Page 155 CITY OF FORT STOCKTON, TEXAS MINUTES OF: REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING DATE OF MEETING: MAY 27, 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 FALCON ABSENT: COUNCIL MEMBER RUBEN J BERNAL CITY MANAGER: FRANK RODRIGUEZ III CITY SECRETARY: MARINA CANTU CITY ATTORNEY: JESSE GONZALES JR. Mayor Paul Casias called the Regular Meeting to Order at 5:31 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 Paul 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. Page1156 There was no Public Testimony. PRESENTATIONS: 2. City Manager Frank Rodriguez III--- . City Manager's Report City Manager Frank Rodriguez III informed the City Council that the Gas Department successfully passed a safety evaluation conducted by the Railroad Commission, with no violations reported. He praised Gas Superintendent Cruz Herrera and his team- Bonifacio Gonzalez, Jorge Gutierrez, Francisco Jaquez, and Efrain Mendoza for their outstanding work. The City of Fort Stockton was awarded a $480,000 grant through Representative Tony Gonzalez, which was used to purchase and upfit the new police vehicles. The Municipal Court and Code Enforcement Project is approaching completion, with a planned move-in date of June 20. City Engineer Raul Rodriguez, Assistant City Manager Jesse Gonzales, and Director of Finance Maria Rodriguez were acknowledged for their significant contributions to the project. The Construction Crew--Carlos Ibarra, Salvador Caballero, Petronilo Salinas, and Jesus Gonzalez was also recognized for their dedicated efforts. CONSENT AGENDA: 3. 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) . Regular Meeting Minutes of Fort Stockton City Council, 05/12/2025 a Special Meeting Minutes of Fort Stockton City Council, 05/21/2025 Regular Meeting Minutes of Buildings and Standards Commission, 04/03/2025 a Special Meeting Minutes of Economic Development 4-A Corporation, 04/21/2025 Special Meeting Minutes of Economic Development 4-A Corporation, 04/28/2025 Special Meeting Minutes of Economic Development 4-B Corporation, 04/22/2025 Accounts Payable Grand Total: $443,796.48 Motion was made by Mayor Pro-Tem James Warnock, seconded by Council Member Ruben Falcon, and carried unanimously to approve the Consent Agenda, as presented. Page 157 Council Member Darren Hodges, Council Member Paul Jerome Chavez, Mayor Paul Casias, Mayor Pro-Tem James Warnock, Council Member Ruben Falcon voted aye. ORDINANCES: 4. Discuss/Act upon Ordinance No. 25-111, An Ordinance Amending Chapter 23 of the Code of Ordinance of the City ofFort Stockton Titled Traffic and Vehicles; and Amending Article VIII. Recreational Off-Highway Vehicles and Golf Carts; Repealing All Other Ordinances or Portions Thereofin Conflict, A Severability Clause and Providing for its Publiçation and Effective Date. (Asst. City Mgr.) Assistant City Manager Jesse Gonzales informed the City Council that the proposed ordinance would eliminate the crossings at Sycamore and Dickinson, as well as Hornbeck and Highway 285. He noted concerns regarding child safety seats, clarifying that car seats are not allowed in authorized Recreational Off-Highway Vehicles (ROVs) or golf carts. As a result, children aged five and under are not permitted to ride as passengers in these vehicles. Mayor Paul Casias referred to a section ofthe ordinance stating that individuals may not operate, ride, or be transported in a ROV or golf cart unless they wear a safety helmet. He asked whether helmet use was currently being enforced. Chief of Police Ernesto Velasquez clarified that this requirement only applies to a specific subsection of the ordinançe. That subsection excludes motor vehicles with four wheels that are equipped with bench or bucket seats and seat belts or harnesses designed to reduce injury risk in the event of a rollover. Therefore, helmet requirements do not apply to approved Recreational Off-Highway Vehicles and golf carts that meet these safety standards. Council Member Ruben Falcon expressed concern that the two crossings were too hazardous, citing the speed limits in the area. Mayor Paul Casias responded that the crossing of ROVS and golf carts would be no different than a 10-speed bicycle crossing at the same location. Motion was made by Mayor Pro-Tem James Warnock, seconded by Council Member Paul Jerome Chavez, and passed to approve Ordinance No. 25-111, An Ordinance Amending Chapter 23 of the Code of Ordinance of the City of Fort Stockton Titled Traffic and Vehicles; and Amending Article VIII. Recreational Off-Highway Vehicles and Golf Carts; Repealing All Other Ordinances or Portions Thereof