Page/134 CITY OF FORT STOCKTON, TEXAS MINUTES OF: REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING DATE OF MEETING: APRIL 28, 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 FORT STOCKTON ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT 4-A CORPORATION: KINJAN PATEL, KEN RIPLEY, VISHAL CHOPRA, DARREN HODGES CITY MANAGER: FRANK RODRIGUEZ III CITY SECRETARY: MARINA CANTU CITY ATTORNEY: JESSE GONZALES JR. Mayor Paul Casias called the Regular Meeting to Order at 5:33 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 Ruben J Bernal led the Pledge of Allegiance to the United States of America Flag & the Pledge of Allegiance to the Texas Flag. Page 135 PUBLIC TESTIMONY: 1. Public Testimony. There was no Public Testimony. Mayor Paul Casias Recessed from the Regular Meeting to Convene into Joint Session with the Fort Stockton Economic Development 4-A Corporation at 5:36 p.m., handing the floor over to Economic Development 4-A Corporation President Ken Ripley. JOINT SESSION: 1. Call to Order Economic Development 4-A Corporation President Ken Ripley called the Joint Session to order at 5:36 p.m. after declaring a quorum present. 2. Discuss/Act upon Asbestos Remediation of101 N. Rooney, Fort Stockton, Texas (Old Nursing Home), not to exceed $157,250.00 to Pecos County. Fort Stockton Economic Development 4-A Corporation President Ken Ripley opened the discussion by addressing previous legal uncertainties and asked whether those issues had been resolved. Assistant City Manager Jesse Gonzales, Jr. confirmed that all matters had been addressed. He explained that the agreement under consideration by City Council was contingent upon the EDC's decision. He noted that the asbestos remediation was part of the original agreement prior to Pecos County's acquisition of the property. Fort Stockton Economic Development 4-A Corporation President Ken Ripley asked if the original action by the EDC took place in 2023. Assistant City Manager Jesse Gonzales, Jr. replied that he believed SO, stating that the former EDC Executive Director had withdrawn the item from Council consideration due to technical issues. Shortly afterward, Pecos County purchased the property. Page 136 Fort Stockton Economic Development 4-A Corporation President Ken Ripley then asked if the property would be transferred to the EDC upon payment. Assistant City Manager Jesse Gonzales, Jr. confirmed that the property would be conveyed to the EDC once the payment was made. Fort Stockton Economic Development 4-A Corporation President Ken Ripley noted that the agreement was on the Pecos County Commissioners Court agenda that day. Assistant City Manager Jesse Gonzales, Jr. confirmed its presence on the agenda and inquired about the outcome. EDC Executive Director Jeremy Martinez responded that the agreement had been approved. Fort Stockton Economic Development 4-A Corporation President Ken Ripley then asked about the specific costs agreed upon. Assistant City Manager Jesse Gonzales, Jr. clarified that Pecos County would be responsible for clearing the fire debris, and the City would coordinate debris disposal at the landfill. Fort Stockton Economic Development 4-A Corporation President Ken Ripley inquired about the current financial standing of the EDC. Director of Finance Maria Rodriguez stated that the EDC was at 100% budget utilization, meaning any additional expenses would need to come from the fund balance. Fort Stockton Economic Development 4-A Corporation President Ken Ripley asked for the current fund balance amount. Director of Finance Maria Rodriguez responded that the EDC's fund balance was approximately $3.9 million. She added that the EDC would need to approve a budget amendment, which would then be submitted to City Council for approval. Motion was made by Economic Development 4-A Corporation Board Director Darren Hodges, Seconded by Economic Development 4-A Corporation Vice-President Vishal Chopra to approve the Asbestos Remediation of 101 N. Rooney, Fort Stockton, Texas (Old Nursing Home), in the amount of$157,250.00 to Pecos County. President Ken Page 137 Ripley, Vice-President Vishal Chopra, Board Director Kinjan Patel and Board Director Darren Hodges voted aye. 3. Adjourn Economic Development 4-A Corporation President Ken Ripley adjourned the Economic Development 4-A Corporation meeting at 5:41 p.m. Mayor Paul Casias Closed the Joint Session with the Fort Stockton Economic Development 4-A Corporation to Reconvene into the Regular Meeting at 5:42 p.m. 2. Discuss/Act upon Interlocal Agreement between the City of Fort Stockton and Pecos County regarding 101 N. Rooney Street, Fort Stockton, Texas Property. (Asst. City Mgr.) Assistant City Manager Jesse