Minutes of February 24, 2025, Called City Council Meeting at Heritage Hall, 7:00 PM. The Merkel City Council met for a Called City Councit Meeting on February 24, 2025, at Heritage Hall, 7:00 PM. Mayor Schrampfer called the meeting to order at 7:00 PM and announced a quorum present. Council members present were Elaine Chaney, Collin Jacobs, Brady Rutledge and Rode McElreath. Matthew Riggan was absent. Attorney Eileen Hayman was also present. Prayer led by Brady Rutledge. Mayor Schrampfer led the Pledge of Allegiance and Texas Pledge. Citizens were given an opportunity to comment. Brady Rutledge motioned to approve the minutes of January 20, 2025, Regular City Council Meeting. Rode McEireath seconded the motion. Approved 4-0. The council discussed the staff reports. Mayor Schrampfer asked Chief Conklin about the code enforcement report and about 24/7 coverage. EDC Director Wortham gave a report on the progress of the locker plant lot purchase by the TFS, the status of the Motel/Restaurant lot demolition, and the hotel feasibility survey. The council looked over the completed projects for. January. Public Works Director Russell shared his concerns about the current infrastructure and possible projects to correct the issues. Councilman Jacobs started the discussion with questions about the Chamber and how it helps the current businesses. Chamber President Hicks spoke about the events that the Chamber sponsors downtown, the transtormation of Mellinger Park to a historical/miltary park, and the 100 Meridian Line promotion. Elaine Chaney made the motion to approve Mellinger Park Proposal Il from the Merkel Chamber of Commerce for $130,000. Rode McElreath seconded the motion. Approved 3-1. Mayor Schrampfer opened the discussion of Ordinance No. 02-24-2025 for the closure of a 19 foot strip of land near the alley on the 800 block of Rose to be deeded to D'lynn Lee. A motion was made by Collin. Jacobs to approve Ordinance No. 02-24-2025 and seconded by Elaine Chaney. Approved 4- 0. Collin Jacobs motioned to approve the Joint Election agreement and contract for election services. Rode McElreath seconded the motion. Approved 4-0. The Council discussed the condition of the current vehicles of the Police Department and the proposal for new vehicles. Chief Conklin discussed the costs of new vehicles with uplift and the needs for the department. Suggestion to stagger the purchase of vehicles by each year. Motion was made by Elain Chaney to purchase a patrol vehicle. The motion was seconded by Brady Rutledge. Approved 4-0. Motion to approve Ordinance 02242025-1 An Ordinance regarding retirement eligibility for the Texas Municipal Retirement System was made by Elaine Chaney and seconded by Rode McElreath. Approved 4-0. The council reviewed the 1st Quarter budget numbers of Fiscal Year 2024-2025. Brady Rutledge's motion to adjourn and seconded by Collin Jacobs. Approved 4-0. Meeting Adjourned at 9:07 PM. Ceh MR Mis - Solaomph Evelyn Morsé, City Secretary Mdry Schramgpfer, MayorO