MINUTES OF THE CITY COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF DUMAS, TEXAS REGULAR MEETING TUESDAY, JUNE 17, 2025 CALL TO ORDER: Mayor Sims at 11:30 A.M. MEMBERS PRESENT: Pat Sims Mayor Clayton Blacksher Commissioner Tommy Brooks Commissioner Shannon Gillespie Commissioner Justin Willis Mayor Pro-Tem STAFF PRESENT: Bryan Guymon City Attorney Mark Hall City Manager Bethanie Kemp City Secretary Shannon Wallace Finance Director Monica Trevino Director of Human Resources Tom Carter Director ofPark Services Rick Pippins Chief ofPolice Connie Martinez Administrative Assistant Mike Shockey Fire Chief Isidro Renteria Public Works Director Angela Robles Code Enforcement Javier Pena Building Official Joe Morales Police Lieutenant Tommy Gonzales Police Lieutenant Reece Spencer Director of Water Services Clayton Williams Police Lieutenant OTHERS PRESENT: Brandon Cox, BJ Ballard, Toni Vincent, Jerry Keith, Matt Roberts, David Tapp, Jack Kelso, Cole Kelso, Kathy Kelso, Kiley Flores NEWS MEDIA PRESENT: John Key Mayor Sims conducts a role call for the record, stating Commissioner Place One, Tommy Brooks, Commissioner Place Two, Justin Willis, Commissioner Place Three, Clayton Blacksher, Commissioner Place Four, Shannon Gillespie and Mayor, Pat Sims are all present for the meeting. A motion was made by Commissioner Brooks, seconded by Commissioner Blacksher, and passed by a majority vote to approve the 06/03/2025 Regular City Commission Meeting Minutes. Mayor Pro-Tem Willis abstained. During Items from Citizens, Jerry Keith, manager of Parkview Mobile Home Park, addressed the Commission with concerns regarding the utility billing structure for the park. Mr. Keith explained that although the property is served by a master-meter, the individual units are owned by residents and should be considered single-family dwellings. However, due to the master meter configuration, the property is classified and billed as a multi-amily/commerial property. He also raised concerns about the sewer billing methodology, stating that the current setup assumes all water used is returned through the ewer system, not accounting for irrigation and other non- sewer water usage. Mr. Keith requested that the Commission reconsider classifying properties like Parkview as residential rather than commercial. Mayor Sims informs Mr. Keith that, as this issue was brought forward during the "Items for Citizens" portion of the meeting and not a formal agenda item, no discussion or action could be taken at this time. However, the matter may be placed on a future agenda for formal consideration. BJ Ballard, owner of Ballard Plumbing, echoes concerns regarding recent water and sewer rate increases. He references Ordinance No. 1234 = Commercial Sewer and Water Rate Increase, which became effective October 15, 2024. Mr. Ballard noted that commercial sewer charges have surpassed water charges and requested a review of the rate structure. A motion was made by Commissioner Gillespie, seconded by Mayor Pro-Tem Willis, and passed unanimously to approve the consent agenda with the following items: Bills to be Paid, AA/NA Picnic Event at McDade Park on 06/29/2025 from 3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m., Mchur Care Grand Opening Event at McDade Park on 06/18/2025 from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. and the Moore County Crime Stoppers Car Show Event on 08/23/2025 from 8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. as presented. Mayor Sims opened the Formal Session Commissioner Brooks states that he has received multiple phone calls from local business owners regarding the commercial rate increases. He references the prior Commission decision to maintain uniform rates for all commercial accounts and suggested the need to revisit Ordinance No. 1234. City Manager, Mark Hall, announces that a comprehensive utility rate study would be conducted to analyze current rates and ensure long-term sustainability. He explained that the study would involve financial analysis and coordination with legal counsel to ensure proper procedural and fiscal alignment. Following comments from several small business owners expressing concern about the economic impact of the rate increase, the Commission discussed the potential of temporarily repealing Ordinance No. 1234. and reverting to the previous rate schedule until the rate study is complete. City Attorney, Bryan Guymon, confirms that any repeal or modification to the current ordinance will require formal action through the ordinance process, necessitating two future Commission meetings. He also clarified that the reason for the substantial increase was due to a prolonged period during which rates had not been adjusted. He recommended adopting a policy of gradual, annual rate increases to remain in line with surrounding municipalities. Mayor Sims suggest drafting an ordinance to temporarily repeal Ordinance No. 1234 while the rate study is being completed. A suggestion was also made by al local business owner to include clearer billing breakdowns on commercial utility statements. City Secretary, Bethanie Kemp, responds that residential utility bills currently include a line-item usage breakdown, but this feature was removed from commercial accounts. She commits to working with Utility Billing Supervisor, Melissa Castro, to reinstate detailed billing statements for commercial customers moving forward. Following further discussion, no formal action was taken as this time to allow city staff