Page 90 CITY OF FORT STOCKTON. TEXAS MINUTES OF: REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING DATE OF MEETING: MARCH 10, 2025 TIME OF MEETING: 5:30 PM PLACE OF MEETING: 121 WEST SECOND STREET FORT STOCKTON. TX 79735 ROLL CALL WAS ANSWERED BY COUNCIL MEMBERS: PRESENT: COUNCIL MEMBER DARREN HODGES, COUNCIL MEMBER PAUL JEROME CHAVEZ, MAYOR PAUL CASIAS, MAYOR PRO-TEM JAMES WARNOCK, COUNCIL MEMBER RUBEN J BERNAL, COUNCIL MEMBER RUBEN FALCON CITY MANAGER: FRANK RODRIGUEZ III CITY SECRETARY: MARINA CANTU CITY ATTORNEY: JESSE GONZALES JR. Mayor Paul Casias called the Regular Meeting to Order at 5:30 p.m. after declaring a quorum present. Mayor Paul Casias read the Mission Statement: "The Mission of the City of Fort Stockton Municipal Government is to Promote & Value Public Confidence and Trust by the Accountable and Responsible Use of Community Resources; to Ensure Public Safety; Improve Public Services; Promote Local Recreation and Entertainment; and Generate Economic Development." INVOCATION: Council Member Darren Hodges gave the Invocation. PLEDGES: Council Member Jerome Chavez led the Pledge of Allegiance to the United States of America Flag & the Pledge of Allegiance to the Texas Flag. PUBLIC TESTIMONY 1. Public Testimony. There was not any Public Testimony. Page - 191 PRESENTATION: 2. Certificate Presentation to the 8th Grade Girls Basketball Blue Team in recognition of their undefeated season for 2025. (Mayor) Mayor Paul Casias and Council Member Ruben J Bernal recognized the 8th Grade Blue Team Prowlers for their outstanding performance, determination, dedication, teamwork and skills throughout the season, finishing undefeated for the 2025 Basketball Season. Additionally, they recognized the Coaches oft the 8th Grade Blue Team Prowlers for their guidance ofthe team. Their exceptional leadership, dedication and commitment have inspired these young athletes. Their efforts were instrumental in the success of the team throughout their undefeated 2025 Basketball Season. ORDINANCE: 3. Discuss/Act upon Ordinance No. 25-106, An Ordinance Amending Chapter 12 ofthe Code of Ordinance oft the City of Fort Stockton titled Garbage and Trash*, > Article III. Charges and Repealing all Other Ordinances or Portions Thereofin Conflict, a Severability Clause and Providing for its Publication and Effective Date. (Dir. of Fin.) City Manager Frank Rodriguez III explained during the workshop that the proposal to raise the Type IV Waste Tonnage to $130 was discussed, which is still lower than Pecos. This adjustment would enable us to support the project at the old landfill. Motion was made by Council Member Darren Hodges, seconded by Council Member Paul Jerome Chavez, and carried unanimously to approve Ordinance No. 25-106, An Ordinance Amending Chapter 12 of the Code of Ordinance of the City of Fort Stockton titled Garbage and Trash*, Article II. Charges and Repealing all Other Ordinances or Portions Thereof in Conflict, a Severability Clause and Providing for its Publication and Effective Date. Council Member Darren Hodges, Council Member Paul Jerome Chavez, Mayor Paul Casias, Mayor Pro-Tem James Warnock, Council Member Ruben J Bernal, Council Member Ruben Falcon voted aye. Page 92 CONSENT AGENDA: 4. All matters listed are considered to be routine by the City Council and will be enacted by one motion. Ifd discussion is desired, that item will be removed from the Consent Agenda and considered separately. Minutes: (Mayor) . Regular Meeting Minutes of Fort Stockton City Council, 02/24/2025 - Regular Meeting Minutes of Keep Historic Fort Stockton Beautiful Board, 02/05/2025 . Regular Meeting Minutes ofHistorical Landmark Commission, 02/05/2025 - Special Meeting Minutes of Tourism Advisory Board, 01/14/2025 Regular Meeting Minutes of Animal Control Advisory Board, 12/12/2024 Accounts Payable Grand Total: $1,272,563.84 Motion was made by Mayor Pro-Tem James Warnock, seconded by Council Member Ruben J Bernal, and carried unanimously to