>> HERE TODAY. IT'S A REGULAR MEETING CALLED NOVEMBER 18TH.
[1. Call to Order ]
[00:00:04]
IT'S 3:01. WE'LL OFFICIALLY CALL OURSELVES INTO SESSION INTO ORDER.WE'VE GOT A FEW THINGS THAT WE'RE GOING TO WORK THROUGH.
WE'VE GOT SOME PROCLAMATIONS AND SOME PROCEDURES.
BUT I DO WANT TO ADVISE EVERYONE.
WE HAVE A SIGNIFICANT SHOW HERE FROM OUR TOW TRUCK AGENCY.
IF ANYBODY HAS PARKED ILLEGALLY DOWNSTAIRS, PLEASE GO MOVE YOUR VEHICLE OR ELSE THEY'RE GOING TO START TOWING THEM.
WE ALREADY TOWED DAVID PRESCOTT'S VEHICLE, BUT THAT WAS UPON REQUEST. MR. CANTU.
IF YOU GUYS WOULD, BEING CALLED TO ORDER, WE ALWAYS LOVE TO START WITH AN INVOCATION AND A PRAYER, WOULD YOU PLEASE RISE FOR THE INVOCATION BY JOE DWYER, AND THEN REMAIN STANDING FOR THE PLEDGES.
>> PLEASE BOW YOUR HEADS WITH ME.
HEAVENLY FATHER, WE COME TO YOU IN THE NAME OF JESUS AND BY THE BLOOD OF CHRIST.
LORD WE COME BOWLER THROW A GRACE, FAVOR AND MERCY THIS AFTERNOON.
LORD WE COME COLLECTIVELY, AND LORD WE COME IN ONE ACCORD, FIRST OF ALL, TO MAGNIFY YOUR NAME, TO GLORIFY YOUR NAME, TO SHOW YOU HONOR AND REVERENCE IN EVERY DISCUSSION AND DECISION THAT IS MADE HERE IN THIS PLACE TODAY.
LORD, I THANK YOU FOR OUR MAYOR AND EACH AND EVERY COUNCIL MEMBER.
LORD, LET YOUR ANGELS BE ENCAMPED AROUND EACH AND EVERY ONE OF THEM DAY AND NIGHT.
LORD, I THANK YOU THAT THE FRUIT OF YOUR SPIRIT PERMEATES THIS ROOM AS DISCUSSIONS GO ON AND DECISIONS ARE MADE.
LORD, I JUST THANK YOU THAT THE DISCUSSIONS THAT ARE HAD TODAY, THE DECISIONS THAT ARE MADE.
LORD, I THANK YOU THAT IT JUST CONTINUES TO HIGHLIGHT AMARILLO.
LORD, I THANK YOU THAT AMARILLO IS A LIGHT ON THE HILL, AND LET US BE AN EXAMPLE FOR EACH AND EVERY OTHER CITY IN THIS STATE TO FOLLOW.
LORD, I THANK YOU FOR OUR GREAT MAYOR, OUR GREAT COUNCIL MEMBERS, AND LORD, I JUST THANK YOU THAT THEY CONTINUE TO BE LED BY YOUR GREAT AND WONDERFUL HOLY SPIRIT IN JESUS AME, WE PRAY. AMEN.
IF YOU GUYS WOULD JOINED ME IN THE PLEDGE, PLEDGE] THANK YOU SO MUCH.
[5. Proclamations and Recognition ]
WE HAVE SEVERAL PROCLAMATIONS AND RECOGNITIONS THAT WE'RE GOING TO DO.IF YOU GUYS WILL MEET ME DOWNSTAIRS, WE'RE GOING TO GO IN THIS ORDER.
WE HAVE NATIONAL ADOPTION DAY.
MISS KELSEY NINE ASKED YOU'RE UP FIRST, ST. FRANCIS MINISTRIES, PHENOMENAL PEOPLE OVER THERE DOING GREAT WORK.
WE'LL THEN DO NATIONAL CAREGIVER MONTH.
CHIEF BURNS IS HERE FOR THE APD AND THEN WE'LL DO DONNIE HOOPER LAST ON THE SAFETY RECOGNITIONS.
>> AS WE MAKE THIS PROCLAMATION ON NATIONAL ADOPTION DAY, IT'S A LITTLE BIT MORE MEANINGFUL FOR ME BECAUSE I DID GROW UP IN FOSTER CARE AND WAS ADOPTED AT A LATER AGE.
IT'S A DAY THAT I CELEBRATE EVERY YEAR, AS WELL AS THE MONTH AS WE LOOK AT IT.
WHEREAS NATIONAL ADOPTION DAY IS OBSERVED EACH YEAR ACROSS THE UNITED STATES TO RAISE AWARENESS OF THE CRITICAL NEED FOR ADOPTIVE FAMILIES AND TO CELEBRATE THE LIVES FOREVER CHANGED BY THE GIFT OF ADOPTION.
WHEREAS MORE THAN 100,000 CHILDREN IN FOSTER CARE NATIONWIDE ARE AWAITING ADOPTION, WITH MANY OF THESE CHILDREN HAVING SPENT YEARS IN FOSTER CARE, WAITING FOR A PERMANENT LOVING FAMILY.
WERE AS TODAY IN AMARILLO, WE JOYFULLY CELEBRATE THE ADOPTION OF 13 CHILDREN INTO THEIR FOREVER FAMILIES, AN OCCASION THAT REFLECTS HOPE, HEALING, AND THE START OF NEW BEGINNINGS, AND WHEREAS WE HONOR ALL ADOPTIVE FAMILIES, KINSHIP FAMILIES, AND FOSTER FAMILIES WHO SELFLESSLY OPEN THEIR HOMES AND HEARTS TO CHILDREN IN NEED, OFFERING STABILITY, COMPASSION, AND LOVE.
WHEREAS WE ALSO RECOGNIZE THE DEDICATED PROFESSIONALS, CASEWORKERS, ATTORNEYS, JUDGES, ADVOCATES, AND VOLUNTEERS, WHO WORK TIRELESSLY TO GUIDE CHILDREN AND FAMILIES THROUGH THE ADOPTION PROCESS, ENSURING EVERY CHILD'S BEST INTEREST IS PROTECTED, AND WHEREAS NATIONAL ADOPTION DAY SERVES AS AN OPPORTUNITY FOR THE AMARILLO COMMUNITY TO CELEBRATE FAMILIES WHO GROW THROUGH ADOPTION AND TO RENEW OUR COMMITMENT TO ENSURING THAT EVERY CHILD HAS THE CHANCE TO BELONG TO A PERMANENT SUPPORTIVE FAMILY.
NOW, THEREFORE, WE, MAYOR AND CITY COUNCIL MEMBERS OF THE CITY OF AMARILLO, TEXAS, DO HEREBY PROCLAIM NOVEMBER 22ND, 2025, AS NATIONAL ADOPTION DAY,
[00:05:01]
AND ENCOURAGE RESIDENTS, COMMUNITY ORGANIZATIONS, FAITH PARTNERS, AND LOCAL AGENCIES TO JOIN IN CELEBRATING ADOPTIVE FAMILIES, SUPPORTING CHILDREN, AWAITING PERMANENCY, AND PROMOTING AWARENESS OF THE LIFE CHANGING GIFT OF ADOPTION.>> HI, EVERYONE. FIRST OF ALL, THANK YOU TO AMARILLO CITY FOR DOING THIS PROCLAMATION.
NATIONAL ADOPTION DAY IS ONE OF MY FAVORITE DAYS OF THE YEAR.
THIS YEAR, WE HAVE 13 KIDS BEING ADOPTED.
THIS YEAR'S EXTRA SPECIAL TO ME BECAUSE WE EVEN HAVE A 16-YEAR-OLD BEING ADOPTED.
IF ANYONE IS INTERESTED IN ADOPTION, PLEASE LOOK US UP BECAUSE THERE'S ALWAYS KIDS WHO NEED A FOREVER HOME. THANK YOU.
>> PROCLAMATION FROM THE CITY OF AMARILLO, TEXAS, WHEREAS DURING NATIONAL FAMILY CAREGIVERS MONTH, WE HONOR AND RECOGNIZE THE MILLIONS OF FAMILY CAREGIVERS ACROSS THE COUNTRY WHO SELFLESSLY DEDICATE THEIR TIME, ENERGY, AND RESOURCES TO CARE FOR LOVED ONES WHO ARE AGING, CHRONICALLY ILL OR LIVING WITH DISABILITIES, AND WHEREAS MORE THAN 53 MILLION AMERICANS PROVIDE UNPAID CARE TO LOVED ONES LIVING WITH ILLNESS, DISABILITY, OR AGE RELATED NEEDS, DELIVERING OVER 90% OF LONG TERM CARE IN THE UNITED STATES AND SAVING BILLIONS IN HEALTH CARE COSTS.
WHEREAS FAMILY CAREGIVERS IN THE AMARILLO COMMUNITY EXEMPLIFY COMPASSION, COMMITMENT, AND RESILIENCY AS THEY SUPPORT PARENTS, SPOUSES, CHILDREN, VETERANS, FRIENDS, AND NEIGHBORS, OFTEN WHILE BALANCING EMOTIONAL, PHYSICAL, AND FINANCIAL CHALLENGES, AND WHEREAS CAREGIVERS FACE IMMENSE CHALLENGES, OFTEN BALANCING THEIR CAREGIVING DUTIES WITH WORK, FAMILY RESPONSIBILITIES AND PERSONAL NEEDS AND DESERVE GREATER RECOGNITION, RESPECT, AND ACCESS TO SUPPORT SERVICES TO HELP THEM THRIVE IN THEIR ROLES.
WHEREAS NATIONAL FAMILY CAREGIVERS MONTH OBSERVED EACH NOVEMBER SINCE 1994, AND RECOGNIZED BY PRESIDENTIAL PROCLAMATION SINCE 1997, SERVES AS A TIME TO HONOR THE VITAL CONTRIBUTIONS OF CAREGIVERS AND TO RAISE AWARENESS OF THE SUPPORT THEY NEED AND DESERVE.
NOW, THEREFORE, THE MAYOR AND CITY COUNCIL MEMBERS OF THE CITY OF AMARILLO DO HEREBY PROCLAIM THE MONTH OF NOVEMBER 2025 AS NATIONAL FAMILY CAREGIVERS MONTH.
IN AMARILLO, AND URGE ALL RESIDENTS TO RECOGNIZE THESE DEDICATED CAREGIVERS AND CONNECT THEM WITH LOCAL SUPPORT NETWORKS, PROGRAMS, AND COMMUNITY RESOURCES THAT STRENGTHEN AND SUSTAIN THEM IN THEIR ESSENTIAL ROLES.
I THINK YOU PRETTY MUCH COVERED THE MAJORITY OF THAT.
AT LAST ESTIMATION, THERE IS APPROXIMATELY 50,000 FAMILY CAREGIVERS IN THE PANHANDLE OF TEXAS.