and legal counsel to draft the necessary ordinance for Commission to review over the next two meetings. Fire Chief, Mike Shockey, presents a request for the annual purchase ofthree sets ofbunker gear. He explains the department's gear replacement cycle, which ensures compliance with the requirement that each firefighter maintain both an active and reserve set, and that all gear be replaced every 10 years. A motion was made by Commissioner Gillespie, seconded by Commissioner Blacksher, and passed unanimously to approve the purchase of three sets ofbunker gear, as presented. Police Lieutenant, Tommy Gonzales, presents a request to replace 12 outdated in-car tablets currently operating on Windows 10, which will no longer be supported after October of this year. He emphasizes the need to maintain regulatory compliance and explains that the department solicited quotes from multiple vendors. The preferred vendor, Brite, while higher in price, agreed to lower their bid and has history of working effectively with the department in the past. Lt. Gonzales noted the purchase was no previously budgeted but could be covered through reallocation ofexisting funds. When asked about delivery, he confirms that the tablets would arrive in July if purchased today. A motion was made by Commissioner Brooks, seconded by Commissioner Blacksher, and passed unanimously to approve the purchase of 12 in-car tablets from Brite in the amount of$35,987.24. Police Lieutenant, Joe Morales, informs the Commission that a 2019 Chevy Tahoe patrol unit requires a remanufactured engine. The City's warehouse is unable to perform, the work, and local dealers were unable to assist. The lowest quote with a warranty was received from Christian Brothers Automotive. Commissioner Brooks mentions that Pack's Garage has expressed interest in performing the work at a lower cost, The Commission emphasizes the importance of following proper bid procedures and ensuring local vendors are given the opportunity to compete. A motion was made by Commissioner Blacksher, seconded by Mayor Pro-Tem Willis, and passed by 4/1 majority vote to approve the purchase of the remanufactured engine in the amount of$11,903.23, as presented. Dumas Economic Development Corporation Executive Director, Brandon Cox, presents Resolution No. 25-04 - 2025 Summer Dumas EDC Community Grants. He breaks down the four awarded grants: Freedom Center in the amount of $10,000.00 for renovation of transitioning housing apartments, Dumas Cross Country Booster Club in the amount of$1,000.00 for updating various equipment, Moore County Health Foundation in the amount of $10,000.00 for dialysis/nephrology project, and Cities for Kids in the amount of $1,000.00 for kid's camp supplies. He lets the Commission knowt that the DEDC: Board has already considered and approved these grant awards and is now seeking the Commission's consideration and approval for them. A motion was made by Mayor Pro-Tem Willis, seconded by Commissioner Gillespie, and passed unanimously to approve Resolution No. 25-04 - 2025 Summer Dumas EDC Community Grants, as presented. Dumas Economic Development Corporation Executive Director, Brandon Cox, presents a request for a mobile food truck variance in order to open up a food truck park on 7th and Porter. He explains their decorating plans, and he lets them know there will be about seven to eight food truck hook-ups, as well as the potential for an occasional farmer's market.. He explains all ofthe permitting process would remain the same, however, they are needing the variance since the current ordinance doesn't allow food trucks in this immediate area. A motion was made by Commissioner Brooks, seconded by Commissioner Blacksher, and passed unanimously to approve the mobile food truck variance on 7th and Porter, as presented. Finance Director, Shannon Wallace, breaks down the budget calendar to the Commission. She lets them know that she has it scheduled for the department heads to be present at the July 1st Commission meeting to present their budget requests during a regularly scheduled meeting. She goes on to say that she has the DEDC and Art Center/Museum scheduled on the July 15th Commission meeting and the Chamber/Downtown Association scheduled on the August 5th Commission meeting. She questions the Commission if they are wanting to do the budget presentations during a regular session or if they would like to schedule special sessions for them instead. Commissioner Brooks expresses concerns about stringing the sessions out through August, SO he would like to see them all completed by the July 15th Commission meeting. The Commission agreed on this schedule and no vote was necessary to move on, During items from City Employees, Brandon Cox commends the Parks Department for completely cleaning up the front entrance on the south end of town. Mayor Sims commends city staff for their involvement During the City Manager report, Mr. Hall concurs with Mr. Cox's and Mayor Sims' statements. During Items from Commissioners, Mayor Sims gives an update on the water project, stating they have tested all three test holes south of town and the water production rates look promising. He goes on to say there is a project within the water project they will be putting out for bid soon. The Commissioners signed all checks previously approved. There being no further business on the agenda, the meeting was adjourned by Mayor Sims. Meeting adjourned. Lat - din Pat Sims, Mayor ATTEST: Mark Hall/C City Manager