a 5 TY CITY COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING MINUTES < Wednesday, March 26, 2025, at 6 PM Municipal Court Room/Council Chamber 2801 Ranch Road 1869 6 : Liberty Hill, Texas 78642 y PowN BIo 1. CALL TO ORDER Mayor of the Day Penelope Johnson-Quaife called the meeting to order at 6:01 PM. Liberty Hill Police Chaplin David Joiner led the invocation. Mayor of the Day Johnson-Quaife led the Pledges of allegiance to the flags. Mayor Mancilla introduced Mayor of the Day Johnson-Quaife and explained that she is a Junior and volunteered to be the Mayor today. When asked about her experiences on her day as Mayor, Ms. Johnson-Quaife explained that she was impressed to have been taken on a tour of the Wastewater Treatment Plant, she visited Downtown Liberty Hill sites of interest, including the site where Williamson County is constructing the 'Bypass' off of Ranch Road 1869. She toured the City Hall and the Police Station. She thanked Mayor Mancilla and city staff for this opportunity. City Council Members Present: Mayor Crystal Mancilla Council Member Diane Williams Council Member Wade Ashley Council Member Jacquetta Thayer Council Member Michael Helbing Mayor Pro Tem Amanda Young City Staff Members Present: Paul Brandenburg, City Manager 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 Katie Amsler, Director ofCommunications and Community Engagement Jennifer Glaess, Pape-Dawson Engineering Trey Evans, Water Superintendent Page112 Liberty Hill City Council Regular Called Meeting minutes March 26, 2025 David Joiner, Chaplain ofthe Liberty Hill Police Department J.R. Pierce, SCADA Specialist - Public Works/Utilities Candice Scott - Director ofHuman Resources Matt Brown - Wastewater Superintendent Tracy Ventura, - Court Administrator, City of Liberty Hill Court of Record #1. Nic Border, Planner Tiffany Turpin, Senior Planner 2) PROCLAMATIONS, RECOGNITIONS OR ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS FROM MAYOR MANCILLA a) Mayor Crystal Mancilla : - Not On Our Watch' Proclamation from the Mayor of Liberty Hill, TX Whereas, In recognition oft the urgent need to protect our children from the rising threat of online abuse and exploitation, and in acknowledgment of the pivotal role played by Not on Our Watch in safeguarding the innocence and well-being of our youth, and Whereas, Not on Our Watch (NOW) is committed to creating a global mindset where children are protected from online abuse and exploitation; and Whereas, NOW's mission is to secure a brighter future for children by providing education, resources, and unwavering support to prevent online abuse and exploitation; and Whereas, Between 2018 and 2022, the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC) reported a staggering 567% increase in incidents related to the sexual enticement of children; and Whereas, Not on Our Watch Texas (NOWTX) is mobilizing grassroots awareness about online abuse, exploitation, and sextortion, aiming to empower individuals and communities to protect our children and youth; and Whereas, It is imperative that we all come together to educate our families, schools, churches, and communities on how to defend our children against online predators. The collective effort is crucial in ensuring the safety and well-being of our most vulnerable population; NOW, THEREFORE, I, Mayor Crystal Mancilla, proclaim that our community wholeheartedly supports the endeavors of Not on Our Watch and Not on Our Watch Texas in their noble cause of protecting our children from the dangers of online sex trafficking and exploitation. Signed and sealed on this day, March 26, 2025, in the city of Liberty Hill. Mayor Crystal Mancilla Page 2/12 Liberty Hill City Council Regular Called Meeting minutes March 26, 2025 b) Mayor Crystal Mancilla : Efforts to obtain water funding from State of Texas sources. Letter related to SB 7. Mayor Mancilla explained that this letter was sent to Senator Charles Perry regarding the city's need for Water. There was no action taken on items 2.a) or 2.b). 3) STAFF ANNOUNCEMENTS / NEW EMPLOYEE INTRODUCTIONS Human Resources Director Candice Scott introduced the following: Tiffany Turpen, Senior Planner, most recently employed by the City of Austin. Sara Werner, Accounting Supervisor, most recently employed by the City ofLeander, but formerly with the City ofl Liberty Hill. Coleman King, new Water Technician in Utility Department. (was not present) Garrett Gaston, new SCADA Technician, most recently from City ofLeander. Nicolas Border, new Planner, most recently employed by the City of San Marcos. 