ON THURSDAY, WE'RE HAVING OUR 19TH ANNUAL CAREGIVER APPRECIATION SEMINAR WHERE WE'RE BRINGING IN A LADY FROM FORT WORTH.
SHE'S GOING TO TALK WITH OUR CAREGIVERS TO GIVE THEM THAT SUPPORT AND LET THEM KNOW THAT THEY ARE NOT ALONE.
MANY OF OUR CAREGIVERS HAVE TO STEP OUT OF THAT ROLE OR STEP OUT OF THE LIMLIGHT, OR STEP OUT OF THEIR CAREERS TO TAKE CARE OF LOVED ONES AND OFTEN FEEL THAT THEY'RE TOTALLY ALONE IN THAT CAPACITY.
WE'RE GOING TO TRY TO FLIP THAT SCRIPT THIS WEEK AND LET THEM KNOW THAT THEY HAVE CARE PARTNERS AND INTRODUCE THEM TO NEW RESOURCES AND NEW NETWORKS SO THAT THEY DON'T HAVE TO FEEL THAT THEY'RE IN THIS FIGHT ALONE.
AND ALLOW THEM TO AT LEAST HAVE A LITTLE BREAK HERE AND THERE.
WE APPRECIATE ALL OF YOU, AND WE HOPE THAT THIS WILL BE JUST A NICE LITTLE WAY TO GIVE THEM A REPRIEVE FROM THEIR DAILY DUTIES. SO THANK YOU. [APPLAUSE]
[00:10:20]
[NOISE] ONE, TWO, THREE. [NOISE] THANK YOU.>> WE HAVE CHIEF BURNS UP HERE.
HE'S GOING TO DO THIS PRESENTATION ON BEHALF OF OUR AMARILLO POLICE DEPARTMENT RE ACCREDITATION.
>> MAYOR, COUNCIL MEMBERS AND CITIZENS OF MAMO GOOD AFTERNOON.
I CURRENTLY SERVE AS A REGION TWO DIRECTOR FOR THE TEXAS POLICE CHIEFS ASSOCIATION.
TODAY, I HAVE THE HONOR OF REPRESENTING THE TEXAS POLICE CHIEFS ASSOCIATION, AS WELL AS THE TEXAS LAW ENFORCEMENT ACCREDITATION AGENCY.
TEXAS POLICE CHIEFS ASSOCIATION IS COMPRISED OF HUNDREDS OF POLICE CHIEFS AND COMMAND STAFF ACROSS OUR GATE STATE.
LEADERS COMMITTED TO ADVANCING PROFESSIONALISM AND LAW ENFORCEMENT.
IT IS MY PRIVILEGE TO BE HERE THIS AFTERNOON TO PRESENT THE AMARILLO POLICE DEPARTMENT WITH A CERTIFICATE OF RE ACCREDITATION FROM THE TPCA.
YEARS AGO, THE ASSOCIATION CREATED THE ACCREDITATION PROGRAM TO PROVIDE A FRAMEWORK FOR PROFESSIONAL EXCELLENCE IN TEXAS LAW ENFORCEMENT.
YOU MAY BE FAMILIAR WITH ACCREDITATION PROGRAMS, SCHOOLS, AND HOSPITALS, AND UNIVERSITIES.
EACH REQUIRING PROOF OF ADHERENCE TO RIGOROUS STANDARDS.
THE TEXAS LAW ENFORCEMENT ACCREDITATION PROGRAM IS ENTIRELY VOLUNTARY, YET IT DEMANDS A HIGH LEVEL OF ACCOUNTABILITY.
AGENCIES MUST DEMONSTRATE COMPLIANCE WITH 173 STANDARDS.
ROOTED IN TEXAS LAW, COURT RULINGS, AND MODERN BEST PRACTICES.
THESE STANDARDS COVER THE FULL SCOPE OF POLICE OPERATIONS, INCLUDING USE OF FORCE, PROTECTION OF INDIVIDUAL RIGHTS, VEHICLE PURSUITS, PROPERTY AND EVIDENCE MANAGEMENT, PATROL AND INVESTIGATIVE PROCEDURES, AND PROPER TRAINING, AMONG OTHER THINGS.
THIS PROGRAM HAS BECOME THE GOLD STANDARD FOR PROFESSIONAL POLICING IN TEXAS.
AGENCIES ACROSS THE STATE ARE WORKING TIRELESSLY TO MEET AND MAINTAIN THESE STANDARDS.
THE AMARILLO POLICE DEPARTMENT FIRST RECEIVED ACCREDITED STATUS IN 2009, 16 YEARS AGO, BECOMING THE 14TH AGENCY IN THE STATE TO DO SO.
TONIGHT, WE PROUDLY ANNOUNCED THAT DEPARTMENT HAS ACHIEVED RE ACCREDITATION, AN ACCOMPLISHMENT THAT IS FAR FROM EASY.
TURN THIS DISTINCTION, AMARILLO PD INITIALLY DEDICATED MORE THAN A YEAR TO AUDITING AND REVISING THEIR POLICIES, PROCEDURES, AND PRACTICES.
SINCE THEN, THEY HAVE SUBMITTED ANNUAL COMPLIANCE REPORTS AND MAINTAINED ONGOING ADHERENCE TO THE STANDARDS.
EVERY FOUR YEARS, THE DEPARTMENT UNDERGOES A RIGOROUS ONSITE ASSESSMENT CONDUCTED BY TRAINED LAW ENFORCEMENT ASSESSORS FROM OUTSIDE THE AGENCY.
THESE ASSESSORS INSPECT THE FACILITIES, REVIEW PROCEDURES, RIGHT ALONG WITH OFFICERS AND CONDUCT STAFF INTERVIEWS, ALL TO VERIFY COMPLIANCE.
THE ASSESSMENT FINDINGS ARE THEN REVIEWED BY THE TPCA ACCREDITATION COMMITTEE, A PANEL OF NINE CHIEFS AND SHERIFFS FROM ACROSS THE STATE.
FOLLOWING THEIR REVIEW, THE COMMITTEE VOTED UNANIMOUSLY TO RE ACCREDIT THE AMARILLO POLICE DEPARTMENT.
TO PUT THIS ACHIEVEMENT INTO PERSPECTIVE OF THE APPROXIMATELY 2,800 LAW ENFORCEMENT AGENCIES IN THE STATE OF TEXAS.
ONLY 224 HAVE SUCCESSFULLY ACHIEVED ACCREDITATION.
THESE AGENCIES RANGE FROM DEPARTMENTS WITH JUST FOUR OFFICERS TO MAJOR METROPOLITAN DEPARTMENTS WITH OVER 1,900 OFFICERS.
REGARDLESS OF SIZE, PROFESSIONALISM IS ESSENTIAL.
OUR COMMUNITIES EXPECT IT, AND THEY DESERVE IT.
TODAY, WE PROUDLY RECOGNIZE INTERIM CHIEF JIMMY JOHNSON AND THE AMARA POLICE DEPARTMENT FOR THEIR EXEMPLARY PERFORMANCE AND CONTINUED COMMITMENT TO PROFESSIONALISM.
WHAT DOES THIS MEAN FOR THE CITY? IT MEANS YOUR POLICE DEPARTMENT IS NOT ONLY MEETING, BUT EXCEEDING THE CURRENT BEST PRACTICES IN TEXAS LAW ENFORCEMENT.
IT ASSURES CITY LEADERSHIP AND EVERY RESIDENT THAT YOUR DEPARTMENT OPERATES WITH TRANSPARENCY, ACCOUNTABILITY, AND EXCELLENCE.
IT CONFIRMS THAT THE AMARILLO POLICE DEPARTMENT IS AMONG THE VERY BEST IN TEXAS.
THE CERTIFICATE I PRESENT TODAY IS SYMBOLIC.
WHILE IT REPRESENTS PROFESSIONAL EXCELLENCE, ITS TRUE VALUE LIES IN THE PROCESS.
THE DEDICATION, THE DISCIPLINE, AND THE COMMITMENT REQUIRED TO ACHIEVE IT.
THE DEPARTMENT WILL CONTINUE TO SUBMIT ANNUAL REPORTS AND IN FOUR YEARS, UNDERGO ANOTHER COMPREHENSIVE ON SITE EVALUATION TO MAINTAIN THE DISTINGUISHED STATUS.
AMARILLO POLICE DEPARTMENT IS TRULY A LEADER IN TEXAS LAW ENFORCEMENT, AND YOUR COMMUNITY SHOULD BE INCREDIBLY PROUD.
CHIEF JOHNSON, WILL YOU AND YOUR TEAM JOIN ME? CONGRATULATIONS.
[00:15:07]
>> ON BEHALF OF THE MEN AND WOMEN OF THE AMARILLO POLICE DEPARTMENT.
I WANT TO EXPRESS OUR SINCERE GRATITUDE FOR THIS RECOGNITION.
RE-ACCREDITATION IS MORE THAN JUST A CERTIFICATE AND A FRAME.
IT REFLECTS OUR ONGOING COMMITMENT TO EXCELLENCE, ACCOUNTABILITY, AND SERVICE TO THE PEOPLE OF AMARILLO.
THIS ACCOMPLISHMENT BELONGS TO EVERY MEMBER OF OUR DEPARTMENT.
EACH OF THEM WORKED TIRELESSLY TO UPHOLD THE HIGHEST STANDARDS OF PROFESSIONALISM AND INTEGRITY, AND THIS RECOGNITION IS A DIRECT RESULT OF THEIR DEDICATION.
I WANT TO PERSONALLY THANK EVERYONE WITHIN OUR AGENCY, SWORN, AND PROFESSIONAL STAFF, SOME OF WHICH ARE HERE WITH ME TODAY, FOR YOUR ROLE IN HELPING THE DEPARTMENT ACHIEVE RE-ACCREDITATION THROUGH THE TEXAS POLICE CHIEFS ASSOCIATION.
THE ACCREDITATION IS NOT A ONE TIME MILESTONE.
IT'S A CONTINUOUS PROCESS THAT REQUIRES DISCIPLINE, TEAMWORK, AND A RELENTLESS FOCUS ON DOING THINGS THE RIGHT WAY.
YOU HAVE ALL CONTRIBUTED TO MAKING THIS POSSIBLE.
I WANT TO GIVE A SPECIAL RECOGNITION TO JACK HILDEBRAND.
JACK SERVED AS OUR COMPLIANCE COORDINATOR FOR MANY YEARS, INCLUDING THROUGHOUT THIS CYCLE.
JACK'S ATTENTION TO DETAIL, EXPERTISE, AND COMMITMENT WERE VITAL IN GUIDING US THROUGH A DEMANDING PROCESS.
SINCE HIS RETIREMENT, IT'S ACTUALLY A SECOND RETIREMENT FROM THE POLICE DEPARTMENT, WE'VE PULLED HIM BACK FOR THIS ACCREDITATION PROCESS.
SINCE HIS RETIREMENT, HALLEY MCGEE, YOU STEP FORWARD, HAS STEPPED INTO THE ROLE WITH ENERGY AND PRECISION, AND I'M CONFIDENT SHE WILL CONTINUE TO UPHOLD THE HIGH STANDARDS THAT JACK HAS HELPED BUILD.