approve the Consent Agenda, as presented. Council Member Darren Hodges, Council Member Paul Jerome Chavez, Mayor Paul Casias, Mayor Pro-Tem James Warnock, Council Member Ruben J Bernal, Council Member Ruben Falcon voted aye. RESOLUTION: 5. Discuss/Act upon Resolution No. 25-106R, A Resolution of the City of Fort Stockton, Texas, Adopting an Official City Logo. (Asst. City Mgr.) Assistant City Attorney Jesse Gonzales explained that the Convention and Visitors Bureau was collaborating with Thrive to rebrand Fort Stockton, Texas. They created a series oflogos and established usage guidelines. The plan is to feature the logo on city vehicles to help promote the city's identity, which is also a part of the signage plan. Council Member Paul Jerome Chavez asked why the year 1881 was included in the logo. Assistant City Manager Jesse Gonzales clarified that 1881 marks the year when the name Fort Stockton was adopted. Motion was made by Council Member Ruben Falcon, seconded by Council Member Ruben J Bernal, and carried unanimously to approve Resolution No. 25-106R, A Resolution ofthe City of Fort Stockton, Texas, Adopting an Official City Logo. Council Page 193 Member Darren Hodges, Council Member Paul Jerome Chavez, Mayor Paul Casias, Mayor Pro-Tem James Warnock, Council Member Ruben J Bernal, Council Member Ruben Falcon voted aye. REGULAR BUSINESS: 6. Discuss/Act upon the Fort Stockton Municipal Court Standing Order regarding Texas Youth Diversion & Early Intervention Program. (Asst. City Mgr.) Assistant City Manager Jesse Gonzales explained that the legislature passed a law regarding youth offenders, specifically for the Youth Diversion Program. This program is used by the Justice ofthe Peace and Municipal Court for offenders who meet certain criteria. The order is a lengthy one that each court is required to adopt. It was adopted in January, with an effective date, and he requested that the City Council approve the order SO it could be filed with the City Records. Council Member Ruben Falcon asked what the order would accomplish. Assistant City Manager Jesse Gonzales, Jr. explained that instead of adjudicating first-time offenders and other individuals who qualify, the program provides alternative options. Motion was made by Mayor Pro-Tem James Warnock, seconded by Council Member Ruben J Bernal, and carried unanimously to approve Fort Stockton Municipal Court Standing Order regarding Texas Youth Diversion & Early Intervention Program. Council Member Darren Hodges, Council Member Paul Jerome Chavez, Mayor Paul Casias, Mayor Pro- Tem James Warnock, Council Member Ruben J Bernal, Council Member Ruben Falcon voted aye. 7. Discuss/Act upon 2025 Interlocal Services Agreement for Labor and Equipment between the City of Fort Stockton and Pecos County Water Control & Improvement District #1. (Asst. City Mgr.) Assistant City Manager Jesse Gonzales, Jr. explained this agreement has the same terms as last year, allowing the City of Fort Stockton and Pecos County Water Control & Improvement District #1 to provide mutual assistance when necessary. Motion was made by Council Member Paul Jerome Chavez, seconded by Council Member Ruben Falcon, and carried unanimously to approve 2025 Interlocal Services Agreement for Labor and Equipment between the City of Fort Stockton and Pecos County Water Control & Improvement District #1. Council Member Darren Hodges, Council Member Page 194 Paul Jerome Chavez, Mayor Paul Casias, Mayor Pro-Tem James Warnock, Council Member Ruben J Bernal, Council Member Ruben Falcon voted aye. 8. Discuss/Act upon Authorizing City Manager to Negotiate and Execute Energy Service Contract with Electric Utility Provider for Electricity for the City of Fort Stockton. (Dir. of Fin.) Assistant City Manager Jesse Gonzales, Jr. explained that new utility rates are received on Thursdays. Due to logistical constraints, we would not be able to agree to the rates in a timely manner. Therefore, we are requesting that the City Council