in Page 1158 Conflict, A Severability Clause and Providing for its Publication and Effective Date. Council Member Darren Hodges, Council Member Paul Jerome Chavez, Mayor Pro- Tem James Warnock, Council Member Ruben Falcon voted aye and Mayor Paul Casias voted nay. 5. Discuss/Act upon Ordinance No. 25-112, An Ordinance Amending Chapter 24 ofthe Code of Ordinance of the City of Fort Stockton Titled Utilities, Article IV. Water, Wastewater and Gas Main Extensions and Repealing all other Ordinances or Portions Thereofin Conflict, a Severability Clause and Providing for its Publication and Effective Date. (Asst. City Mgr.) Assistant City Manager Jesse Gonzales, Jr. explained that the ordinance extends the allowable distance for water, wastewater, and/or gas main extensions to 200 feet in partially developed areas. He clarified that this provision does not apply to developers. Motion was made by Council Member Ruben Falcon, seconded by Mayor Pro-Tem James Warnock, and carried unanimously to approve Ordinance No. 25-112, An Ordinance Amending Chapter 24 of the Code of Ordinance of the City of Fort Stockton Titled Utilities, Article IV. Water, Wastewater and Gas Main Extensions 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 Falcon voted aye. RESOLUTION: 6. Discuss/Act Upon Resolution No. 25-112R, A Resolution Authorizing the City of Fort Stockton to File a Grant Application for the FY 26 SB 224 Catalytic Converter Grant Program through the Motor Vehicle Crime Prevention Authority. (C.O.P.) Chief of Police Ernesto Velasquez explained that this resolution would authorize the submission of a grant application aimed at combating motor vehicle and catalytic converter thefts. The grant would fund preventative systems and the installation of cameras to deter and address vehicle-related crimes. Mayor Pro-Tem James Warnock noted that measures have already been implemented to make it more difficult to sell stolen catalytic converters, including a requirement for documentation verifying their source. Chief of Police Ernesto Velasquez added that the grant would also cover an etching system to engrave catalytic converters, which would help deter theft. Page 159 Motion was made by Council Member Paul Jerome Chavez, seconded by Mayor Pro- Tem James Warnock, and carried unanimously to approve Resolution No. 25-112R, A Resolution Authorizing the City of Fort Stockton to File a Grant Application for the FY 26 SB 224 Catalytic Converter Grant Program through the Motor Vehicle Crime Prevention Authority. Council Member Darren Hodges, Council Member Paul Jerome Chavez, Mayor Paul Casias, Mayor Pro-Tem James Warnock, Council Member Ruben Falcon voted aye. REGULAR BUSINESS: 7. Discuss/Act upon Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between Our Rescue and the Fort Stockton Police Department. (C.O.P.) Chief of Police Ernesto Velasquez advised City Council that this was a Memorandum of Understanding between Our Rescue and the Fort Stockton Police Department aimed at combating child exploitation and human trafficking, as well as rescuing victims of these crimes. The MOU will facilitate the acquisition of"Magnet Forensics GrayKey Lite + Preserve and Axiom Essentials" for phone dumps, a service currently outsourced due to the department's lack of capability. This system is crucial for time-sensitive investigations, as phones can be remotely wiped, hindering data collection. Our Rescue will cover $9,160.19 and the Fort Stockton Police Department will contribute the remaining $1,000.00. The Department will be required to document and share usage statistics with Our Rescue. Motion was made by Council Member Paul Jerome Chavez, seconded by Mayor Pro-Tem James Warnock, and carried unanimously to approve Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between Our Rescue and 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 Falcon voted aye. 8. Discuss/Act upon Request for Proposals (RFP) for Partial Self-Insured Funded & Fully Funded Medical, Fully Insured Dental, Fully Insured Vision, and Basic Life & AD&D Plans. (H.R. Dir.) Human Resources Director Sara Mata advised City Council that we would like to solicit bids to evaluate the current insurance market and identify competitive rates available for our municipality. Motion was made by Council Member Paul Jerome Chavez, seconded by Council Member Ruben Falcon, and carried unanimously to approve Request for Proposals (RFP) for Partial Self-Insured Funded & Fully Funded Medical, Fully Insured Dental, Fully Insured Page 1160 Vision, and Basic Life & AD&D Plans. Council Member Darren Hodges, Council Member Paul