advise on budget. No formal action was taken. f) Discuss Budget Process Overview for 2025. (J. Armstrong) Finance Director Armstrong introduced the agenda item and presented the city staff report. He explained that city staff wish to get the budget season meetings scheduled SO that plans can be made. By the end of the week of March 3rd - March 7th, the City Council members will provide Director of Finance Armstrong with their proposed dates or inform him if the proposed dates on the draft calendar proposed tonight are agreeable. There was no formal motion. g) Discussion, consideration, and possible action related to the purchase of new Water Meters. (M. Etienne, J. Herrera) Interim Public Works Director James Herrera explained that these meters are included already in the current budget. They will be for new development coming into the City. The quote is from Water Works Metrology, the sole source provider for Mueller Water Meters. City staff recommends the approval of the quote (RICO2130951) and authorization Page 10113 Liberty Hill City Council Regular Called Meeting minutes February 26, 2025 ofthe purchase of new water meters from Water Works Metrology, a sole source provider, of new water meters for the Water Department in the amount of $63,705.00. This purchase is in the current budget and will be paid from account line GL Code 57-5-70-5501. Motion: Motion by Council Member Ashley, seconded by Council Member Helbing, to accept quote, and to approve purchase of water meters as described, for an amount not to exceed $63,705.00. Vote on the motion: Motion carried unanimously by a vote of5-0. Ayes: Mancilla, Thayer, Helbing, Williams, and Ashley. Nays: 0. Absent: Mayor Pro Tem Amanda Young. h) Discussion, consideration, and possible action regarding approval of Work Order for Pilot Plant Design for Advanced Water Purification Facility AWPF. (M. Etienne, J. Herrera) Deputy City Manager Etienne introduced the agenda item and the engineers from Garver who were present to make a short presentation. (See Exhibit *A' to these meeting minutes) Interim Public Works Director James Herrera introduced Jeff Meadows and Greg Swoboda from Garver Engineering. The gentleman explained that this Work Order is for Phase II ofthe AWPF project. It will be paid with Texas Water Development Board (TWDB) funds. This is Work Order #W07- 2400273. Request is for the approval of Work Order #W07-2400273 which covers the project administration, Pilot Facility Design and Bidding, Funding application assistance, permit support and public outreach for a cost not to exceed $906,213.00 without prior authorization. There was a discussion of the timelines for the project overall, the funding that will be secured from TWDB and that will be requested from other sources. Following discussions relative to the lump sum amounts, Garver will provide the breakdowns to support the lump sum amounts. Motion: Motion by Council Member Diane Williams, seconded by Council Member Ashley, to approve Task Work Order #W07-2400273 which covers the project administration, Pilot Facility Design and Bidding, Funding application assistance, permit support and public outreach for a cost not to exceed $906,213.00 without prior authorization. Vote on the motion: Motion carried unanimously by a vote of 5-0. Ayes: Mancilla, Thayer, Helbing, Williams, and Ashley. Nays: 0. Absent: Mayor Pro Tem Amanda Young. Page 11/13 Liberty Hill City Council Regular Called Meeting minutes February 26, 2025 9) CITY MANAGER'S COMMENTS City Manager Brandenburg was absent, and Deputy City Manager Etienne had no comments. 10) CONVENE TO EXECUTIVE SESSION City Council will convene into Executive Session for discussion oft the following items pursuant to Texas Government Code Section 551.071 (Consultation with Attorney), Section 551.072/Deliberations about Real Property), Section 551.073 (Deliberations about Gifis and Donations), Section 551.074 (Personnel Matters), Section 551.076 Deliberations about Security Devices), and Section 551.087 (Economic Development). City Secretary Simpson read the exceptions from the Texas Open Meetings Act into the record at 7:42 PM. Mayor Mancilla recessed the Open Meeting at 7:42 PM. Mayor Mancilla convened the Closed/Executive Session at 7:45 PM. Mayor Mancilla adjourned the Closed/Executive Session at 8:55 PM. Mayor Mancilla reconvened the Open Session at 8:55 PM. a) Pursuant to Texas Government Code Section 551.071 (Consultation with Attorney) Council will receive legal advice in closed session regarding solid waste contract (Requested by Council Member Michael Helbing). (Marianne Banks). There was no formal action taken. b) Pursuant to Government Code 551.071 (Consultation with Attorney) as well as 551.072 (Discussions regarding Real Property) related to future city facilities, specifically a Public Safety/Court facility. (M. Banks, P. Brandenburg) Motion: Motion by Council Member Williams, seconded by Council Member Helbing, to authorize the City manager to sign a contract for a 90-day feasibility for real property for a Public Safety/Court Facility as discussed and to deposit earnest money of $31, 000.. Vote on the motion: Motion carried unanimously by a vote of 5-0. Ayes: Mancilla, Thayer, Helbing, Williams, and Ashley. Nays: 0. Absent: Mayor Pro Tem Amanda Young. c) Pursuant to Texas Government Code Section 551.071 (Consultation with Attorney) to receive legal guidance regarding possible conflict of interest concerns Page 12/13 Liberty Hill City Council Regular Called Meeting minutes February 26, 2025 related to proposed amendments to the City Engineering Master Services Agreement with Pape-Dawson. (M. Banks) There was no formal motion. d) Pursuant to Texas Government Code Section 551.071 (Consultation with Attorney) receive legal advice regarding water system capacity. (Marianne Banks) There was no formal motion. 11) RECONVENE TO REGULAR SESSION City Council will reconvene into Regular Session for deliberation and possible action resulting. from the Executive Sessions held in the previous agenda item. See item 10.b.) above. 12) ADJOURNMENT With no further items on the agenda, and no objections from the Council, Mayor Mancilla adjourned the meeting at 8:57 PM. PASSED AND APPROVEPBY THE City Council of the City ofLiberty Hill, Texas on the 7L of Arch 2025 : on vote of - ayes, nays, and L abstentions. sel - - - - Crystal Mancilla, Mayor 7 C * * - imp * * Elaine Simpson, City Secretary * * ORPOR nA Inm Pag 3 13 Liberty Hill City Council Regular Called Meeting minutes February 26, 2025