authorize the City Manager to negotiate the new utility rates. In accordance with the previously approved ordinance, the City Manager is authorized to sign off on agreements. Motion was made by Council Member Darren Hodges, seconded by Council Member Paul Jerome Chavez, and carried unanimously to Authorize City Manager to Negotiate and Execute Energy Service Contract with Electric Utility Provider for Electricity for the City of Fort Stockton. Council Member Darren Hodges, Council Member Paul Jerome Chavez, Mayor Paul Casias, Mayor Pro-Tem James Warnock, Council Member Ruben J Bernal, Council Member Ruben Falcon voted aye. 9. Discuss/Act upon Request for Proposals for Administrative Services (RFP) and Requests for Qualifications (RFQ) for the 2025 Texas Community Development Block Grant Program, Downtown Revitalization Program, administered by the Texas Department of Agriculture. Bids Received: GrantWorks, Inc., Langford Community Management Services (City Mgr.) City Manager Frank Rodriguez III explained that, according to the bid tabulation, Grant Works, Inc. submitted the lowest price of $55,600.00, while Langford Community Management Services quoted $60,000.00. He added that GrantWorks, Inc. is currently working on another project for the City of Fort Stockton, and the city has been satisfied with the timeline they've provided SO far. He recommended awarding the proposal to Grant Works, Inc. Council Member Ruben Falcon suggested awarding the proposal to Langford Community Management Services to assess their performance in comparison to GrantWorks, Inc. However, he emphasized that the final decision rests with the City Council. Page 195 Council Member Ruben J Bernal inquired ift the City of Fort Stockton had ever utilized Langford Community Management Services. City Manager Frank Rodriguez III responded that the City ofl Fort Stockton has not used Langford Community Management Services. Motion was made by Council Member Paul Jerome Chavez, seconded by Council Member Ruben J Bernal, and carried unanimously to award Request for Proposals for Administrative Services (RFP) and Requests for Qualifications (RFQ) for the 2025 Texas Community Development Block Grant Program, Downtown Revitalization Program, administered by the Texas Department of Agriculture to GrantWorks, Inc.. Council Member Darren Hodges, Council Member Paul Jerome Chavez, Mayor Paul Casias, Mayor Pro-Tem James Warnock, Council Member Ruben J Bernal voted aye and Council Member Ruben Falcon voted nay. 10. Discuss/Act upon Removal and Appointment of Board Members of Economic Development 4- A Corporation and Economic Development Corporation 4-B Corporation. (Mayor) Motion was made by Council Member Darren Hodges, seconded by Council Member Ruben J Bernal, and carried unanimously to Remove Betsy Briscoe from the Economic Development 4-A Corporation and Economic Development 4-B Corporation. Council Member Darren Hodges, Council Member Paul Jerome Chavez, Mayor Paul Casias, Mayor Pro-Tem James Warnock, Council Member Ruben J Bernal, Council Member Ruben Falcon voted aye. Motion was made by Council Member Ruben J Bernal, seconded by Council Member Paul Jerome Chavez, and carried unanimously to Appoint Darren Hodges as a Regular Member of the Fort Stockton Economic Development 4-A Corporation. Council Member Darren Hodges, Council Member Paul Jerome Chavez, Mayor Paul Casias, Mayor Pro- Tem James Warnock, Council Member Ruben J Bernal, Council Member Ruben Falcon voted aye. Motion was made by Council Member Ruben Falcon, seconded by Council Member Ruben J Bernal, and carried unanimously to Appoint Alyssa Fuentes as a Regular Member of the Fort Stockton Economic Development 4-B Corporation. Council Member Darren Hodges, Council Member Paul Jerome Chavez, Mayor Paul Casias, Mayor Pro- Tem James Warnock, Council Member Ruben J Bernal, Council Member Ruben Falcon voted aye. Page 96 Motion was made by Council Member Ruben Falcon, seconded by Council Member Paul Jerome