Jerome Chavez, Mayor Paul Casias, Mayor Pro-Tem James Warnock, Council Member Ruben Falcon voted aye. 9. Discuss/Act upon Designating June 13, 2025 as the Date of the Employee Appreciation Event and Authorizing staff to conclude their workday at 12:00 p.m. to attend. (H.R. Dir.) Human Resources Director Sara Mata requested that City Council authorize staff to end their workday at noon on June 13, 2025 for an Employee Appreciation Event to celebrate their hard work and dedication. The event includes food and activities to be held at the Gene Cummings Park. Motion was made by Council Member Darren Hodges, seconded by Council Member Ruben Falcon, and carried unanimously to Designate June 13, 2025 as the Date of the Employee Appreciation Event and Authorize staff to conclude their workday at 12:00 p.m. to attend. Council Member Darren Hodges, Council Member Paul Jerome Chavez, Mayor Paul Casias, Mayor Pro-Tem James Warnock, Council Member Ruben Falcon voted aye. 10. Discuss/Act upon Membrane Agreement between the City of Fort Stockton and Alpha Water Resources LLC. (Asst. City Mgr.) Assistant City Manager Jesse Gonzales, Jr. asked that City Council not take any action on this item. This is a one-time purchase; therefore, they will go based offt the proposal previously awarded to Alpha Water Resources. NO ACTION TAKEN. 11. Discuss/Act upon Lease Agreement between Total Office Solutions of West Texas and the City of Fort Stockton for 1 New Copier for the Public Works Office. (Dir. of Fin.) Director of Finance Maria Rodriguez explained this is a lease agreement for a new copier at the Public Works Office, which is needed due to the expiration of the previous lease on May 20. The proposal from Total Office Solutions would result in a monthly savings of $23. The proposed lease is for $219.59 per month, for 48 months. Motion was made by Council Member Darren Hodges, seconded by Council Member Paul Jerome Chavez, and carried unanimously to approve Lease Agreement between Total Office Solutions of West Texas and the City of] Fort Page 1161 Stockton for 1 New Copier for the Public Works Office. Council Member Darren Hodges, Council Member Paul Jerome Chavez, Mayor Paul Casias, Mayor Pro-Tem James Warnock, Council Member Ruben Falcon voted aye. 12. Discuss/Act upon Payment of $60,970.00 to L.T. Construction, LLC for the Completion of the Metal Pavilion at the Teresa Mason Park, also known as "Rocket Park,' I as approved by the Economic Development 4-B Corporation on January 16, 2025. (EDC Dir.) Economic Development Corporation Executive Director Jeremy Martinez explained this was for the second payment to L.T. Construction, LLC for the metal awning that was completed at the Rocket Park. Motion was made by Council Member Ruben Falcon, seconded by Council Member Paul Jerome Chavez, and carried unanimously to approve Payment ofs $60,970.00 to L.T. Construction, LLC for the Completion of the Metal Pavilion at the Teresa Mason Park, also known as "Rocket Park," as approved by the Economic Development 4-B Corporation on January 16, 2025. Council Member Darren Hodges, Council Member Paul Jerome Chavez, Mayor Paul Casias, Mayor Pro-Tem James Warnock, Council Member Ruben Falcon voted aye. 13. Discuss/Act upon $62,450.00 Payment to AOT Recreation LLC for Playground Equipment for the Teresa Mason Park, also known as "Rocket Park," - as approved by the Economic Development 4-B Corporation on January 16, 2025. (EDC Dir.) Economic Development Corporation Executive Director Jeremy Martinez explained that this item pertains to the second payment to AOT Recreation LLC for the new playground equipment at the Rocket Park. Motion was made by Council Member Paul Jerome Chavez, seconded by Council Member Darren Hodges, and carried unanimously to approve $62,450.00 Payment to AOT Recreation LLC for Playground Equipment for the Teresa Mason Park, also known as "Rocket Park," as approved by the Economic Development 4-B Corporation on January 16, 2025. Council Member Darren Hodges, Council Member Paul Jerome Chavez, Mayor Paul Casias, Mayor Pro-Tem James Warnock, Council Member Ruben Falcon voted aye. 14. Questions from Media. There were no questions from the media. Page/162 15. Adjourn. Motion was made by Council Member Ruben Falcon, seconded by Mayor Pro-Tem James Warnock, and carried unanimously to adjourn the Regular City Council Meeting at 6:04 p.m. Council Member Darren Hodges, Council Member Paul Jerome Chavez, Mayor Paul Casias, Mayor Pro-Ten James Warnock, Council Member Ruben Falcon voted aye. Pawl Caxar Paul Casias, Mayor ATTEST: AGAw WA Marina A. Cantu, City Sertiriaum TITINN