MINUTES OF THE CITY COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF DUMAS, TEXAS REGULAR MEETING TUESDAY, MAY 6, 2025 CALL TO ORDER: Mayor Brinkmann at 11:30 A.M. MEMBERS PRESENT: Bob Brinkmann Mayor Mike Barr Commissioner Tommy Brooks Commissioner Pat L. Sims Mayor Pro Tem Justin Willis Commissioner STAFF PRESENT: Slater Elza City Attorney Mark Hall City Manager Bethanie Kemp City Secretary Shannon Wallace Finance Director Monica Trevino Director of Human Resource Services Tom Carter Director ofl Park Services Joe Morales Police Lieutenant Mike Madrid Assistant Building Official Rick Pippins Chief of Police Connie Martinez Administrative Assistant Lisa Dawson Code Enforcement Mike Shockey Fire Chief Melissa Castro Utility Billing Supervisor Clayton Williams Police Lieutenant Reece Spencer Director of Water Services Tommy Gonzales Police Lieutenant OTHERS PRESENT: Ronnie DeShazo, Eduardo Valdez, BJ Ballard, Chris Rivera, Paula Gibson, Katie Strohuneier, Amanda Jones, Brandon Jones, Regina Gorham, Emma Jones, Lee Gibson NEWS MEDIA PRESENT: John Key Mayor Brinkmann conducts a role call for the record, stating Commissioner Place One, Tommy Brooks, Commissioner Place Two, Justin Willis, Commissioner Place Three, Mike Barr, Commissioner Place 4, Pat Sims, and Mayor, Bob Brinkmann are all present for the meeting. During Awards, Proclamations, and Presentations, Commissioner Mike Barr reads aloud the 2025 Doggie Days Proclamation. Police Chief, Rick Pippins, presents Sgt. Barba with a life-saving award. Police Chief, Rick Pippins, presents Officer Lay with a Meritorious Service Award. Police Chief, Rick Pippins, reads aloud the Police Memorial Week Proclamation. A motion was made by Commissioner Brooks, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Sims, and passed unanimously to approve the 04/15/2025 Regular City Commission Meeting Minutes, as presented. During Attending Citizens and their Business, Paula Gibson addresses the Commission regarding outdated playground equipment at three former elementary schools, emphasizing community concerns over demolition at Hillcrest Elementary. She noted that while the school is unable to bring the equipment up to code, they hope the City might consider restoring the Hillcrest site for the kids to have recreational entertainment in their immediate neighborhood. Eduardo Valdez expresses concerns about a newly approved billboard in downtown Dumas, citing light pollution and proposing Dumas explore becoming a "dark tourism" destination for stargazing. He also voiced disagreement with the demolition of the skate park and questioned the relevance of a proposed pickleball court, expressing skepticism over its appeal to younger residents. Following brief discussion and clarification on certain bills to be paid, a motion was made by Mayor Pro Tem Sims, seconded by Commissioner Willis, and passed unanimously to approve the Consent Agenda, as presented, with the following items: Bills to be paid, Doggie Days Annual Event/Doggie Days Parade event, and the DISD South Elementary Spring Fling Event. Mayor Brinkmann opened the Formal Session The Commission revisited the issue of master-meter utility billing for apartment complexes. Mayor Brinkmann confirmed that Commissioners received data on practices in surrounding cities. Commissioner Barr inquired about the legality of the City's current billing process. City Attorney, Slater Elza, affirms the current practice poses no issue when it comes to TCEQ laws and regulations. City Manager, Mark Hall, credited City Secretary, Bethanie Kemp for confirming that surrounding municipalities use similar billing methods. Mayor Brinkmann expresses aj preference for maintaining the current system to avoid potential complications, stating that the City's rates are consistent with regional standards. Mayor Pro-Tem Sims suggested transitioning to individual meters per unit for future developments. Commissioner Barr supported this approach but recommended grandfathering in existing master-meter dwellings. City Attorney, Slater Elza, advised staff to review zoning implications and bring the matter back for further discussion. No action was taken at this time. Moore County Tax Assessor, Chris Rivera, speaking on behalf of the Dumas Downtown Association Board, reported that a 2023 Federal Tax filing error resulted in a $5,006.72 liability (including a $2040.00 penalty). He explained that although the 2024-2025 budget included funds for a full-time director, the Board now anticipates a new director coming on at a reduced salary, generating a surplus of $43,363.00. The DDA requested permission to use part of this surplus to pay the tax bill. A motion was made by Commissioner Brooks, seconded by Commissioner Barr and passed unanimously to approve the use of surplus salary funds to pay the DDA's 2023 Federal Taxes and associated penalties. Mr. Rivera submitted a follow-up request for reimbursement of a $900.00 tax filing fee paid from a community event account. A motion was made by Commissioner Willis, seconded by Mayor Pro-Tem Sims, and passed unanimously to approve the reimbursement of $900.00 from the same surplus. A motion was made by Commissioner Barr, seconded by Commissioner Brooks, and passed unanimously to approve Ordinance No. 1240 - Zoning Change, for the second and final reading, as presented. City Manager, Mark Hall, requests the school zone signage on North Dumas Avenue be removed as the school in that area, Greenacres, is no longer in service. He states all city equipment has been removed, but, TXDOT is requesting the consideration to remove the school zone lights and signage. A motion was made by Commissioner Brooks, seconded by Commissioner Barr, and passed unanimously to approve the removal of school zone signage on North Dumas Ave. as presented. During Items from City Staff, Fire Chief, Mike Shockey, provides an update on the recent unannounçed state inspection conducted by the Texas Commission on Fire Protection. The department passed with no deficiencies, and the inspector had no recommendations for corrective action. During the City Manager report, Mark Hall thanks all city staff and departments for their efforts as the City prepares for al busy summer and beginning budget preparation. During Items from Commissioners, Commissioner Willis welcomes Reece Spencer back to the City ofDumas as the Director ofWater Services. Mayor Pro-Tem Sims gives an update on the ongoing water infrastructure project and thanks City staff for their efforts in recent demolition projects, noting that much oftheir work often goes unrecognized. Mayor Bob Brinkmann echoes Sims' remarks and commends City Manager, Mark Hall, for his transparency and leadership. Mayor Brinkmann convened into Executive Session at 12:27 p.m. in accordance with Texas Government Code, $551.071 to seek the advice of the City's attorney about pending litigation, settlement offers or as required under the Texas Disciplinary Rules of Professional Conduct of the State Bar of Texas (Forensic Investigation Report from Dawson Forensics Analytics P.L.L.C.) Mayor Brinkmann reconvened into Open Session at 1:18 p.m. There were no decisions made. There being no further business on the agenda, the meeting was adjourned by Mayor Brinkmann. Meeting adjourned. h - Pat Sims, Mayor ATTEST: Mark Hall, City Managet