I WANT TO THANK OUR MAYOR, OUR CITY COUNCIL, AND OUR CITY LEADERSHIP FOR THEIR CONTINUED SUPPORT OF PUBLIC SAFETY.
THEIR COMMITMENT IS TO ENSURING WE HAVE THE RESOURCES, TRAINING, AND TRUST NEEDED TO DO OUR JOBS EFFECTIVELY HAVE BEEN ESSENTIAL TO OUR SUCCESS, AND FINALLY, I WANT TO RECOGNIZE THAT THIS ACCREDITATION IS NOT JUST OURS.
IT BELONGS TO OUR COMMUNITY AS WELL, BECAUSE EVERYTHING WE DO IS ROOTED IN A RESPONSIBILITY TO PROTECT AND SERVE WITH HONOR.
WE ARE GRATEFUL FOR THE TRUST, SUPPORT, AND PARTNERSHIP WE RECEIVE FROM THIS COMMUNITY, AND IT MEANS MORE TO US THAN WE CAN EVER FULLY EXPRESS.
THE AMARILLO POLICE DEPARTMENT IS PROUD TO BE AMONG THE SELECT DEPARTMENTS IN TEXAS TO HOLD THIS DISTINCTION, AND WE REMAIN DEDICATED TO EARNING YOUR TRUST EVERY SINGLE DAY.
THIS RENEWAL OF OUR ACCREDITATION REAFFIRMS WHAT I HAVE ALREADY KNOWN THAT THE AMARILLO POLICE DEPARTMENT IS AMONG THE VERY BEST IN THE STATE OF TEXAS, AND WE WILL CONTINUE TO LEAD WITH INTEGRITY, SERVE WITH PRIDE, AND HONOR THE RESPONSIBILITY WE CARRY WITH THE COMMUNITY. THANK YOU ALL.
[APPLAUSE][BACKGROUND] [APPLAUSE]
>> I'D LIKE TO INVITE THOSE UP FROM UTILITIES THAT ARE GOING TO BE RECOGNIZED TODAY TO COME UP HERE TO THE FRONT.
WHAT WE'RE TALKING ABOUT TODAY IS WE'RE RECOGNIZING THIS DEPARTMENT.
[00:20:03]
I SAY THIS IS JUST A PORTION OF THE UTILITIES DEPARTMENT.THESE 16 THAT ARE HERE TODAY REPRESENT ABOUT 250 THAT ARE IN THE UTILITIES DEPARTMENT THAT REACHED A MAJOR MILESTONE AS FAR AS SAFETY IS CONCERNED.
WE ALSO HAVE SOMEONE FROM RISK MANAGEMENT AS WELL THAT WORKED ALONGSIDE THEM TO REACH THEIR GOALS THIS YEAR.
BUT OVER THE LAST FISCAL YEAR, PROUD TO ANNOUNCE THAT UTILITIES CLOSED WITH A 31.7% DECREASE IN TOTAL CLAIMS AND A 25.7% DECREASE IN TOTAL INCIDENTS IN THEIR DEPARTMENT.
TO TELL YOU HOW SIGNIFICANT THAT IS IN MY ENTIRE CAREER, I'VE NEVER SEEN ANYTHING IN ANY YEAR DECREASE BY THAT MUCH RELATED TO SAFETY.
THAT'S A SIGNIFICANT EVENT, AND IF YOU THINK ABOUT WHAT THEY WORK AROUND, HIGH PRESSURE SYSTEMS, CONFINED SPACES, HEAVY EQUIPMENT, UNPREDICTABLE CONDITIONS, THEY WORK AROUND CHLORINE GAS, HIGH VOLTAGE SYSTEMS, INFECTIOUS MATERIALS, EXTREME WEATHER, AND IT BECOMES REALLY CLEAR THAT IT'S ONE OF THE MOST DEMANDING AND PROBABLY ONE OF THE MOST CRITICAL DEPARTMENTS WHEN IT COMES TO SAFETY ACROSS THE CITY OF AMARILLO.
BEYOND THE OUTSTANDING SAFETY RECORD, THAT ACCOMPLISHMENT ALSO HAVE SIGNIFICANT FINANCIAL IMPACT FOR US HERE AND FOR THE CITIZENS OF AMARILLO BECAUSE DEPENDING ON THE COST OF EACH CLAIM, AND WE KNOW THAT THEY ALL VARY, DEPENDING ON THE SERIOUSNESS OF THOSE CLAIMS, WE CAN SAY WITH CONFIDENCE THAT THERE'S A SIGNIFICANT SAVINGS IN OUR BUDGET, THANKS TO WHAT YOU AND YOUR DEPARTMENTS HAVE DONE.
THE RESULTS ARE REALLY A REFLECTION OF A CULTURAL SHIFT THAT'S OCCURRED, AND THIS IS PART OF THAT CULTURE.
THE LEADERSHIP OF THIS DEPARTMENT IS NOT UP HERE WITH YOU TODAY, AND THAT'S BECAUSE THEY CHOSE TO.
THEY SAID, "NO, WE WANT TO SIT BACK HERE BECAUSE THIS IS REALLY THEIR RECOGNITION, NOT OURS." ALL WE DID WAS GIVE THE DIRECTION AND THE EXPECTATIONS, AND THEY FULLY IMPLEMENTED AND CARRIED IT OUT.
THE CREWS EMBRACED NEAR MISS REPORTING, TAILGATE TALKS, PEER CHECKS, SUPERVISORS MODEL, SAFETY OF WORK AND THEN THE LEADERSHIP BACKED IT UP WITH TRAINING AND ACCOUNTABILITY.
THINK IT'S AN OUTSTANDING TASK TO YOU, THE TEAM, AND TO THOSE THAT ARE WATCHING ONLINE, BECAUSE WE KNOW THAT A BUNCH OF THEM ARE TODAY.
THANK YOU FOR PROTECTING ONE ANOTHER, AND THANK YOU FOR PROTECTING OUR COMMUNITY, AND THANK YOU FOR SETTING CLEAR GOALS, MEASURING WHAT MATTERS, AND STAYING RELENTLESS IN YOUR PURSUIT FOR IMPROVEMENT.
I WOULD ASK FOR SOMEONE TO COME AND SPEAK, BUT I WOULD BET THAT I'M GOING TO GET A BUNCH OF THESE WHEN I ASKED FOR THAT.
SO I WOULD JUST INSTEAD SAY, IF WE WOULD JUST GIVE THEM ALL A GIANT ROUND OF APPLAUSE FOR WHAT THEY'VE ACCOMPLISHED. [APPLAUSE]
>> IF I CAN GET YOU GUYS A LITTLE CLOSER.
>> HEY, THANK YOU GUYS FOR EVERYBODY ALLOWING US TO DO THAT.
I WOULD LIKE TO SAY, AS THOSE MEN AND WOMEN EXIT.
THE CITY RUNS, BUT NOT BY ITSELF, AND SO THOSE BOOTS ON THE GROUND BACK THERE ARE THE ONES THAT ARE RUNNING YOUR CITY, AND SO WE GET TO TALK ABOUT OUR LOCAL HEROES QUITE A BIT.
WE THINK ABOUT POLICE AND FIRE, WE THINK ABOUT NURSES, FIRST RESPONDERS, BUT YOU ALSO NEED TO THINK ABOUT WHO'S RUNNING YOUR CITY, AND IT'S NOT THESE FIVE GENTLEMEN SITTING UP HERE BEHIND THIS DAIS IN A COMFORTABLE SEAT.
IT'S THOSE LADIES AND GENTLEMEN THAT ARE OUT THERE THAT ARE DOING THE HARD WORK DAY IN AND DAY OUT.
I HOPE YOU GUYS SEE THAT, AND I THANK YOU, MR. HOOPER, FOR THE RECOGNITION AND HOW WELL THOSE DEPARTMENTS WORK, AND THEY LOOK OUT FOR EACH OTHER.
WE'VE GOT SOME ANNOUNCEMENTS HERE THIS MORNING.
[6. Announcements ]
I WANT TO ASK, AS WE MOVE ALONG IN OUR WORKING AGENDA, MR. CITY MANAGER, DO YOU HAVE ANYTHING? WE OPTED AS A COUNCIL TO ROTATE OUR MAYOR PRO TEM EVERY SIX MONTHS.WE HAD COUNCILMAN SIMPSON AS OUR MAYOR PRO TEM FOR THE FIRST LEG.
[00:25:01]
WE'RE NOW MOVING OVER TO COUNCILMAN PRESCOTT.HE WILL BE OUR NEW MAYOR PRO TEM FOR THE REMAINDER OF THIS YEAR, AND THEN WE'LL MOVE FROM THERE GOING THAT WAY.
NOT THIS YEAR, BUT I'D SAY THIS HALF TERM, LET'S SAY IT THAT WAY, SIX MONTHS.
MAYOR PRO TEM, DO YOU HAVE ANYTHING YOU'D LIKE TO SAY?
>> WE APPRECIATE YOU SERVING IN THAT ROLE, AND LOOK FORWARD TO WORKING ALONGSIDE OF YOU.
WE REALLY HAVE A STRONG COUNCIL THAT WORKS HARD FOR YOU GUYS, AND THERE'S A LOT THAT'S GOING TO BE ACCOMPLISHED OVER THESE NEXT MONTHS, SO STAY TUNED.
ONE OF OUR FAVORITE PARTS OF THE MEETING IS PUBLIC COMMENT.
I DO WANT TO JUST GIVE SOME REITERATIONS.
PUBLIC COMMENT, ONCE AGAIN, IF YOU DON'T MIND, IT SHOWS A GREAT DEAL OF RESPECT WHEN YOU LIMIT YOURSELF TO YOUR THREE MINUTES.
EVERYBODY ELSE HAS LIMITED THEIR SELF AS WELL.
WE'D ASK YOU TO MAINTAIN YOUR COMMENTS TO THREE MINUTES.
IF YOU HAVE SOMETHING THAT YOU NEED SPECIFIC, WE DO ANSWER PHONE CALLS, TEXT MESSAGES, AND EMAILS, OF COURSE.
FEEL FREE TO REACH OUT TO ANY OF US.
IF WE CAN DIRECT YOU AFTER YOUR PUBLIC COMMENT TO THE STAFF, THEY CAN STEP OFF TO THE SIDE WITH YOU.
WE WOULD ASK THAT THIS IS YOUR OPPORTUNITY TO SPEAK TO THIS COUNCIL, IF YOU'LL FACE FRONT, NOT NECESSARILY ADDRESSING YOUR CONSTITUENTS IN THE AUDIENCE, AND THEN, IF YOU HAVE ANY PAPERWORK OR ANYTHING YOU'D LIKE TO GIVE TO US.
WE HAVE OFFICER JENKINS RIGHT OVER HERE.
YOU'LL HAND THAT PAPERWORK TO HIM.
HE'LL HAND IT OUT. MISS CITY SECRETARY, DO YOU MIND READING US INTO PUBLIC COMMENT?