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) Finance Report. (J. Armstrong) There was no formal action taken on reports. 5) 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 transferred or shared. Council members may not take action during this item and any responses will be limited toj factual statements, recitation of existing policy, or request) for the topic to be placed on a fiuture agenda. Regarding topics 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 Page 3/12 Liberty Hill City Council Regular Called Meeting minutes March 26, 2025 agenda item is addressed. Speaker, forms may be emailed to the City Secretary before the meeting at cimponglbvrp.hlingon Jon Branigan: Mr. Branigan disseminated some information to Senior staff and the Council members. He explained that he was the listing agent for a piece of property that he believes will serve the City as the site of the Advanced Water Purification Facility (AWPF) that is being planned. Although the city has already begun eminent domain processes on the property they chose, he would like them to consider this property instead as it is fairly close by. David Quinoz: explained that he would like to appeal the impact fees that have been assessed on his residence at 121 Myrtle for Wastewater services. He believes that these impact fees are high for a single family home. Currently the home is on septic tank. The impact fee is calculated at $5,600. He would like to discuss this with staff. 6) CONSENT AGENDA Consent Agenda items are considered to be routine and will be enacted by one motion. There will be no separate discussion ofthose items unless requested by Council, in which event the item(s) will be removedfrom Consent Agenda and considered under Regular Agenda. a) Approval of March 12, 2025, City Council Workshop meeting minutes. (E. Simpson) b) Approval of March 12, 2025, City Council Regular Called meeting minutes. (E. Simpson) c) Approval of Resolution #2025-R-19 awarding Community Service Grant to Hope House for $10,000 as discussed by City Council at their March 12, 2025, meeting. d) Approval of Resolution #2025-R-020 awarding Community Service Grant to XXL Hope for $5,000 as discussed by City Council at their March 12, 2025, meeting. e) Approval of Resolution #2025-R-021 awarding Community Service Grant to L4 Cares for $10,000 as discussed by City Council at their March 12, 2025, meeting. f) Approval of Resolution #2025-R-022 awarding Community Service Grant to Hope Alliance for $10,000 as discussed by City Council at their March 12, 2025, meeting. Page4112 Liberty Hill City Council Regular Called Meeting minutes March 26, 2025 9 Approval of Resolution #2025-R-023 awarding Community Service Grant to Operation Liberty Hill for $10,000 as discussed by City Council at their March 12, 2025, meeting. Motion: Motion by Council Member Diane Williams and Council Member Wade Ashley seconded, to approve all items on the Consent Agenda, with meeting minutes 'as corrected." Vote on the Motion: motion carried unanimously by a vote of 6-0. Ayes: Williams, Ashley, Young, Thayer, Mancilla and Helbing. Nays: 0. 7) REGULAR AGENDA a) Discussion, consideration, and possible action regarding proposed Ordinance #2025- 0-015 REGULATIONS FOR TRUCK TRAFFIC PROHIBITED ON CERTAIN STREETS prohibiting vehicles and vehicles with trailers weighing over 10,000 pounds from deviating off ofMain Street or Hwy 1869 onto side streets in downtown area. (Council Member Ashley, M. Etienne, Police Chief Ringstaff and City Prosecutor Erin Higginbotham) This issue was last discussed at the December 11, 2024, City Council meeting, and at the Work Session earlier tonight. The City Attorney Marianne Banks read the Ordinance caption into the record: AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF LIBERTY HILL, TEXAS, AMENDING CHAPTER 11, ARTICLE 11.02, DIVISION 1, ADDING SECTION 11.02.004, TRUCK TRAFFIC, CODE OF ORDINANCES, CITY OF LIBERTY HILL, TEXAS, REGARDING REGULATIONS FOR TRUCK TRAFFIC PROHIBITED ON CERTAIN STREETS; PROVIDING FOR SEVERABILITY AND REPEAL OF CONFLICTING ORDINANCES; PROVIDING FOR A PENALTY; AND PROVIDING FOR PUBLICATION AND AN EFFECTIVE DATE. The City Council discussed a few changes to this proposed Ordinance during the earlier Work Session. Motion: Council Member Wade Ashley moved, and Council Member Michael Helbing seconded, to approve this Ordinance, (version #5) AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF LIBERTY HILL, TEXAS, AMENDING CHAPTER 11, ARTICLE 11.02, DIVISION 1, ADDING SECTION 11.02.004, TRUCK TRAFFIC, CODE OF ORDINANCES, CITY OF LIBERTY HILL, TEXAS, REGARDING REGULATIONS FOR TRUCK TRAFFIC PROHIBITED ON