City of Midway City Council Meeting Minutes October 30, 2023 The meeting was called to order at 7:05 p.m. by Mayor Brenda Ford The Invocation was given Councilman John Whitmire with Mayor Ford leading the Pledge. Those in attendance included Mayor Brenda Ford, City Secretary Debra Newkirk, Council members Rex Newkirk, John Whitmire, Brandee Curtis, and Marc Nelson. Wes Savage, Janet Boone and JoeDan Boone were also in attendance. Councilman Gus Kangos was unable to attend. No guests were present. Brandee Curtis made the motion to accept the Consent Agenda, Rex Newkirk made the second and with all present being in agreement the motion passed. The Consent Agenda this month included the minutes and financials for September, a resolution authoring the signatories on the City's accounts; a resolution designating the Madisonville Meteor the official newspaper of Midway; and a resolution approving the holidays for the 2023/2024 fiscal year. There were no public comments regarding the agenda. Ordinance 2024-02 was presented to Council, setting the new rate for tap fees for new water and sewer connections at $1,000.00. Brandee Curtis made the motion to approve, Rex Newkirk made the second and with all present being in agreement the motion carried. The dates for the upcoming November and December Council meetings were presented as well as the possibility ofa an Open House. The November meeting was proposed for the 20th with the December meeting to be held on the 18th. The Open House has not been held in prior years due to Covid and scheduling; Brandee Curtis urged holding it during the day on a date that works best for the office. John Whitmire made the motion to approve the dates with Brandee Curtis making the second and with all present in agreement the motion carried. The date for the Open House will be presented at the next regular Council meeting. The next matter before the Council concerned holiday meal boxes versus working with the Midway Church of Christ on a Community Thanksgiving meal. The City has worked with Brookshire Brothers in Madisonville in the past and with monies collected has been able to provide complete meal boxes for 10 families at both Thanksgiving and Christmas. Brandee Curtis expressed a desire to continue doing what we have done in the past, taking up a collection and getting the meal boxes. Marc Nelson made the motion to continue what we've done in the past, Rex Newkirk made the second and with all present voting in agreement the motion carried. Ordinance No. 2024-03 was presented to Council, this ordinance establishes an investment policy for the City. Marc Nelson made the motion to approve the ordinance, Rex Newkirk made the second and with all present being in agreement the motion carried. The next item before the Council concerned the Cost of Living Adjustment/Increase that had been discussed at a prior meeting. When the documentation was presented it was explained that an ordinance had not been done even though a number had been assigned. The discussion centered on the ability of the City to give raises at the time the ordinance would be put into effect. And what about merit raises and bonuses. Even though the idea of COLA/I is accepted by Council a policy needs to be put in an ordinance to be approved. An ordinance that would establish a policy for raises: COLA/I, Merit Bases, and Bonuses would be presented for Council at the next meeting. A motion was made at this time by Rex Newkirk to officially hire JoeDan Boone as the part time assistant to both Wes Savage and Janet Boone, Marc Nelson made the second and with all being in agreement the motion passed. AT&T had approached the City about some changes to our bill that would necessitate changes in equipment. More information was to be presented but had yet to be received from AT&T. This matter was tabled until further information received. At this time Staff Reports were made. Janet Boone reported that we were still having issues with getting power for the aeration system at the lagoon. Debra Newkirk was tasked with reaching out to Stan Foley for assistance. Wes Savage reported the work is ongoing with regards to the water. Debra Newkirk will need to reach out to Full Armor Security to add Janet Boone and JoeDan Boone to the call out list. Debra Newkirk gave the report for the City Office. The Council was informed oft two organizations that the City could join that would help draw people to the area, the Texas Music Office and the Texas Film Commission. By becoming a Music Friendly City and a Film Friendly City, Midway would get more exposure for economic development. The City's website is up and can be found at www.midway.municipalimpact.com, At this time, Wes Savage requested the Mayor to hold an Executive Session for personnel reasons, Texas Government Code 551.074. The Council entered into Executive Session at 9:05 p.m. The Council returned to Open Session at 9:25 p.m. Rex made the motion to approve JoeDan Boone to be paid for leaks he repairs himself at a rate of $50 for the 1st hour and $25 for each additional hour. John Whitmire made the second and with all present voting in favor the motion carried. It was further discussed that Joe Darren Wiggins, who charges $150.00 an hour with a 4 hour minimum, could be called after the issue had been discussed with Council. At this time, Rex Newkirk made the motion to adjourn, John Whitmire made the 2nd and with all being in agreement the meeting adjourned at 9:25 p.m. Aadle ful k - huh Brenda Ford, Mayor Debra (Newkirk, City Secretary