[7. Public Comment ]
THANK YOU FOR PARTICIPATING IN TODAY'S CITY COUNCIL MEETING.
YOUR INPUT AND YOUR OPINIONS ARE IMPORTANT TO US, AND WE'RE GLAD THAT YOU'RE HERE TO SHARE THEM TODAY.
AT EACH POSTED MEETING, WE INVITE OUR FELLOW COMMUNITY MEMBERS TO ADDRESS CITY COUNCIL REGARDING POSTED AGENDA ITEMS OR TOPICS RELATED TO CITY POLICY.
DURING PUBLIC COMMENT TODAY, EACH SPEAKER WILL HAVE THREE MINUTES TO ADDRESS THE COUNCIL.
AT THE END OF 2.5 MINUTES, A WARNING BEEP OR SOUND TO ALERT YOU THAT YOU HAVE 30 SECONDS LEFT TO WRAP UP YOUR THOUGHTS.
WHEN YOU COME TO THE MICROPHONE TODAY, PLEASE STATE YOUR NAME AND WHETHER OR NOT YOU LIVE IN AMARILLO CITY LIMITS.
IF YOU ARE ADDRESSING COUNSEL ON AN AGENDA ITEM TODAY, PLEASE STATE YOUR POSITION, SO WE MAY REFLECT IT PROPERLY IN THE MINUTES.
IF YOU ARE SPEAKING TO AN ITEM NOT ON TODAY'S AGENDA, THE TEXAS OPEN MEETINGS ACT LIMITS HOW ELECTED OFFICIALS MAY RESPOND.
COUNSEL MAY RESPOND WITH STATEMENTS OF FACT.
THEY MAY ASK THAT THE TOPIC BE ADDED TO A FUTURE AGENDA, OR THEY MAY REFER THE MATTER TO THE CITY MANAGER WHO CAN HAVE STAFF STEP OUT AND VISIT WITH YOU REGARDING YOUR TOPIC.
WE'LL BE UTILIZING BOTH PODIUMS FOR PUBLIC COMMENT TODAY.
WHEN YOU ARE CALLED AS NEXT TO SPEAK, PLEASE MAKE YOUR WAY TO THE UNUSED PODIUM TO WAIT YOUR TURN.
ONCE ALL REGISTERED SPEAKERS HAVE ADDRESSED CITY COUNCIL, THE MAYOR MAY AT HIS DISCRETION, CALL FOR SPEAKERS THAT DID NOT SIGN UP.
AT THAT TIME, ANYONE WISHING TO SPEAK SHOULD FORM A SINGLE LINE IN THE MIDDLE AISLE AND TAKE THE NEXT AVAILABLE PODIUM AS ONE BECOMES AVAILABLE.
AS A REMINDER, YOU ARE HERE TODAY TO ADDRESS THE AMARILLO CITY COUNCIL, NOT THE AUDIENCE.
AS SUCH, WE ASK THAT YOU PLEASE ENSURE YOUR FOCUS OF ALL COMMENTS TO YOUR ELECTED OFFICIALS.
AGAIN, THANK YOU FOR BEING HERE TODAY.
OUR FIRST PUBLIC COMMENTER WILL BE BOB G. YARDMAN CHILI, AND AFTER BOB G, JAIDEN GITCHELL, MAY MOVE TO THE OTHER PODIUM.
>> MY NAME IS BOB G. YARDMAN CHILI.
I CAME TO THIS COUNTRY 55 YEARS BACK, AND I HAVE SEEN ALL THESE YEARS HOW MUCH TRASH AND BUILD UP, OVER THE YEARS.
PEOPLE USED TO GIVE BROWN BAGS WHEN WE FIRST CAME HERE.
NOW WE HAVE SO MANY PLASTIC BAGS AND IT'S FLYING EVERYWHERE LIKE BALLOONS, AND IT TAKES A LOT OF CLEANUP IN THE CITY TO MAINTAIN WELL.
I NEED A LOT OF LEADERS IN THIS TOWN.
I WANT EVERY ONE OF THE LEAD TO SET UP A GROUP AND START CLEANING UP THE CITY.
YOU CANNOT HAVE WITH A FEW PEOPLE RUNNING AROUND AND THEN THE CLEANING UP.
THIS IS NOT GOING TO WORK. WE HAVE SO MUCH TRASH EVERYWHERE, AND WIND IS NOT HELPING AT ALL.
THIS IS THE WINDIEST CITY IN THE AMARILLO, AND WE HAVE TRASHIEST CITY IN THE AMARILLO I SEE EVERYWHERE THERE ARE SOME GOOD NEIGHBORHOODS, SOME BAD NEIGHBORHOODS.
I WANT EVERYBODY TO PARTICIPATE IN CLEANUPS, NOT JUST ME ALONE.
[00:30:01]
I'VE BEEN OUT THERE CLEANING UP EVERY DAY, 2.5 HOURS.EVERY DAY, AND HE'S A GENTLEMAN, YOU KNOW, HE HELPED ME A LOT, AND HE'LL TALK ABOUT THE CREEK.
I NEED A LOT OF HELP, EVERYBODY SET UP A GROUP AND START LEADING. PEOPLE LIKE THAT.
I JUST WANT TO WANT TO POST ON FACEBOOK AND I WANT TO POST YOUR CLEANUP EFFORTS.
THAT'S WHAT I WANT TO SEE BECAUSE EVERYBODY HAS TO PARTICIPATE IN THE CITY.
IF YOU SEE SOMETHING, YOU STOP AND GO AND THEN PICK UP SOMETHING.
DON'T WAIT UNTIL NEXT DAY, EVERY DAY IS A CLEAN UP DAY. IT HAS TO BE LIKE THAT.
THEN WE CAN SOLVE THAT PROBLEM.
OTHERWISE THE WIND IS GOING TO TAKE SOMEPLACE ELSE.
ALSO, I'M CONCENTRATING ON THE TEXAS PANHANDLE. I HAVE DONE IT BEFORE.
I COMMUNICATED ALL THE 61 SCHOOL DISTRICTS IN PANHANDLE AND ALSO THAT MANY MAYORS.
I USED TO SEND FLYERS AND THEN, TELL THEM, HEY, YOU TAKE CARE OF YOUR OWN NEIGHBORHOODS.
I MEAN, THAT'S WHAT I USED TO DO.
I NEED HELP, I WANT TO DO SOME FUND RAISING IN THE FUTURE.
I NEED YOUR HELP TO DO THAT, WE NEED A LOT OF HELP. THANK YOU VERY MUCH.
>> IF WE COULD GET ALI VADENYA TO COME UP TO THE OTHER PODIUM, AND JAIDEN, YOU MAY BEGIN YOUR COMMENTS.
>> GREETINGS, COUNSEL. I'M HERE WITH BOB G TO REPRESENT.
>> YEAH. WE'VE BEEN DOWN AT PLUM CREEK, WHICH IS JUST RIGHT THERE, WE'VE GOT WALMART AND THEN TASCOSA ROAD.
WE'VE BEEN SPENDING, AT LEAST THREE HOURS A DAY JUST GOING OUT THERE AND MOVING AS MUCH TRASH AS WE CAN.
WE NEED AS MUCH HELP AS WE CAN JUST ACROSS THE CITY TO BOTH GET THE WORD OUT AND TRY TO GET VOLUNTEERS TO HELP US BECAUSE IT REALLY IS JUST ME, HIM AND SOMEBODY ELSE.
WE CAN'T JUST DO IT OURSELVES, WE NEED TO COORDINATE WITH SCHOOLS, CHURCHES HERE TO TRY TO GET THE WORD OUT AND COMMUNICATE THAT.
WE ARE TRYING TO TAKE CARE OF THIS PROBLEM THAT WE HAVE.
IT'S TO PROTECT LIFE, TO PROTECT EVERYBODY AND EVERYTHING.
I PERSONALLY MET HIM JUST ON NOVEMBER 1, I REALLY WISH I MET HIM SOONER.
BUT PERSONALLY, I'VE SPENT A LOT OF TIME JUST DOWN AT METI PARK AND JOHN WARD, REMOVING AS MUCH TRASH AS I CAN FROM THERE.
I NOTICE A SERIOUS PROBLEM WITH UNCOVERED TRASH, I WOULD SAY, ACROSS CITY PARKS HERE.
I SEE THAT, THEY CONSTANTLY OVERFILL.
IF THERE'S ANY WAY TO TRY TO GET INTO THE BUDGET, JUST ANYTHING TO HANDLE ANY UNCOVERED TRASH THAT WE HAVE, BECAUSE OF HOW WINDY IT IS HERE, I NOTICE THAT IS A MAJOR CONTRIBUTOR TO THE DESTRUCTION OF OUR ENVIRONMENT.
I THINK THAT ABOUT COVERS IT. THANK YOU VERY MUCH.
>> JADEN, WE APPRECIATE YOUR COMMENTS.
MR. CITY MANAGER, WOULD WE BE ABLE TO GET SOMEONE WITH BOB GE AND HIS GROUP TO IDENTIFY MAYBE THE LARGE ITEMS THAT WE VISITED EARLIER, AND SO IF WE COULD HANDLE LARGE SOLID WASTE FOR THEM WHILE THEY'RE PICKING UP THE TRASH?
>> YES SIR. I CAN HAVE DONNIE HOOPER AND HIS TEAM GET WITH BOB GE AND THEM TO DISCUSS THAT.
>> I THINK THAT'D BE A GREAT HELP. THANK YOU.
>> NEXT WILL BE DANIEL MARTINEZ, AND WHILE DANIEL MAKES HIS COMMENTS, RICKY CANTU, IF YOU'LL COME TO THE OTHER PODIUM.
>> GOOD AFTERNOON. MY NAME IS DANIEL MARTINEZ, AND I'M A RESIDENT OF AMARILLO.
EACH MAYOR AND CITY COMMISSION.
EACH OF YOU SHOULD HAVE RECEIVED A CONTRACT BOOK SUCH AS THIS.
WHERE IN FAVOR OF OPENING THE CONTRACT SO THAT ALL LICENSE OPERATORS IN THE CITY OF AMARILLO HAVE AN EQUAL CHANCE TO OPERATE AND MAKE IT MUCH SAFER FOR ALL OF OUR CITIZENS.
WHAT I CALLED TO YOUR ATTENTION THAT T MILLER INCORPORATED, LOCAL TOWING COMPANY CURRENTLY HOLDS THE CITY CONTRACT FOR VEHICLE TOWING SERVICES.
IT'S COME TO OUR ATTENTION THAT T MILLER INC HAS OPERATED IN VIOLATION OF THE STATE LAW AND RAISING SIGNIFICANT CONCERNS REGARDING THE INTEGRITY OF CITY CONTRACT AND THE PROTECTION OF THE CITIZENS' RIGHTS.
THE SPECIFIC VIOLATIONS REPORTEDLY INCLUDED WITH THE VEHICLE STORAGE FACILITY, LICENSE, FAILURE TO COMPLY AND MAINTAIN INSURANCE REQUIREMENTS.