CERTAIN STREETS; PROVIDING FOR SEVERABILITY AND REPEAL OF CONFLICTING ORDINANCES; PROVIDING FOR A PENALTY; AND PROVIDING FOR PUBLICATION AND AN EFFECTIVE DATE. Vote on the Motion: Page 5112 Liberty Hill City Council Regular Called Meeting minutes March 26, 2025 motion carried unanimously by a vote of 6-0. Ayes: Williams, Ashley, Young, Thayer, Mancilla and Helbing. Nays: 0. b) Discussion, consideration, and possible action regarding proposed Ordinance #2025-0- 014 modifying No Parking Downtown on Main Street Ordinance to allow a loading zone. (K. Amsler, M. Banks) The Ordinance caption was read into the record by Mayor Mancilla - CITY OF LIBERTY HILL, ORDINANCE NO. 25-0-014, Loading Zone on Main Street, AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF LIBERTY HILL, TEXAS AMENDING THE LIBERTY HILL CODE OF ORDINANCES, ARTICLE 11.04 OF CHAPTER 11 REGARDING REGULATIONS FOR TRAFFIC AND VEHICLES; ESTABLISHING LOADING ZONES" RESTRICTING MOTOR VEHICLE PARKING IN DOWNTOWN; PROVIDING FOR THE POSTING OF "LOADING ZONE" SIGNS; PROVIDING FOR SEVERABILITY; PROVIDING A PENALTY AND AN EFFECTIVE DATE. Director of Communications and Community Engagement Katie Amsler introduced the agenda item and gave a brief explanation. Motion: Council Member Diane Williams moved, and Council Member Michael Helbing seconded, to approve Ordinance 2025-0-014, as presented. Vote on the Motion: motion carried unanimously by a vote of 6-0. Ayes: Williams, Ashley, Young, Thayer, Mancilla and Helbing. Nays: 0. C. Discussion, consideration, and possible action regarding proposed Ordinance #2025- 0-016 amending the City of Liberty Hill FY 2024-2025 budget. (J. Armstrong) The ordinance caption reads as follows: CITY OF LIBERTY HILL ORDINANCE NO. 2025-0-016, BUDGET AMENDMENT FOR FISCAL YEAR 2024-2025, AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF LIBERTY HILL, TEXAS, AMENDING APPROPRIATIONS FOR THE SUPPORT OF CITY SERVICES FOR THE FISCAL YEAR BEGINNING OCTOBER 1, 2024, AND ENDING SEPTEMBER 30, 2025; PROVIDING FOR FINDINGS OF FACT; ENACTMENT; REPEALER; SEVERABILITY; EFFECTIVE DATE; AND PROPER NOTICE AND MEETING. Director of Finance Josh Armstrong introduced the agenda item and gave a brief staff report. This is the first amendment to the current budget. There is funding for several items including some software for Finance, the funding for the construction of the new office spaces/cubicles downstairs in the City Hall. Some of this is being funded by salary savings Page 6/12 Liberty Hill City Council Regular Called Meeting minutes March 26, 2025 from the time before he was hired for the Director position and before the Senior Accountant was hired. Motion: Council Member Diane Williams moved, and Council Member Wade Ashley seconded, to approve Ordinance #2025-0-016, as presented. Vote on the Motion: motion carried unanimously by a vote of6 6-0. Ayes: Williams, Ashley, Young, Thayer, Mancilla and Helbing. Nays: 0. d) Discussion, consideration, and possible action related to proposed Ordinance #2025-0- 017 approving Pedernales Electricity Cooperative (PEC) franchise agreement, as per action from Council meeting 3.12.2025. (P. Brandenburg) Mayor Mancilla read the Ordinance caption into the record: CITY OF LIBERTY HILL, TEXAS ORDINANCE NO. 2025-0-017, A FRANCHISE AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE CITY OF LIBERTY HILL AND PEDERNALES ELECTRIC COOPERATIVE REGARDING TRANSMISSION AND DISTRIBUTION OF ELECTRICITY, AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF LIBERTY HILL, TEXAS, GRANTING A TRANSMISSION AND DISTRIBUTION ELECTRIC UTILITY FRANCHISE TO PEDERNALES ELECTRIC COOPERATIVE, INC. FOR A FIVE YEAR TERM COMMENCING ON THE EFFECTIVE DATE; CONTAINING VARIOUS TERMS AND CONDITIONS WITH REGARD TO THE GRANT OF SUCH FRANCHISE; PROVIDING FOR THE SUPERSEDING OF ANY AND ALL KINDS OF ORDINANCES, REGULATIONS, RULES, OR POLICIES THAT ARE IN CONFLICT WITH THIS ORDINANCE; AND PROVIDING AN EFFECTIVE DATE City Manager Brandenburg introduced the item and noted that PEC has been working with the City for many months to put together this franchise agreement. Mr. Brandenburg introduced Jared Fields from PEC. Mr. Fields thanked the city staff for working with the PEC on this agreement and noted that PEC is eager to begin helping the city as they are able toward the goals of the Dark Skies effort. Dawn Southwell, also from PEC, thanked the city staff and the City Council for investing such attention and effort into this partnership. Motion: Council Member Michael Helbing moved, and Council Member Wade Ashley seconded, to approve Ordinance 2025-0-017, as presented. Motion carried