Gonzales, Jr., clarified that Pecos County would be responsible for clearing the debris from the property. The City would assist by coordinating the disposal oft the debris at the landfill. Once the cleanup is complete, Pecos County will transfer ownership of the property to the Fort Stockton Economic Development 4-A Corporation. Council Member Ruben J. Bernal raised concerns about waiving the landfill disposal fee for Pecos County. He pointed out that in addition to receiving $157,000, the County would also benefit from having the disposal fee waived. He proposed instead that the County be charged the disposal fee, and the funds be used toward purchasing the property. He also expressed skepticism about the viability of the Springhirst Project, noting the risk of the property remaining vacant despite significant investment. He added that the property's location--offl Main Street makes it less attractive for business development. Council Member Ruben Falcon noted that the County had already incurred expenses related to the property. He emphasized that the Economic Development Corporation (EDC) would cover the asbestos remediation costs and in return, would gain title to the property. Council Member Paul Jerome Chavez stated that without the County's involvement, the EDC would have had to bear the full costs of both the asbestos remediation and building demolition. Page1138 City Manager Frank Rodriguez III explained that Pecos County purchased the property for $377,669. Even with the reimbursement of$157,250 for asbestos remediation, the County would still have $220,419 invested. Council Member Ruben Falcon asked if there had been any interest shown in the property. City Manager Frank Rodriguez III responded that a group has expressed interest. Council Member Ruben Falcon reiterated his support for the agreement, calling it a positive step. Council Member Darren Hodges expressed concern, calling the deal a gamble. He agreed with Council Member Bernal's stance, saying he would not want to own the property if the hotel project fails to materialize. Council Member Ruben J. Bernal added that while he hopes the Springhirst Project succeeds and acknowledges its potential benefits, current prospects do not appear promising. Council Member Paul Jerome Chavez reminded the group that it is the EDC's responsibility to foster economic growth in the community. Council Member Ruben Falcon referenced the Railroad Depot as an example of the EDC investing in local improvement projects. He stressed that the asbestos remediation cost would be covered by the EDC's fund balance not the City's General Fund and reiterated that the EDC's S mission is to stimulate investment in Fort Stockton. Mayor Pro-Tem James Warnock added that the fire had reduced the volume of building materials, thereby lessening the debris being taken to the landfill. Motion was made by Council Member Ruben Falcon, seconded by Council Member Paul Jerome Chavez, and passed to approve the Interlocal Agreement between the City of Fort Stockton and Pecos County regarding 101 N. Rooney Street, Fort Stockton, Texas Property. Council Member Darren Hodges, Council Member Paul Jerome Chavez, Mayor Paul Casias, Mayor Pro-Tem James Warnock, Council Member Ruben Falcon voted aye and Council Member Ruben J Bernal voted nay. 3. Discuss/Act upon payment to Pecos County for Asbestos Remediation of 101 N. Rooney, Fort Stockton, Texas (Old Nursing Home), not to exceed $157,250 as approved by the Fort Stockton Economic Development 4-A Corporation on April 28, 2025. (Asst. City Mgr.) Page 139 Assistant City Manager Jesse Gonzales, Jr. explained that this is to approve the payment for asbestos remediation to Pecos County as approved by the Fort Stockton Economic Development 4-A Corporation. Motion was made by Council Member Paul Jerome Chavez, seconded by Mayor Pro-Tem James Warnock, and passed to approve payment to Pecos County for Asbestos Remediation of 101 N. Rooney, Fort Stockton, Texas (Old Nursing Home), not to exceed $157,250 as approved by the Fort Stockton Economic Development 4-A Corporation on April 28, 2025. Council Member Darren Hodges, Council Member Paul Jerome Chavez, Mayor Paul Casias, Mayor Pro-Tem James Warnock, Council Member Ruben Falcon voted aye and Council Member Ruben J Bernal voted nay. PROCLAMATION: 4. Proclamation endorsing the month of May as "Community Action Month.' (Mayor) Mayor Paul Casias informed everyone that no representatives were available to accept the Proclamation recognizing May as Community Action Month due to their attendance at a conference. However, the Proclamation will be presented to Pecos County Community Action upon their return. CONSENT AGENDA: 5. All matters