[00:35:01]
THIS IS THE SECOND TIME THE CITY OF AMARILLO HAS BEEN INFORMED OF THESE ALLEGATIONS AND SPECIFICALLY DURING THE BID PROCESS THAT WAS ACCOMPLISHED RECENTLY AND GIVEN AWARDED TO T MILLER INCORPORATED.THESE ACTIONS NOT ONLY UNDERMINE THE PUBLIC TRUST, BUT ALSO PUT THE CITY AT THE RISK OF LEGAL AND REPUTATIONAL CONSEQUENCES.
GIVEN THAT T MILLER INC IS ENTRUSTED WITH THE CITY CONTRACT, WE RESPECTFULLY REQUEST THAT THE MAYOR'S OFFICE, CITY COMMISSION PROPERLY INVESTIGATE THESE CONCERNS, AND I URGE THE CITY TO TAKE APPROPRIATE CORRECTION ACTIONS THAT MAY INCLUDE RE-EVALUATION AND TERMINATION OF THE CONTRACT TO ENSURE THAT FUTURE AGREEMENTS AND AWARDS OF THE COMPANIES ARE STRICTLY ADHERED TO BY THE APPLICABLE LAW AND REGULATIONS.
THANK YOU FOR YOUR TIME TODAY.
I APPRECIATE THE OPPORTUNITY TO MAKE A COMMENT.
I KNOW THAT YOUR WORK IS VERY IMPORTANT.
I'VE BEEN IN YOUR POSITION, AND THE AGENDA NEVER ENDS IN TERMS OF THE NEED AND WANT.
NOTHING IS MORE PARAMOUNT THAN THE SAFETY OF OUR CITIZENS.
RECENTLY, IN A CLOSING COMMENT, I WANT TO SAY THAT IN A LOCAL FOOTBALL TEAM, AMARILLO HIGH, WAS MADE TO APPLY THE RULES OF THIS SEASON'S SEASON, WHERE THEY GAVE UP SIX OF THEIR GAMES RECENTLY.
THEY WERE HELD TO A HIGHER STANDARD BECAUSE OF THAT, AND ALL WE ASK IS THAT T MILLER WITH THE CITY OF THE AMARILLO CONTRACT, BE HELD TO THE SAME STANDARD AND THAT THEY FOLLOW THE RULES OF LAW. THANK YOU, GENTLEMEN.
>> WE WOULD INVITE ROBERT RUNQIST UP TO THE EMPTY PODIUM, AND RICKY, YOU MAY BEGIN YOUR COMMENTS.
>> GENTLEMEN, THANK YOU, RICKY CANTU.
IF I COULD TAKE YOU TO PAGE TO TAB 1 ON THIS TWO-CONTRACT BOOK.
IF YOU ALL CAN TURN TO PAGE 2, IT SHOWS THE RENEWAL TIMES OF YOUR CURRENT CONTRACTOR WITH T MILLER, WHEN THE RENEWAL DATE WAS AND WHEN IT WAS RENEWED.
ALSO, THAT'S VERY IMPORTANT IS ON THE SECOND TAB OF INSURANCE, THE HNI FORM, THE EFFECTIVE DATE, AND THAT IT HAS NO EXPIRATION.
SINCE 2019, WE BELIEVE THAT THEY DIDN'T FILE THE HNI FORM AND THE E FORM, WHICH PUT THEM OUT OF COMPLIANCE AS WELL.
IN 2022, WHEN THE CONTRACT WAS GIVEN TO T MILLER, I INFORMED THE CITY MAYOR, CHIEF, WROTE AN EMAIL LETTING THEM KNOW THAT THE CONTRACT WAS IN VIOLATION BECAUSE IT WASN'T, THEY DIDN'T THEIR STORAGE FACILITY LICENSE IN PLACE.
SENT AN EMAIL, GOT AN EMAIL BACK FROM MR. SAUER, WHO SAID, WHY DON'T YOU NOTIFY HIM AND LET HIM KNOW? SO WE DID. BUT STILL WAITED ON A RESPONSE BACK FROM THE CITY.
THEIR CONTRACT CAME DUE AGAIN FOR RENEWAL.
WE GOT AN EMAIL ON THURSDAY LAST WEEK THAT THE CITY WAS GOING TO CONTINUE THE CONTRACT WITH T MILLER FOR ONE MORE YEAR, WHICH WE THINK THE CONTRACT SHOULD HAVE BEEN NULL AND VOID FROM THE BEGINNING DUE TO NOT PROPER LICENSING.
IT SAYS YOU HAVE TO BE IN COMPLIANCE TO BE ON THE CONTRACT, AND THEY WEREN'T AT THE TIME OF THE RFP.
THAT'S OUR ARGUMENT, AND THAT'S OUR PRESENTATION TO YOU GUYS IS, HEY, IF YOU'RE NOT IN COMPLIANCE, YOU CAN'T BID ON IT, AND IF YOU BID ON IT AND YOU AWARDED ON IT, SOMEBODY NEEDS TO HOLD THEM INTO COMPLIANCE.
SO IF YOU'LL LOOK AT THAT PAGE 2, IT SHOWS YOU EVERY YEAR THAT THEY WERE OUT OF COMPLIANCE, WHICH HAS BEEN EVERY YEAR THAT THEY'VE HAD THE CONTRACT.
THEY'VE BEEN OUT OF COMPLIANCE, EITHER DIDN'T RENEW THEIR STORAGE LICENSE OR DIDN'T RENEW THEIR TOW LICENSE TO OPERATE THE TOW TRUCK, WHICH ARE PRETTY BIG PENALTIES THROUGH THE OCCUPATIONS CODE.
I KNOW YOU GUYS, THIS IS NOT WHAT YOU DO FOR A LIVING, IS TOWING.
THAT'S WHAT I DO, AND THAT'S WHY I'M HERE TO MAKE YOU AWARE OF IT.
SO I'D LIKE FOR THE CITY TO HAVE STAFF LOOK INTO IT AND GIVE US A RESPONSE OF, HEY, THIS IS WHAT WE FOUND, THIS IS WHAT THEY COULD OR COULD NOT PROVE.
ALL WE WANT IS TRANSPARENCY. THANK YOU.
>> WE INVITE ROBBIE CARTER UP TO THE EMPTY PODIUM, AND ROBERT, YOU MAY BEGIN YOUR COMMENTS.
>> YES. I'M HERE TO SPEAK ABOUT THE RECORD CONTRACT ALSO.
I'M THE LONGEST-SERVING RECORD OPERATOR IN AMARILLO, 41 YEARS.
[00:40:05]
I'VE BEEN IN THIS BUSINESS IN AMARILLO.I'VE SEEN THIS CONTRACT AND THIS TOWING BE DONE SEVERAL DIFFERENT WAYS.
AT ONE TIME, IT WAS ONE WEEK, ONE RECORD SERVICE DOES IT FOR A WEEK, AND IT ROTATES TO ANOTHER.
I'VE SEEN ONE CONTRACT THAT RECORD SERVICE PAYS THE CITY SO MUCH MONEY TO DO IT.
THEY HAVE IT FOR TWO OR THREE YEARS, AND THEY PAY HUNDREDS OF THOUSANDS OF DOLLARS TO DO IT.
THE WAY YOU'VE GOT IT NOW, YOU'VE GOT ONE RECORD SERVICE DOING IT, AND YOU'RE PUTTING PEOPLE'S LIVES AT DANGER OUT THERE.
BECAUSE I DON'T KNOW IF YOU'VE LOOKED AT STATISTICS, BUT WRECKS DON'T KILL PEOPLE, AS FAR AS POLICE, FIRE AND EMS, IT'S PEOPLE DRIVING BY AND EVERY MINUTE, THAT INTERSECTIONS BLOCKED OR THAT INTERSTATE BLOCKED.
YOU'RE PUTTING THOSE FIRST RESPONDERS IN DANGER.
SECONDARY ACCIDENTS ARE WHAT CAUSES ACCIDENTS.
THERE'S MORE PEOPLE KILLED IN SECONDARY ACCIDENTS THAN THE ACCIDENT THAT ACTUALLY STOPPED THE TRAFFIC.
ON I-40, WHEN THERE'S ONE ACCIDENT, IT CAUSES A FOUR-MINUTE BACKUP.
YOU USED TO NOT NOTICE THAT ON I-40, BUT YOU DO NOTICE IT NOW.
IF YOU'RE OUT THERE, THERE'S A WRECK, YOU'RE BACKED UP, AND IT DOESN'T MATTER HOW SEVERE IT IS.
RIGHT NOW YOU'VE GOT 12, 13 RECORDS AT YOUR DISPOSAL, WHERE YOU COULD HAVE 100 IF YOU ROTATED IT.
IF YOU HAVE ONE BIG ACCIDENT WITH 50 CARS IN A SNOWSTORM, DO YOU ALL REALLY THINK ONE RECORD SERVICE IS GOING TO GO OUT THERE AND CLEAR THAT IN AN HOUR? IT'S NOT GOING TO HAPPEN.
IF YOU HAVE 100 RECORDS AT YOUR DISPOSAL, YOU'RE GOING TO GET IT CLEARED A LOT FASTER.
YOU'RE GOING TO MAKE THE ROADS A LOT SAFER.
YOU'RE ALSO TAKING MONEY OUT OF RECORD DRIVER'S POCKETS BY GIVING IT TO ONE SERVICE.
YOU'VE GOT 100 RECORD DRIVERS OUT THERE GETTING PAID COMMISSION.
THAT'S HOW THEY GET PAID. THEY DON'T GET PAID HOURLY, THEY GET PAID COMMISSION.
WHEN YOU GIVE IT TO ONE RECORD SERVICES, YOU'RE CUTTING EVERYBODY ELSE OUT OF IT, AND WE DON'T THINK IT'S FAIR FOR THE CITIZENS OF AMARILLO TO HAVE TO GIVE UP MONEY BECAUSE YOU ALL WANT TO GO TO ONE RECORD SERVICE.
I JUST DON'T SEE IT HAPPENING LIKE THAT.
THE FAIR WAY TO DO IT IS TO GIVE IT TO THE TOP THREE RECORD SERVICES THAT ACTUALLY CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE OUT THERE.
VEGA TEXAS HAS 2,000 PEOPLE IN IT.
WHEN THERE'S A SNOWSTORM OVER THERE, THEY DON'T WAIT ON A RECORD.
THERE'S TWO RECORD SERVICES OVER THERE.
THEY GET 50 RECORDS IN VEGA TEXAS IN 30 MINUTES.
YOU ALL CAN DO THAT IN AMARILLO.
YOU JUST CAN'T DO IT WITH ONE RECORD SERVICE.
BUT VEGA TEXAS CAN. SO I THANK YOU.
>> WE INVITE STEVEN HAMILTON UP TO THE EMPTY PODIUM, AND ROBBIE, YOU MAY BEGIN.
>> GOOD AFTERNOON, GENTLEMEN. MY NAME IS ROBBIE CARTER.
I'M THE OPERATIONS MANAGER FOR CIERRA TOWING & CRUSHING, WHICH IS IN THE CITY OF AMARILLO.