unanimously 6-0. Vote on the Motion: motion carried unanimously by a vote of6-0. Ayes: Williams, Ashley, Young, Thayer, Mancilla and Helbing. Nays: 0. Page 7/12 Liberty Hill City Council Regular Called Meeting minutes March 26, 2025 e) Discussion, consideration, and possible action related to authorization of the purchase of a Pioneer Diesel Pump for Lift Station #19. (M. Etienne, J. Herrera) Interim Director ofPublic Works James Herrera and Wastewater Superintendent Matt Brown introduced this agenda item and presented a brief summary regarding the need for this pump. This was budgeted for last year. They noted that this pump, from Hydrosource Services, is able to work on all the Lift Stations, as needed, but is the only one that is large enough to do the job at Lift Station #19, the largest ofthe city's pump stations. This purchase would allow the City to stop having to rent pumps. Motion: Motion by Council Member Diane Williams, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Amanda Young, to approve purchase of Pioneer Diesel Pump from Hydrosource Services in an amount not to exceed $81,930.40 with the remainder ofthe budget used for any accessories needed. Vote on the Motion: motion carried unanimously by a vote of 6-0. Ayes: Williams, Ashley, Young, Thayer, Mancilla and Helbing. Nays: 0. f) Discussion, consideration, and possible action related to authorize HR Green Task Order #4 to perform engineering services related to the San Gabriel Wastewater Interceptor Project Phase II and Phase III. (J. Herrera, M. Etienne) Deputy City Manager Mike Etienne requested that this item be pulled from the agenda tonight and brought back at a future meeting. There was no motion on this item. g) Discussion, consideration, and possible action related to the use oftemporary 'Work Groups' or informal subcommittees of the City Council. (M. Etienne, Mayor Mancilla) Mayor Mancilla noted that her item would be skipped tonight and explained that she would compose a 'cover sheet' for this item and bring it back to City Council at a future meeting, for discussion of these groups in Open Session. There was no formal motion on this item. Page8/12 Liberty Hill City Council Regular Called Meeting minutes March 26, 2025 8) CITY MANAGER'S COMMENTS City Manager Brandenburg reminded all present that there will be a special open house with city staff and any interested residents from the Butler Farms subdivision at 8 AM tomorrow here in the Council chamber. This is not a meeting of Council or a Board. This is a meeting with staff to discuss issues with water pressure. It will not be recorded, nor will it be streamed live. City Secretary Simpson read the Open Meetings Act exemptions into the record at 6:47 PM. Mayor Mancilla recessed the Open Session at 6:48 PM. Mayor Mancilla convened the Exec. / Closed Session at 7:00 PM. Mayor Mancilla adjourned the Exec. / Closed Session at 8:47 PM for Mayor Mancilla, Council Member Wade Ashley, Mayor Pro Tem Young, and Council Member Diane Williams. Council Members Michael Helbing and Jacquetta Thayer remained in the Executive Session until 10:44 PM. Mayor Mancilla reconvened the Open Session at 10:44 PM. 9) CONVENE TO EXECUTIVE SESSION City Council will convene into Executive Session for discussion ofthe following items pursuant to Texas Government Code Section 551.071 (Consultation with Attorney), Section 551.07/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). a) Pursuant to Texas Government Code Section 551.071 (consultation with attorney) to receive information regarding legal issues related to wastewater treatment plant permitting and compliance discharge. (M. Banks, Natasha Martin) No Motion. b) Pursuant to Texas Government Code Section 551.074 (Personnel) City Council will meet in Executive Session to hold a discussion regarding City Secretary's day to day supervision and reporting and procedures for the City Council feedback and the timing/process for performance evaluations. (A. Young) Pages 9/12 Liberty Hill City Council Regular Called Meeting minutes March 26, 2025 No Motion. c) Pursuant to Texas Government Code Section 551.074 (Personnel) City Council will meet in Executive Session to hold a discussion regarding procedures for the City Council to provide feedback to the City Manager, and the timing/process for performance evaluations. (D. Williams) No Motion. d) Pursuant to Texas Government Code Section 551.074 (Personnel) City Council will meet in Executive Session to hold a discussion regarding amending the City Managers employment contract. Motion: by Council Member Diane Williams, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Amanda