Chavez, and carried unanimously to Appoint Puja Boinpally as a Regular Member oft the Fort Stockton Economic Development 4-B Corporation. Council Member Darren Hodges, Council Member Paul Jerome Chavez, Mayor Paul Casias, Mayor Pro- Tem James Warnock, Council Member Ruben J Bernal, Council Member Ruben Falcon voted aye. 11. Discuss/Act upon Pay Application No. 5 from Hydro Resources-Mid Continent, Inc. for Belding Water Well #6 Replacement Well Services totaling $71,725.00. (Asst. City Mgr.) Assistant City Manager Jesse Gonzales, Jr. explained the work was approved by City Engineer Raul Rodriguez III. The well test was conducted today, and Hydro Resources-Mid Continent, Inc. has completed the work for this project. Therefore, we can expect the final pay application. Council Member Darren Hodges asked about the results of the well test. Assistant City Manager Jesse Gonzales, Jr. replied that the results were not yet available. Motion was made by Council Member Darren Hodges, seconded by Mayor Pro-Tem James Warnock, and carried unanimously to approve Pay Application No. 5 from Hydro Resources-Mid Continent, Inc. for Belding Water Well #6 Replacement Well Services totaling $71,725.00. Council Member Darren Hodges, Council Member Paul Jerome Chavez, Mayor Paul Casias, Mayor Pro-Tem James Warnock, Council Member Ruben J Bernal, Council Member Ruben Falcon voted aye. 12. Discuss/Act upon Approval of $54,643.91 payment to Axon Enterprise Inc. for a Drone for the Fort Stockton Police Department. (C.O.P.) Chief of Police Ernesto Velasquez explained that with approval from the City Council, they applied for and were awarded a grant. They will have six pilots, including officers and dispatchers. The drone's purpose is to provide enhançed visuals beyond what is typically available, helping them respond quickly to any major incident. The drone has been delivered, and the pilots are currently undergoing training. Council Member Darren Hodges asked who the pilots are. Chief of Police Ernesto Velasquez replied that the pilots are Miriam Dela Rosa, Heidi Castro, Derek Stratton, Alexis Olivares, Torie Beecher, and himself. Page 197 Council Member Ruben Falcon asked if the drone was on the roof oft the police department. Chief of Police Ernesto Velasquez clarified that the drone is still in its case until they receive pilot certification and FEMA approval. Council Member Ruben J Bernal asked how far the drone could reach. Chief of Police Ernesto Velasquez responded that the drone will cover the entire city. It's a spatial drone with a flight time of 30 minutes before returning to change batteries. The idea is to deploy the drone ahead of the officers, allowing video footage to be retrieved in real time while they respond. If needed for a specific purpose, the drone can be loaded and transported to a particular location. It will also be used to assist other law enforcement agencies, whether federal, state, or county. Motion was made by Council Member Paul Jerome Chavez, seconded by Council Member Ruben J Bernal, and carried unanimously to approve $54,643.91 payment to Axon Enterprise Inc. for a Drone for the Fort Stockton Police Department. Council Member Darren Hodges, Council Member Paul Jerome Chavez, Mayor Paul Casias, Mayor Pro-Tem James Warnock, Council Member Ruben J Bernal, Council Member Ruben Falcon voted aye. 13. Discuss/Act upon designating an additional crossing for Recreational Off-Highway Vehicles and Golf carts at the intersection of Hornbeck Boulevard & Highway 285. (Mayor) Mayor Paul Casias explained that he added this item to the agenda because citizens who use golf carts have asked about the possibility of reaching Wal-Mart on their golf carts. He acknowledged that this would require crossing a state highway. Chief of Police Ernesto Velasquez shared that he had reviewed the request. He explained that Hornbeck Boulevard has a speed limit of 30-mph and that there are two official traffic control devices at either end of Hornbeck. The