I PERSONALLY LIVE JUST SOUTHWEST OF AMARILLO.
I'D LIKE TO TALK A LITTLE BIT ABOUT THE TOWING CONTRACT.
I'D LIKE TO START WITH TALKING ABOUT A LITTLE BIT ABOUT ACCOUNTABILITY ON BOTH THE CITY AND T MILLER.
AS FAR AS I HAVE BEEN ABLE TO SEE, THERE IS NONE.
NOBODY MONITORS ANYTHING THAT'S IN THE CONTRACT.
FOR EXAMPLE, WE HAD A MEETING NOT TOO LONG AGO, AND WE'RE ASKED ABOUT FOR A REPORT ON SOME WAIT TIMES, AND NOBODY COULD GIVE US THAT INFORMATION WITHOUT HAVING TO CALL T MILLER AND HAVE THEM PULL THE REPORTS THEMSELVES.
HOW DOES THAT WORK FOR ACCOUNTABILITY? CIERRA TOWING, ALONG WITH ALL THE OTHER TOW COMPANIES IN THIS AREA, ALL USE THE SAME SOFTWARE.
IT'S CALLED TOWBOOKS, IN WHICH YOU CAN GO IN AND YOU CAN ADJUST ANYTHING IF YOU CHOOSE TO, WAIT TIMES, OR WHAT HAVE YOU.
IF YOU'RE LATE AND NOBODY'S MONITORING IT, THERE IS NO ACCOUNTABILITY.
SAME THING WITH NOT HAVING INSURANCE, STORAGE, FACILITY LICENSE, AND SO ON AND SO FORTH.
LET'S TALK A LITTLE BIT ABOUT RIGHT AND WRONG.
ALL OF YOU ALL WERE VOTED IN TO REPRESENT EVERYONE, NOT JUST SOMEONE.
WE AT CIERRA TOWING EMPLOYEE AROUND 40 PEOPLE THAT WOULD ALSO BENEFIT FROM THIS CONTRACT, MOST OF WHICH ARE ALSO VOTERS.
SO ALL WE ASK IS, THAT YOU THINK ABOUT WHAT'S RIGHT AND WHAT'S WRONG HERE, AND AT LEAST PUT THIS CONTRACT BUCK UP FOR DISCUSSION BEFORE WE JUST HAND IT BACK OVER TO ONE COMPANY WITH EVERYTHING THAT SHOWS THAT THE CITY WOULD BENEFIT MORE BY HAVING A ROTATION, FOR EXAMPLE, 15-20 RECORDS VERSUS 100 RECORDS, A NO-BRAINER.
[00:45:03]
I DO FIRMLY BELIEVE THAT THIS SINGLE ROTATION WAS DECIDED BEFORE ALL THE FACTS WERE PRESENT AND UNDERSTOOD.THANK YOU FOR YOUR TIME, AND WE ALL LOOK FORWARD TO YOUR RESPONSE. HAVE A GOOD EVENING.
>> I'LL TELL YOU THIS. BECAUSE OF YOU GUYS, I'VE TALKED TO ANDREW, AND IT LOOKS LIKE WE WILL BE GETTING TOWBOOKS, BECAUSE I AGREE WITH YOU ON THE ACCOUNTABILITY, AND WE'RE GOING TO TRY TO GET THAT SOFTWARE SO THAT WE CAN LOOK AT THAT.
I DON'T DISAGREE WITH YOU ON THE ACCOUNTABILITY.
I THINK THAT'S GOOD. APPRECIATE ALL BRINGING THAT TO OUR ATTENTION.
>> LET ME INVITE UP ZACHARY TUDOR TO THE EMPTY PODIUM, AND YOU CAN GO AHEAD.
I'M THE OPERATIONS MANAGER AT K3 TOWING AND RECOVERY HERE IN AMARILLO.
I'M HERE MORE ON THE SAFETY PART OF IT. I DEAL WITH IT.
I'M A VOLUNTEER FIRE OUT THERE.
I'VE BEEN IN THE RECORD BUSINESS ALMOST 20 YEARS NOW.
I'VE SEEN A FEW DIFFERENT ROTATIONS.
I PERSONALLY HAVE FAMILY WHO IS ON AFD, FAMILY WHO IS AMR, AND THEY CONSTANTLY ASK, WHY DOES IT TAKE SO LONG? WHY DO THEY ONLY HAVE ONE? CAN THEY CALL Y'ALL? I GO THROUGH THE SPILL WITH THEM ALL THE TIME.
BUT I GOT A FEW FACTS HERE FOR YOU.
I TRIED TO FIND THIS YEAR THEY DIDN'T GOT THE NUMBER YET.
LAST YEAR ALONE, 46 FIRST RESPONDERS AND RECORD DRIVERS WERE KILLED ON THE ROADWAYS.
TO BACK UP WHAT ROBERT WAS SAYING ON THE SECONDARY WRECKS.
SECONDARY WRECKS, THE NUMBER ON THAT IS PRETTY CRAZY.
FOR EVERY MINUTE THAT YOU'RE SITTING ON SCENE, IT INCREASES YOU THE LIKELIHOOD OF 2.8% OF A SECONDARY WRECK, AND THE SECONDARY WRECK IS WHERE US, THE FIRST RESPONDERS ARE THE ONES WHO DIE.
IT'S OVER, IT'S DONE WITH. WE'RE DEALING WITH IT. WE'RE CLEANING IT UP.
IT'S THE PEOPLE WITH THEIR VIDEO CAMERAS, DISTRACTED DRIVERS.
WE'VE ALL SEEN IT ON THE NEWS.
SOMEBODY WANTS TO VIDEO, NOT PAYING ATTENTION, RUN SOMEBODY OVER.
POTTER COUNTY JUST HAD ONE OF THEIR FIRE TRUCKS HIT A FEW DAYS AGO.
SAME THING, AND THEY ONLY USE ONE RECORD SERVICE AS WELL.
IT JUST THE SAFETY PART OF IT.
IT'S NOT FAIR TO MY FAMILY WHO ARE IN THESE DEPARTMENTS THAT HAVE TO SIT THERE AND WAIT.
IF IT'S YOUR FAMILY STANDING THERE WAITING ON THE WRECKER, IT'S NOT FAIR TO THEM AT ALL, THAT THEY HAVE TO WAIT SO LONG FOR A TOW TRUCK TO GET THERE.
WHEN I CAN HAVE A RECORD THERE IN 15 MINUTES? ANY OF THESE GUYS CAN HAVE ONE THERE IN 15, 20 MINUTES BECAUSE WE HAVE PLENTY TO DO, BUT WE'LL MAKE ONE AVAILABLE.
WE DON'T WANT TO RACE NOBODY OR DO ANYTHING LIKE THAT.
WE JUST WANT TO GET THE ROADS CLEARED AND MAKE THEM SAFE BECAUSE WE SEE IT EVERY DAY.
BUT EVERY SINGLE DAY, WE SEE THIS. WE SEE THE CRASHES.
WE SEE EVERYTHING THAT HAPPENS WHEN ONE IS WRECKED, AND I DO A LOT ON I-40.
WE DO WORK WRECKS IN AMARILLO.
BUT A LOT OF THE STUFF WE SEE ON I-40, I DON'T KNOW HOW MANY TIMES I'VE ALMOST BEEN HIT BY SOMEBODY IN THE SECONDARY CRASH.
I'VE RAN FOR MY LIFE ON I-40 FROM A SECONDARY CRASH.
I'VE RAN TO SAVE SOMEBODY SECONDARY CRASHES.
IT'S ALL ABOUT TIME ON SCENE, AND IF WE DON'T GET THE ROADS CLEARED, THEN NOBODY'S SAFE.
YOU JUST INCREASE YOUR TIME BY A LOT, AND I DO MEAN A LOT. THAT'S ALL I GOT. THANK YOU.
>> HEY, LET ME CLARIFY SOMETHING.
AGAIN, Y'ALL HAVE EDUCATED ME QUITE A BIT.
I'VE HAD DISCUSSIONS WITH YOU GUYS.
IN THE CONTRACT, DOES IT NOT READ THAT IF THE CURRENT, I GUESS, THE T MILLER AT THIS POINT, IF THEY CAN'T GET THERE IN 20 MINUTES, THAT IT'S ADVISED TO CALL SOMEONE GOES TO SOMEBODY ELSE, IS THAT CORRECT?
>> THEY HAVE 20 MINUTES TO GET THERE. FROM 7:00 A.M-11:00 P.M.
THEY HAVE 35 MINUTES FROM 11:00 P.M-6:59 A.M
>> YES. IF THEY CAN'T MEET THE REQUIRED TIMES PER CONTRACT, THEY'RE SUPPOSED TO GET ANOTHER TOW COMPANY TO HELP.
>>THE CONTRACT TRIES TO SPEAK TO WHAT YOU'RE SAYING, TRY TO KEEP THAT TIME TO A MINIMUM?
BUT WITH THAT TOWBOOK, WE SHOULD BE ABLE TO SEE THAT, CORRECT?
>> YOU CAN SEE IT AS LONG AS THEY DIDN'T ADJUST IT.
THERE'S NOTHING I CAN ADJUST EVERY TIME IN TOWBOOK.
>> I CAN ADJUST WHATEVER TIME I SHOW UP AND MAKE THE DATA READ WHATEVER I WANT TO READ?
>> NOPE. BUT I HAVE GPS ON ALL MY TRUCKS, THAT'LL SHOW YOU THE SAME THING.
WE'LL ACTUALLY SHOW YOU THE TIMES. I CANNOT ADJUST THOSE.
>> BUT IT'S NOT IN TOOL BOOKS.
I'M NOT SAYING YOU ANYBODY COULD PUT WHATEVER THEY WANT.
EVEN THOUGH THE GPS ARE TRUCKS AND THEY COULD BACK IT UP,
[00:50:03]
THAT DATA IS ONLY A GIVEN IF ASKED FOR.I DIDN'T KNOW THAT. THANK YOU.
>> I'D LIKE TO ASK A QUESTION.
MR. FREEMAN. IS TIPPS NOT PROVIDING THE TIMING?
>> CAN I ASK THAT QUESTION? CAN ASK YOU A QUESTION.
>> MR. TIPPS GOT TO ASK YOU A QUESTION.
I WOULD LIKE TO ASK A QUESTION.
>> CONTINUE WITH THE QUESTION AND THEN I THINK WE CAN SOLVE OUR PROBLEM HERE, ACCORDINGLY.
>> MR. FREEMAN. IS THERE A PROBLEM WITH THE CURRENT PROVIDER IN BEING THERE ON TIME?
>> AS FAR AS MEETING THE REQUIRED TIME FRAMES, NOT BASED ON THE REPORTS WE'VE GOTTEN.
THERE ARE, OF COURSE, EXCEPTIONS, BUT ON AVERAGES, 85%-90% ARE MEETING THE REQUIRED TIME FRAMES.
>> THANK YOU FOR ALLOWING ME TO ASK MY QUESTION.