Young, to approve the employee contract amendment #2 for addition of COLA (Cost ofI Living Adjustment) to the City Manager contract. Vote on the Motion: motion carried unanimously by a vote of 6-0. Ayes: Williams, Ashley, Young, Thayer, Mancilla and Helbing. Nays: 0. e) Pursuant to Texas Government Code Section 551.071 (consultation with city attorney) City Council will receive legal advice concerning potential amendments to agreements with Municipal Utility District (MUD) 17 and MUD 19. (M. Banks) No motion. f) Pursuant to Texas Government Code Section 551.071 (consultation with attorney) and 551.072 (Deliberation Regarding Real Property) City Council will receive legal advice and discuss issues related to planning and construction of the North Wastewater Treatment Facility. (M. Banks) No motion. g) Pursuant to Texas Government Code Section 551.071 (Consultation with Attorney) City Council will receive legal advice related to the Chalk Hill Ventures project and possible agreement. (M. Banks) Page 10]12 Liberty Hill City Council Regular Called Meeting minutes March 26, 2025 Motion : Motion by Council Member Wade Ashley, seconded by Council Member Michael Helbing, to approve the City Manager to finalize an agreement with Chalk Hill Ventures as discussed in Executive Session. Vote on the Motion: motion carried unanimously by a vote of6 6-0. Ayes: Williams, Ashley, Young, Thayer, Mancilla and Helbing. Nays: 0. h) Pursuant to Texas Government Code sections 551.071 (Consultation with Attorney) and 551.072 (Deliberation Regarding Real Property), City Council will receive legal advice and discuss potential acquisitions of real estate for the Advanced Water Purification Facility Project. (M. Banks, P. Brandenburg) No Motion. ) Pursuant to Texas Government Code Section 551.074 (Discussions of Personnel), and Texas Government Code Section 551.071 (Consultation with City Attorney) and Pursuant to Section 2.02.071(b) and (c) ofthe Investigation Ordinance, City Council will determine if and what form of an investigation is appropriate for Complaint No. 2025-C-001 and provide directions to staff, as needed. (M. Banks, P. Brandenburg) Only Thayer and Helbing were eligible to vote on this item. Motion: Council Member Jacquetta Thayer moved, and Council Member Michael Helbing seconded to DIRECT THE CITY MANAGER TO INITIATE A THIRD PARTY INVESTIGATION INTO CERTAIN MATTERS INVOLVING COMPLAINT NO 2025-C- 001 AS DISCUSSED IN EXECUTIVE SESSION. Vote on the Motion: motion carried unanimously by a vote of2-0. Ayes: Thayer, and Helbing. Nays: 0. Public Comments for item #10 : City Secretary Simpson read into the record the email from Roger Gordon - Thank. you Mayor, Council, and Staff fory your commitment to serving the city. My name is Roger Gordon, I am an attorney with over 20) years ofexperience representing cities, elected officials, and residents in matters involving city hall. Currently I am representing Mayor Mancilla and am grateful for her invitation to attend tonight. Foryears, your predecessors on Council have. struggled with complaints alleging violations ofi policy, law, or the code ofethics. Fory years members oft the public have remained in the dark as previous Councils failed to investigate allegations against Page 11/12 Liberty Hill City Council Regular Called Meeting minutes March 26, 2025 its own... denying the public a reliable and unbiased assessment oftheir chosen representatives. If transparency is as important to this Council as it is to the public, I urge the Council to vote for an independent investigation into Complaint 2025-C-001, with the findings and conclusions presented to the public BEFORE the May election. A vote to shelve this complaint without any investigation would be tragic. Each of you took an oath ofo office; and your vote this evening will speak volumes about your commitment to that oath. Thank you all for your time and service. 10) RECONVENE TO REGULAR SESSION City Council will reconvene into Regular Session for deliberation and possible action of the items as discussed in Executive Session in the previous agenda item. See motions made under 9d., 9g., and 9i. 11) ADJOURNMENT With no further items on the agenda, and no objections from the Council, Mayor Mancilla adjourned the meeting at 10:46 PM. PASSED AND APPROVED BY THE City Council of the City ofLiberty Hill, Texas on the gth of April 2025 , on vote of lo ayes, Cnays, and 0 abstentions. Chehad Cryétal Mancilla/Mayor - ane Impaac X Elaine Simpson, City Secretary C * * * * ORPOR II Pa d0 2 12 Liberty Hill City Council Regular Called Meeting minutes March 26, 2025