Minutes of May 19, 2025, Regular City Council Meeting at Heritage Hall, 7:00 PM. The Merkel City Council met for a Regular City Council Meeting on May 19, 2025, at Heritage Hall, 7:00 PM. Mayor Schrampfer called the meeting to order at 7:00 PM and announced a quorum present. Council members present were Elaine Chaney, Collin Jacobs, Matthew Riggan, Brady Rutledge and Rode McElreath. Prayer led by Brady Rutledge. Mayor Schrampfer led the Pledge of Allegiance and Texas Pledge. Administer Oath of Office to Amanda Farmer, City Council Place 4, and Elaine Chaney, City Council Place 5. A motion to appoint Ray Cobb for Mayor was made by Collin Jacobs and seconded by Matthew Riggan. Approved 5-0. Administer Oath of Office to Ray Cobb, Mayor. Citizens were given an opportunity to comment. Elaine Chaney motioned to approve the minutes of April 21, 2025, Regular City Council Meeting and April 29, 2025, Called City Council Meeting with changes. Rode McElreath seconded the motion. Approved 5-0. The council discussed the staff reports. Public Works Director Russell discussed infrastructure, aerator at sewer ponds, new treatment protocol for sewer ponds, hydrant leaking, and start of property abatements. Russell also spoke about leak detection program and finishing meter installation. Chief Harris explained how report reads by incidents and grants the department has received. Chief Conklin stated he hired code enforcement official, and she will start on May 27th. The council discussed dilapidated structures, junk vehicles, high grass and how process for reimbursement for services are completed. Councilman Riggan started discussion for the Branding & Design Service agreement with Ryan Feerer for the Merkel EDC and what that agreement entails, such as logos, merchandise, event materials. Riggan suggested a presentation by Feerer similar to what the EDC had to move forward. The agreement was approved by the EDC board on May 5th. The council discussed appointing a councilman to the EDC board to replace Brady Rutledge. A motion by Matthew Riggan to appoint Collin Jacobs to the EDC Board was seconded by Rode McElreath. Approved 5-0. Collin Jacobs motioned to appoint Richard Buckley to the Planning and Zoning Committee and Elaine Chaney seconded. Approved 5-0. A motion to approve the 2nd Quarter FY 2024-2025 Quarterly Investment Report was made by Collin Jacobs and seconded by Matthew Riggan. Approved 5-0 The council reviewed the 2nd Quarter budget numbers of Fiscal Year 2024-2025. Elaine Chaney motioned to adjourn was seconded by Rode McElreath. Approved 5-0. Meeting Adjourned at 8:58 PM. lns BDk MaeL Evelyn Morge, City Secretary Ray Cobb, Mayor