only crossing involved would be across Highway 285, which has a speed limit of 45-mph. He added that as long as drivers exercise caution, it should be safe. The 30-mph speed limit continues all the way to Wal-Mart. Mayor Paul Casias asked how many accidents had occurred at this location. Chief of Police Ernesto Velasquez responded that there had been one accident, which was a fatality. Page - 98 Council Member Paul Jerome Chavez asked ifthere was any liability for the City of Fort Stockton in allowing vehicles to cross at this location. Chief of Police Ernesto Velasquez explained that although the accident was a fatality, there were contributing factors. The individual at the stop sign failed to yield to the person traveling on Highway 285. Council Member Paul Jerome Chavez asked about the speed ofthe vehicle traveling on Highway 285. Chief of Police Ernesto Velasquez replied that the individual driving on Highway 285 was speeding, but the report indicated that the person at the stop sign failed to yield the right-of-way. Council Member Paul Jerome Chavez expressed concern about golf carts lacking quick acceleration. Chief of Police Ernesto Velasquez emphasized the importance of using caution and discretion when crossing at the intersection ofl Hornbeck Boulevard and Highway 285. Mayor Paul Casias compared it to pedestrians crossing Highway 285 between Chevron and McDonald's, noting that it would be up to individuals to assess whether they could make the crossing safely. Chief of Police Ernesto Velasquez pointed out that it would be like people crossing from the Chamber of Commerce to take photos with Paisano Pete. Council Member Paul Jerome Chavez asked ifthe City would be liable for allowing golf carts to cross at this location. Chief of Police Ernesto Velasquez responded that he believed the City was covered, as there are traffic control devices and speed limit signs on both Hornbeck and Highway 285. He also noted that the state has passed legislation for the registration of such vehicles. Council Member Paul Jerome Chavez then asked if people would be able to cross Dickinson Boulevard on the other side of Wal-Mart. Chief of Police Ernesto Velasquez clarified that there wouldn't be a direct crossing at that location unless another crossing is designated. Otherwise, people would need to cross Dickinson Boulevard at one of the existing crossings and then navigate to Wal-Mart. He Page 199 recommended designating Sycamore as an additional crossing if the City Council wished to create another option. Mayor Paul Casias shifted the conversation back to the agenda item, focusing on the designation of an additional crossing for Recreational Off-Highway Vehiçles and Golf Carts at the intersection ofHornbeck Boulevard and Highway 285. City Secretary Marina Cantu explained that this action would be followed by an ordinance to include the new crossing. City Manager Frank Rodriguez III noted that the potential crossing at Sycamore and Dickinson Boulevard could also be discussed at that time. Motion was made by Council Member Darren Hodges, seconded by Council Member Ruben J Bernal, and carried unanimously to designate an additional crossing for Recreational Off-Highway Vehicles and Golf carts at the intersection of Hornbeck Boulevard & Highway 285. Council Member Darren Hodges, Council Member Paul Jerome Chavez, Mayor Paul Casias, Mayor Pro-Tem James Warnock, Council Member Ruben J Bernal, Council Member Ruben Falcon voted aye. 14. Questions from Media. There were no questions from the media. 15. Adjourn. Motion was made by Council Member Darren Hodges, seconded by Council Member Ruben J Bernal, and carried unanimously to adjourn the Regular City Council Meeting at 6:10 p.m. Council Member Darren Hodges, Council Member Paul Jerome Chavez, Mayor Paul Casias, Mayor Pro-Tem James Warnock, Council Member Ruben J Bernal, Council Member Ruben Falcon voted aye. - Poul Caxar Paul Casias, Mayor ATTEST: - Marina A. Cantu, City Secretary