listed are considered to be routine by the City Council and will be enacted by one motion. If discussion is desired, that item will be removed from the Consent Agenda and considered separately. Minutes: (Mayor) Amended Meeting Minutes of Fort Stockton City Council, 03/24/2025 Regular Meeting Minutes of Fort Stockton City Council, 04/14/2025 Regular Meeting Minutes of Fort Stockton Economic Development 4A Corporation, 03/20/2025 Special Joint Meeting Minutes of Fort Stockton Economic Development 4B Corporation, 01/13/2025 Regular Meeting Minutes of Fort Stockton Economic Development 4B Corporation, 03/20/2025 Regular Meeting Minutes of Fort Stockton Housing Authority Board, 03/20/2025 Regular Meeting Minutes of Buildings and Standards Commission, 03/06/2025 Regular Meeting Minutes of! Intergovernmental Recreation, 10/16/2024 Page: 140 Special Meeting Minutes of Intergovemnmental Recreation, 11/21/2024 Special Meeting Minutes of Intergovernmental Recreation, 1/22/2025 Accounts Payable Grand Total: $475,461.55 Motion was made by Council Member Ruben Falcon, 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: 6. Second Reading of Resolution No. 25-110R, A Resolution of City Council of the City of Fort Stockton, Texas Approving a Project for the Sonic Drive-In using Funds Provided by the Fort Stockton Economic Development 4-B Corporation in an Amount Exceeding $10,000 as Required by the Texas Local Government Code, Section 505.158. (EDC Dir.) Economic Development Corporation Executive Director. Jeremy Martinez presented Resolution No. 25-110R. 7. Discuss/Act upon Resolution No. 25-110R, A Resolution of City Council of the City of Fort Stockton, Texas Approving a Project for the Sonic Drive-In using Funds Provided by the Fort Stockton Economic Development 4-B Corporation in an Amount Exceeding $10,000 as Required by the Texas Local Government Code, Section 505.158. (EDC Dir.) Motion was made by Council Member Paul Jerome Chavez, seconded by Council Member Ruben J Bernal, and carried unanimously to approve Resolution No. 25-110R, A Resolution ofCity Council of the City ofl Fort Stockton, Texas Approving a Project for the Sonic Drive-In using Funds Provided by the Fort Stockton Economic Development 4-B Corporation in an Amount Exceeding $10,000 as Required by the T'exas Local Government Code, Section 505.158. 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 I 141 REGULAR BUSINESS: 8. Discuss/Act upon the Infrastructure Improvement Project for the Installation of East Dickinson Solar Lights not to exceed $250,000, as approved by the Economic Development 4-A Corporation on November 21, 2024 & April 21, 2025. (EDC Dir.) Economic Development Corporation Executive Director Jeremy Martinez informed the City Council that this item is the Project Declaration for the installation of solar lights along East Dickinson. The project will extend from the Love's Travel Stop to the TxDOT facility and will include a total of 33 lights. Motion was made by Mayor Pro-Tem James Warnock, seconded by Council Member Ruben J Bernal, and carried unanimously to approve the Infrastructure Improvement Project for the Installation of East Dickinson Solar Lights not to exceed $250,000, as approved by the Economic Development 4-A Corporation on November 21, 2024 & April 21, 2025. 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 Payment of$75,000.00 to Flock Safety for Cameras, License Plate Reader, and Trailer. (C.O.P.) Chief ofl Police Ernesto Velasquez informed the City Council that this item pertains to the proposed payment to Flock Safety for 11 license plate reader cameras, 3 handheld zoom cameras, and a mobile trailer camera system. He noted that a grant application has been submitted, and the department hopes to fund the purchase through those grant funds. Motion was made by Mayor Pro-Tem James Warnock, seconded by Council Member Ruben J Bernal, and carried unanimously to approve Payment of $75,000.00 to Flock Safety for Cameras, License Plate Reader, and Trailer. 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. 10. Discuss/Act upon Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between PermiaCare Rural Border Intervention Program Community Health Worker (CHW) Services and Ft. Stockton Housing Authority for Collaborative Treatment Planning and Care Coordination activities conçerning Community-based Mental Health and/or Substance Use Disorder Services. (Dir. of Hsg. Auth.) Page 142 Director of Housing Paula Ureste explained the purpose of this Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) is to encourage networking, coordination and referrals to help address the needs ofthe participants in the Rural Border Intervention Program CHW Services, their families and supportive allies. She added that this MOU would extend the agreement through August 31, 2028. Motion was made by Council Member Ruben Falcon, seconded by Council Member Ruben J Bernal, and carried unanimously to approve Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between PermiaCare Rural Border Intervention Program Community Health Worker (CHW) Services and Ft. Stockton Housing Authority for Collaborative Treatment Planning and Care Coordination activities concerning Community-based Mental Health and/or Substance Use Disorder Services. 