MINUTES CITY OF AMES, TEXAS 304 MARTIN DR. - AMES, TEXAS SPECIAL CALLED CITY COUNCIL MEETING SEPTEMBER 25, 2023 6:00 p.m. The City Council for the City of Ames, Texas met in a special meeting in council chambers at the Ames City Hall at 6:14 p.m. Mayor Barbara Domain called the meeting to order at that time. Councilman Eddie White led the prayer, and the Pledge of Allegiance was recited. Mayor Domain conducted the roll call, at that time the members of the City Council who were present were: Mayor Barbara Domain, Michael Trahan, Elizabeth (Liz) Hardy, and Eddie White. Absent were Alfred Freeman Jr. and Audrey Harrison. OATHS OF OFFICE Mrs. Wellona Godfrey was sworn in as Secretary for The City Of Ames, Texas. She was sworn in by Notary Golden Williams. CITIZEN APPREARANCE Mayor Domain thanked the citizens for being here, asked them to silence their phones, and ifany of the citizens would like to take three (3) minutes to speak to the council. A list of attending citizens is attached. APPROVAL OF MINUTES FOR SEPEMBER 18, 2023, SPECIAL CALLED MEETING The council took a few minutes to look over the minutes. A motion was made to approve minutes for September 18, 2023. Passed unanimously. Motion made by: Councilman Michael Trahan Seconded by: Councilman Eddie White All in favor: 3 Opposed: 0 Abstained: 0 Regular Agenda Items 1. CITY COUNCIL TO CONDUCT A PUBLIC HEARING ON THE PROPOSED BUDGET FOR FISCAL YEAR 2024. The Public Hearing began at approximately 6:21PM. Mayor Doman extended the opportunity for anyone to speak on the item at this time. The Public Hearing ended at approximately 6:23PM. 2. CONSIDER AND IF APPROPRIATE, TAKE ACTION TO ADOPT ORDINANCE NO. 2023-003 OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF AMES, TEXAS, ADOPTING A BUDGET FOR FISCAL YEAR 2024; FUNDING MUNICIPAL PURPOSES; AUTHORIZING EXPENDITURES; PROVIDING FOR THE FOLLOWING: FINDINGS OF FACT; ENACTMENT; FILING OF BUDGET; REPEALER; SEVERABILITY; EFFECTIVE DATE; AND PROPER NOTICE AND MEETING. Marivious Allen, City Attorney, explained that the council is voting to officially adopt Ordinance No. 2023-003, adopting the 2024 Fiscal Year Budget. He also explained that the ordinance must be posted in the newspaper as well as on the city's website. Mr. Allen discussed in more detail the contents ofthe ordinance and provided an opportunity for questions or concerns. In addition to the ordinance, Marivious provided detailed information about Resolution No. 2023-008 which, once adopted, would ratify the property tax increase reflected in the budget. Mayor Domain informed the council members that the 2024 budget would raise revenue from property tax by $52,892.71 which is 21.63% tax increase from last year. She also informed the council members that the property tax revenue added to the tax roll generated from new values will be $8,308.55. Motion made by: Councilman Michael Trahan Seconded by: Councilwoman Elizabeth (Liz) Hardy All in favor: 3 Opposed: 0 Abstained: 0 A Roll Call Vote was conducted at this time. All council members present were in favor. Passed unanimously. 3. CONSIDER AND IF APPROPRIATE, TAKE ACTION TO ADOPT RESOLUTION NO. 2023-008 OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF AMES, TEXAS, RATIFYING THE PROPERTY TAX INCREASE REFLECTED IN THE BUDGET. A motion was made to adopt Resolution NO. 2023-008. All were in favor. Passed unanimously. Motion made by: Councilwoman Elizabeth (Liz) Hardy Seconded by: Councilman Eddie White All in favor: 3 Opposed: 0 Abstained: 0 4. CONSIDER AND IF APPROPRIATE, TAKE ACTION TO PURCHASE HP 15.6" TOUCH SCREEN LAPTOP FOR $329.99. The council took a few minutes to look over the support document for the laptop. A motion was made to purchase the laptop. Passed unanimously. Motion made by: Councilman Michael Trahan Seconded by: Councilwoman Elizabeth (Liz) Hardy All in favor: 3 Opposed: Abstained: 0 5. CONSIDER AND IF APPROPRIATE, TAKE ACTION TO PURCHASE 27" KOORUI COMPUTER MONITOR FOR $109.99. The council took a few minutes to look over the support document for the monitor. A motion was made to purchase the monitor. Passed unanimously. Motion made by: Councilwoman Elizabeth (Liz) Hardy Seconded by: Councilman Michael Trahan All in favor: 3 Opposed: Abstained: 0 6. CONSIDER AND IF APPROPRIATE, TAKE ACTION TO APPROVE H-GAC ANNUAL MEMBERSHIP FOR $200.00. Councilman Michael Trahan asked if the city had the membership before? It was determined that we did not participate in the membership prior to this request. A motion was made to approve the H-GAC Annual Membership for $200.00. Passed unanimously. Motion made by: Councilman Michael Trahan Seconded by: Councilman Eddie White All in favor: 3 Opposed: 0 Abstained: 0 EXECUTIVE SESSION ITMES: Under the Authority of the Texas Government Code Sections 551.071 and 551.074 the Council will meet in Closed Session to: Consult with the Attorney regarding legal matters in which the duty of the attorney to the governing body under the disciplinary rules of professional conduct of the State Bar of Texas are clearly covered by the attorney-client privilege. Executive session began at approximately 6:35pm and ended at approximately 7:20PM Motioned was made by: Councilwoman Elizabeth (Liz) Hardy Seconded by: Councilman Eddie White All in favor: 3 Opposed: Abstained: 0 MAYOR'S REPORT. Mayor Doman discussed the information obtained from the pre-construction meeting with Blacksmith Venture. The repairs to Donatto Street will begin at the end of October/Deginning of November and will take roughly 30 days to complete. 7. ADIOURNMENT. A motion was made to adjourn the special meeting at 7:21 PM. Motioned was made by: Councilman Michael Trahan Seconded by: Councilman Eddie White - A Barbarabomain Mayor Wieond abdy Wellona Godfrey City Secretary