>> I APPRECIATE THAT AND I KNOW THE INTENT IS TO MAKE SURE THAT EVERYBODY THAT WANTS TO BE INVOLVED IN A CONVERSATION IS WE ACHIEVE THAT THROUGH OUR OPEN MEETINGS ACT, AND THROUGH PUBLIC NOTICE, THE APPROPRIATE THING WOULD BE TO PUT THIS ON A FUTURE AGENDA ITEM FOR DISCUSSION.
I APPRECIATE THE QUESTIONS FROM COUNCIL, AND I DO KNOW THAT THERE'S A LITTLE LATITUDE IN RUNNING THE MEETING, AND SO I WANT TO BE CONSIDERATE OF THAT, AND NOT TRY TO STIFLE ANYTHING.
BUT AT THE SAME TIME, I WANT TO MAKE SURE THAT I KEEP US IN GOOD STANDING WITH ALL THINGS LEGAL.
COUNCIL, ARE YOU INTERESTED IN HAVING A FUTURE DISCUSSION ITEM ON THE TOWING CONTRACT? LOOKS LIKE WE ARE.
[OVERLAPPING] WE'LL GIVE DIRECTION AS A BODY AND ASK FOR THAT TO COME BACK.
YOU'RE UP, SIR. WOULD YOU STATE YOUR NAME FOR THE RECORD, PLEASE?
>> CAN WE INVITE DARRYL R. KERRY UP TO THE OTHER PODIUM, PLEASE, AND THEN YOU CAN GO AHEAD AND ZACHARY.
>> MY NAME IS ZACHARY TUDOR. I'M THE DRIVER AND EQUIPMENT SUPERVISOR AS WELL AS HEAVY OPERATOR FOR RICKY TOWING.
EXCUSE ME, I DIDN'T INTEND TO SPEAK.
TO ANSWER SOME QUESTIONS THAT YOU HAD, MR. TIPPS, AS FAR AS THE TOWBOOK SOFTWARE, I'LL GO AHEAD AND ANSWER THAT REAL QUICK.
IF YOU HAVE ANY QUESTIONS REGARDING THAT, MS. KATRINA KHAN TOO IS AN EXCELLENT PERSON TO REACH OUT TO.
SHE'S DONE COUNTLESS HOURS GETTING TO KNOW THE SOFTWARE OF THEIR PROGRAMS. THERE ARE WAYS FOR THE CITY TO ACTUALLY ACCESS THAT THROUGH DISPATCH AND EVERYTHING ELSE THAT THE ROADSIDE PROVIDERS ALSO USE.
THEY DIRECT DISPATCH US THROUGH TOWBOOKS SO THAT WAY, WE ALL HAVE A LITTLE MORE CONTROL TO WEAR WHATEVER COMPANY IS YOU'RE DEALING WITH, DOESN'T HAVE THE ABILITY TO GO IN AND CHANGE ALL THAT.
BUT ALSO, I'VE BEEN WITH RICKY FOR GOING ON FIVE YEARS NOW.
OBVIOUSLY, I'VE BEEN DOING IT AS LONG AS SOME OF THESE OTHER GUYS HAVE, BUT I HAVE BEEN HERE LONG ENOUGH TO HAVE BEEN WITH THE COMPANY WHEN WE WERE ON A ROTATION AS WELL AS NOW WITH THE CONTRACT, AND TO REITERATE THE FACT OF COMMISSION DRIVERS.
WHEN THEY WENT TO THAT CONTRACT, WE DEFINITELY HEARD FROM IT.
I'M A CITIZEN OF AMARILLO, I'M A TAXPAYER.
BUT THAT'S HOW I MAKE MY LIVING.
TO SEE IT GO TO JUST ONE COMPANY INSTEAD OF SPREADING THE WEALTH AMONGST YOUR THREE OR FOUR BIGGEST COMPANIES THAT HAVE THE EQUIPMENT TO BE ABLE TO DO THAT.
BUT ALSO, AS WELL AS THE FACT OF SAFETY, I THOUGHT OF SOMETHING AS AS THE CHIEF WAS UP HERE RECEIVING HIS AWARD AND THE SAFETY OF THE FIRST RESPONDERS.
I DON'T HAVE STATISTICS AND NUMBERS, BUT OBVIOUSLY, LIKE THEY SAID, THE LONGER WE'RE OUT THERE ON THE SIDE OF THE ROAD TRYING TO CLEAN THINGS UP OR THE LONGER YOU'RE SITTING THERE WAITING ON A TOW TRUCK, THE MORE DANGER YOU'RE IN.
NOT ONLY THAT, YOU'RE ALSO TYING UP RESOURCES.
BECAUSE EVERY MINUTE YOU'RE SITTING THERE WAITING, AN OFFICER HAS TO STAY ON SCENE AND WAIT FOR A RECORD TO ARRIVE.
THERE'S RESOURCES TIED UP IN THAT AS WELL THAT CAN HAVE A LASTING EFFECT AS FAR AS RESPONSE TIMES AND OTHER THINGS GOING ON, NOT JUST STRICTLY AT THAT SCENE OF THAT ACCIDENT.
[NOISE] THAT'S ABOUT ALL I'VE GOT.
>> IF WE COULD GET TIM BENSON UP TO THE EMPTY PODIUM, AND, DARRYL, YOU MAY BEGIN.
>> THANK YOU. [NOISE] APPRECIATE THE OPPORTUNITY TO BE HERE TODAY.
I'M AN ATTORNEY, SO KNOW THAT, SOME KNOW ME.
I DO NOT LIVE IN THE CITY OF AMARILLO I LIVE IN CANYON, I PRACTICE IN PARK IN RANDALL COUNTY IS PRETTY EXTENSIVELY.
I JUST LIKE TO NOTE I APPRECIATED THE AWARDS THAT Y'ALL HANDED OUT AND THE ACCOLADES THAT Y'ALL GAVE FOLKS,
[00:55:06]
A GOOD EXERCISE OF GOVERNMENTAL AUTHORITY AND APPRECIATION.WHAT THEY TALK ABOUT, THOUGH, PROOF OF ADHERENCE TO RIGOROUS STANDARDS.
POLICIES, PROCEDURES, AND PRACTICES FOLLOWED.
PROFESSIONALISM IS EXPECTED AND DESERVED.
THOSE WERE THE THINGS THAT YOUR POLICE DEPARTMENT WAS AWARDED FOR.
ACCOUNTABILITY, TRANSPARENCY, EXCELLENCE.
THOSE THINGS THEY WERE AWARDED FOR.
YOUR UTILITY DEPARTMENT PRAISED FOR REDUCING ACCIDENTS IN THE 30% RANGE.
WHAT HAVE WE HEARD HERE TODAY, THE OPPOSITE OF THOSE THINGS IN YOUR TOWING CONTRACT? 2.8% INCREASE IN ACCIDENTS PER MINUTE ON SCENE.
NOW THAT CONTRACT WHEN IT WENT OUT FOR RFPS WAS 20 MINUTES, ENDED UP BEING 25, FIVE TIMES 2.8 TELLS YOU A 14% INCREASE, 35% AT NIGHT, A 40% INCREASE IN DANGER.
THOSE THINGS ARE ALL FORESEEABLE RESULT IN ACCIDENTS, FORESEEABILITY, ACCIDENTS EQUALS LIABILITY.
OBVIOUSLY, I'M HERE TO SAY THAT THIS CONTRACT, ALSO, AS YOU REVIEW IT, HAS CHALLENGES TO THE BIDDING PROCESS THAT COULD BE, I THINK, GRANTED BY COURTS.
CONTRACT MAY WELL BE VOID OR VOIDABLE.
YOU CAN'T EXTEND A VOID CONTRACT.
YOU'RE ACTING OUTSIDE YOUR AUTHORITY.
THE CERTAINTY OF FUTURE LIABILITY FOR SAFETY ON THE ROADSIDE AND FOR LIABILITY FOR THE AWARD OF THIS CONTRACT IS ALMOST GUARANTEED.
I WOULD URGE YOU TO CONSIDER THESE THINGS THAT HAVE BEEN OFFERED BY THE EXPERTS IN THE FIELD, THE TOWING COMPANIES, AND RE LOOK AT HOW THIS IS DONE.
I WOULD NOT EXTEND [NOISE] THIS CONTRACT.
I THINK IT WOULD BE A BIG MISTAKE.
IT WOULD BE CONTRARY TO THE THINGS YOU'VE HONORED HERE TODAY TO DO THAT.
EIGHTY FIVE PERCENT ON TIME TELLS YOU ONE THING, 15% OUT OF TIME, COULD BE RESOLVED, SOLVED, AND HELPED BY ADDING ALL QUALIFIED TOWING COMPANIES.
FOR THEM TO SAY THAT THEY HAVE TIMES WHEN THEY'VE BEEN OUT OF COMPLIANCE IS CERTAINLY [NOISE] UNACCEPTABLE. [NOISE] THANK YOU.
>> WE DID INVITE AL PATEL UP TO THE EMPTY PODIUM, AND TIM, YOU MAY BEGIN.
>> MAYOR, COUNCIL. I'M HERE TO TALK ABOUT ITEM 10 N. MAYOR AND COUNCIL, I'M ASKING YOU TO PAUSE BEFORE REAPPOINTING GARY JENNINGS TO THE CENTER CITY TIERS BOARD, NUMBER ONE.
MR. JENNINGS IS CURRENTLY RECEIVING TAX INCENTIVES FROM THE SAME TIERS, AND HIS WIFE IS AN INVESTOR OF A PROJECT THAT IS TO COME BEFORE THE BOARD.
THESE ARE CLEAR FINANCIAL INTERESTS THAT THE PUBLIC HAS NOT BEEN DISCLOSED.
UNDER THE TEXAS LOCAL GOVERNMENT CODE CHAPTER 171, A PUBLIC OFFICIAL WITH A SUBSTANTIAL INTEREST IN PROPERTY OR BUSINESSES AFFECTED BY THE BOARD ACTION MUST FILE AN AFFIDAVIT AND ABSTAIN FROM PARTICIPATION.
FAILURE TO DO SO CAN CONSTITUTE A VIOLATION OF 171.004.
AT A MINIMUM, THE APPEARANCE OF SELF BENEFIT IS SIGNIFICANT.
BEFORE REAPPOINTING, THE COUNCIL SHOULD REQUIRE FULL PUBLIC DISCLOSURE OF THESE INTERESTS AND ENSURE THAT ANY RELATED VOTES WOULD REQUIRE RECUSAL.
IF THESE CONFLICTS CANNOT BE MANAGED, I URGE YOU TO CONSIDER AN ALTERNATIVE APPOINT THE E. THANKS FOR YOUR TIME.
>> WE WOULD INVITE ALAN FEINGOLD UP TO THE EMPTY PODIUM, AND AL, YOU MAY BEGIN.
>> THANK YOU, COUNCIL MEMBERS FOR YOUR TIME.
MY NAME IS AL PATEL AND I RESIDE IN THE CITY LIMITS OF AMARILLO.