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 the 2nd Quarterly Investment Report ending March 31, 2025. (City Mgr./Dir. of Fin.) Director of Finance Maria Rodriguez provided the following report: At the end of March, TexPool's average interest rate was 4.35%; LOGIC's average interest rate was 4.46%. 90-day T-Bills were 4.32% and the one-year T-Bills were 4.01%. Our local bank, Pecos County State Bank, is currently at 3.77%. In accordance with Resolution No. 11-110R, the City exceeded the required 7% of General Fund's and Enterprise Fund's budgeted expenses totaling $22,981,100.00 by maintaining $1,608,667.00 GENERAL Beginning of Quarter End of Quarter Quarterly Interest Earned TOTAL $ 9,319,836.20 $ 11,332,163.87 $ 112,223.93 CVB Beginning of Quarter End of Quarter Quarterly Interest Earned TOTAL $ 1,032,893.22 $ 1,211,009.50 $ 11,231.52 EDC 4-A Beginning of Quarter End of Quarter Quarterly Interest Earned TOTAL $ 3,451,259.91 $ 3,482,646.64 $ 37,324.07 EDC 4-B Page 143 Beginning of Quarter End of Quarter Quarterly. Interest Earned TOTAL $ 1,626,251.88 $ 1,604,851.94 $ 17,970.91 Funds were transferred, from LOGIC to the regular account to cover expenses SPECIAL ASSESSMENT Beginning of Quarter End of Quarter Quarterly Interest Earned TOTAL $ 3,969,433.11 $ 3,985,395.03 $ 44,391.42 The yearly payment has been made Motion was made by Council Member Ruben Falcon, seconded by Council Member Paul Jerome Chavez, and carried unanimously to approve the 2nd Quarterly Investment Report ending March 31, 2025. 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 2nd Quarterly Revenue & Expense Report ending March 31, 2025. (Dir. of Fin.) Director of Finance Maria Rodriguez provided the following report: REVENUES REVENUES EXPENSES OVER/UNDER) EXPENDITURES GENERAL $ 6,640,547.63 $ 4,969,537.50 $ 1,671,010.13 HB 445 $ 347,389.55 $ 363,844.90 ($ 16,455.35) The summer months are when we spend most ofthe money on our streets. RECREATION $ 222,555.00 $ 173,043.24 $ 49,511.76 ENTERPRISE $ 6,650,590.92 $ 6,166,124.92 $ 484,466.00 EDC 4-A $ 548,258.77 $ 609,657.38 ($ 61,398.61) Any new expenditures will come out ofthe fund balance EDC 4-B $ 384,011.95 $ 266,308.89 $ 117,703.06 CVB $ 569,785.51 $ 540,440.90 $ 29,344.61 This is normal, they receive most of their revenue during the. summer months. VENUE TAX $ 158,430.09 $ 66,264.11 $ 92,165.98 This is normal, they receive most of their revenue during the summer months. DEBT SERVICE $ 1,054,397.02 $ 1,113,997.22 ($ 59,600.20) Our next payment won' 7 be until September. Page/144 Motion was made by Council Member Ruben Falcon, seconded by Council Member Ruben J Bernal, and carried unanimously to approve the 2nd Quarterly Revenue & Expense Report ending March 31, 2025. 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 the Dates and Locations oft the Spring Clean-Up for the City of Fort Stockton. (City Mgr./P.W. Dir.) City Manager Frank Rodriguez III explained that utility account holders who pay for sanitation services will be eligible for two free landfill drop-offs during the month of June. He pointed out that June 2, 2025, falls on a Monday and reminded everyone that the landfill is closed on Wednesdays and Sundays. He stated that this initiative is intended to help reduce trash throughout the community. The public notice includes a list ofitems that are accepted and those that are not; he emphasized that shingles and construction materials will not be accepted. Motion was made by Council Member Darren Hodges, seconded by Council Member Paul Jerome Chavez, and carried unanimously to Designating June 1, 2025 - June 30, 2025 as the Spring Clean-up for the City of Fort Stockton allowing all residential utility account holders who pay sanitation services two free drop-offs at the landfill located at 256 Moody Road. 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 Ruben J Bernal, seconded by Council Member Ruben Falcon, and carried unanimously to adjourn the Regular City Council Meeting at 6:12 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. Page1145 Pouk Caar Paul Casias, Mayor ATTEST: CAMAA Caw Marina A. Cantu, City Secretary