BEFORE YOU CONSIDER ANY APPOINTMENT TO THE CENTER CITY TIERS BOARD, I'M SPEAKING ON 10 N. I WANT TO ADDRESS A VERY SERIOUS CONCERN.
THE CONFLICT OF INTEREST THAT ARISES WHEN A BOARD MEMBER STANDS TO RECEIVE OR IS ALREADY RECEIVING FINANCIAL INCENTIVES APPROVED BY THE SAME TIERS.
WHAT WE ARE TALKING ABOUT IS SIMPLE.
YOU CANNOT BE A REFEREE AND A PLAYER.
YOU CANNOT SIT ON A TIERS BOARD, WHOSE CORE JOB IS ALLOCATING FINANCIAL INCENTIVES, REIMBURSEMENTS, AND TAXPAYER FUNDED BENEFITS WHILE PERSONALLY STANDING TO GAIN FROM THOSE SAME APPROVALS.
[01:00:02]
EVEN IF THE INDIVIDUAL CLAIMS THEY WILL RECUSE THEMSELVES, THE CONFLICT DOES NOT MAGICALLY DISAPPEAR.INFLUENCE DOES NOT BEGIN AND END AT THE VOTE.
BOARD MEMBERS PARTICIPATE IN DISCUSSION, SET PRIORITIES, SIGNAL APPROVAL, AND HELP SHAPE THE DISCUSSIONS AND DECISIONS LONG BEFORE ANYTHING COMES TO A FORMAL VOTE.
THE INFORMAL POWER IS STILL A FINANCIAL ADVANTAGE.
WHEN THIS AGENDA ITEM SAYS, I WANT YOU TO CONSIDER CENTER CITY TAX INCREMENT REINVESTMENT ZONE BOARD MEMBERS, YOU THE COUNCIL, ARE NOT JUST FILLING A VACANCY.
YOU ARE DETERMINING WHETHER THESE SEATS WILL BE USED FOR PUBLIC BENEFIT OR PRIVATE GAIN.
THE TAXPAYER DESERVES ABSOLUTE CONFIDENCE THAT THE DECISIONS INSIDE THE TIERS ONE ARE BEING MADE FOR THE ZONE, THE COMMUNITY, NOT FOR ONE'S INDIVIDUAL PERSONAL FINANCIAL INTERESTS.
IF ANY NOMINEE HAS CURRENT OR FUTURE FINANCIAL INCENTIVES TIED TO THE TIERS ONE, THE ETHICAL CHOICE IS CLEAR THEY SHOULD NOT SIT ON THE BOARD.
APPOINT SOMEONE WHO REPRESENTS THE PUBLIC INTEREST, NOT SOMEONE WHO STANDS TO PROFIT FROM THEIR OWN DECISIONS.
ALSO, LAST COUNCIL, YOU AWARDED $17.7 MILLION IN INCENTIVES TO A DEVELOPER OF THE HERRING HOTEL.
I WANT TO MAKE IT VERY CLEAR THAT THESE LARGE INCENTIVES HURT THE LOCAL ECONOMY AND DOES BURDEN CITIZENS OF AMARILLO.
YOU ARE SHIFTING THAT BURDEN ONTO THE RESIDENTS, THE INFRASTRUCTURE, THE FUNDS OF TOURISM, THE POLICE, THE FIRE DEPARTMENT, THE STREETS, AND EVERYDAY SERVICES THAT OTHER TAXPAYERS PAY, EVERYBODY ELSE PAYS.
EVERY DOLLAR GOING TO THE DEVELOPER IS $1 NOT GOING TO FIX AGING WATER LINES, REPAIR STREETS, IMPROVE PUBLIC SAFETY, OR KEEP TAXES STABLE.
THE IDEA THAT THIS IS SOMEHOW REMOVES THE BURDEN FROM CITIZENS IGNORES THE FACT THAT CITIZENS ARE THE ONES LOSING FROM THESE DOLLARS.
THIS PUTS A BIG BURDEN ON THE CITIZENS.
>> IF ALIE VADENA IS HERE, YOU CAN TAKE THE EMPTY PODIUM, AND ALAN, YOU MAY BEGIN YOUR COMMENTS.
>> I WOULD LIKE TO ASK PERMISSION FOR ASKING QUESTIONS TO YOUR DIRECTOR OF PUBLIC UTILITIES AND HAVING HIM ANSWER THE QUESTION WITHOUT THE TIME BEING SUBTRACTED FROM MY THREE MINUTES.
WOULD YOU PERMIT ME TO DO THAT IF THE QUESTIONS ARE STRICTLY FACTUAL?
>> MR. FEINGOLD, LET'S SEE IF WE CAN ADDRESS THIS THIS WAY BECAUSE LAST TIME WE HAD THE SAME REQUEST.
CAN'T FACILITATE THAT HERE IN FRONT OF EVERYONE ELSE.
IF YOU WANT TO WRITE THESE QUESTIONS DOWN, LET'S GO TO OUR CITY MANAGER, AND WE WOULD BE HAPPY TO DO A SIDEBAR AND ANSWER THOSE DIRECTLY FOR YOU.
>> VERY GOOD. I WILL NOT ASK THE QUESTIONS.
I WILL SIMPLY MAKE A FEW COMMENTS.
>> IN THE LAST COMMUNITY INVESTMENT PROGRAM, THERE WAS $4 MILLION THAT WAS ALLOTTED FOR PROJECT NUMBER 523198.
THIS WAS WITH THE WATER TRANSMISSION DEPARTMENT TO REHABILITATE OR REPLACE WHAT THEY CALLED PHASES THAT IS SECTIONS OF THE WATER PIPELINE FROM CARSON COUNTY AS IT RAN ALONG FRITCH HIGHWAY AND ENTERED THE CITY OF AMARILLO.
THAT PROJECT, SO FAR AS I KNOW, WAS NOT DONE.
I DON'T THINK IT'S EVEN ON THE PLAN AS IT PRESENTLY EXISTS.
WE SHOULD CONSIDER THE WHOLE MATTER OF THE WATER FIELD IN CARSON COUNTY AND THE PIPELINE FROM IT AS IT GOES TO AMARILLO.
I DO NOT KNOW WHEN THE LAST TIME, IF EVER, THE CITY OF AMARILLO DID A COMPLETE CHECK ON THE ENTIRE LENGTH OF THAT PIPELINE, BUT WE NEED TO DO THAT SOON AND FIND OUT JUST HOW MUCH WILL BE REQUIRED TO REPAIR THAT PIPELINE BOTH IN TERMS OF TIME, EFFORT, AND MONEY.
I WOULD ALSO LIKE THE CITY OF AMARILLO TO INFORM US WHAT THE ANNUAL COST WILL BE, WHICH YOUR STAFF ESTIMATED WOULD BE REQUIRED FOR OPERATIONS AND MAINTENANCE OF THE INFRASTRUCTURE THAT'S TO BE BUILT IN ORDER TO OBTAIN THE WATER THAT WILL BE PURCHASED FROM THE CITY OF AMARILLO BY THE FERMI PROJECT.
THE QUOTE ON THAT SO FAR HAS BEEN THAT THE FERMI PROJECT WILL PAY $11-$12 MILLION FOR INSTALLATION OF SOME SORT OF INFRASTRUCTURE, BUT WE HAVE NOT HEARD FROM THE CITY OF AMARILLO THE ACTUAL AMOUNT IN TERMS OF OPERATION AND MAINTENANCE WHICH THE CITY WILL HAVE TO EXPEND TO MAINTAIN THAT INFRASTRUCTURE.
WE ALSO NEED TO GET THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN THE REVENUES THAT YOU WILL OBTAIN [NOISE] AND THE EXPENDITURES THAT YOU WILL HAVE TO MAKE IN ORDER TO OBTAIN THOSE REVENUES.
[01:05:04]
THERE SHOULD BE A SEPARATE ACCOUNT FOR ALL REVENUES FROM THAT PROJECT SO THAT WE KNOW JUST HOW MUCH IS OBTAINED FROM IT AND WHERE IT WILL GO, AND I SUGGEST THAT IT GOES ONLY FOR THE MAINTENANCE OF THE WATER DISTRIBUTION PIPELINE FROM CARSON COUNTY TO AMARILLO, AND THAT YOU PERMANENTLY HAVE THAT AS THE FINANCING MECHANISM FOR THAT PIPELINE. [NOISE]>> MR. FEINGOLD, DON'T STEP AWAY.
[NOISE] WHAT IS THAT PROJECT NUMBER AGAIN ON THE PIPELINE?
>> LET ME GO TO WORK FOR YOU ON THIS.
MR. CITY MANAGER, IF YOU COULD GET A REPORT ON THAT PARTICULAR PROJECT AND CONFIRM THAT THAT IS THE PIPELINE PROJECT THAT HE IS ADDRESSING THAT WAS THE $4 MILLION, AND THEN IF YOU'LL E MAIL ME ON THAT, I'LL BE GLAD TO ENGAGE WITH YOU DIRECTLY AND TRY TO GET YOU AN ANSWER ON THAT PROJECT.
>> OKAY. WATER TRANSMISSION DEPARTMENT IS THE CATEGORY.
>> GLAD TO GET YOU AN UPDATE ON IT. THANK YOU, SIR.
>> MAYOR, THAT CONCLUDES EVERYBODY THAT SIGNED UP FOR PUBLIC COMMENT TODAY.
>> I WOULD WAGER THAT WE GOT A FEW IN THE AUDIENCE THAT WOULD LIKE TO SPEAK.
I'M GOING TO ASK BY A SHOW OF HANDS, HOW MANY PEOPLE WOULD LIKE TO OFFER PUBLIC COMMENT THAT ARE HERE TODAY? NOT TERRIBLE. LET'S JUST START RIGHT HERE WITH MR. SKANK, IF YOU COME FORWARD, SIR.
I'M ALWAYS CONCERNED ABOUT THE CONSENT ITEMS. IT'S JUST BECAUSE I WANT TO HEAR MORE ABOUT THESE PARTICULAR THINGS.
THIS ONE IN PARTICULAR HERE IN 8W AND X AND Z AND FF ARE ONES THAT WE'RE ACTUALLY DEALING WITH SOME OF THIS CARSON COUNTY INVOLVEMENT, PUTTING IN A 42-INCH ACTUATING VALVE.
NEVER HEARD THAT DISCUSSED ANYWHERE IN HERE, ABOUT WHAT THAT ACTUALLY IS.
THEN THE HVAC REPAIRS TO A POTTER COUNTY AND CARSON COUNTY PUMP STATION.
THE OPERATIVE WORD IN THERE TO ME IS COUNTY, NOT CITY.
I JUST WONDER WHO'S PAYING FOR THAT.
I KNOW COMPARATIVELY IT'S A SMALL AMOUNT OF MONEY, BUT IT'S THE MONEY.
Z IS THE PRESSURE TRANSDUCERS, WHATEVER THAT MEANS, FLOYD.
ANYWAY, THAT'S GOING TO BE USED IN CARSON COUNTY.
CARSON COUNTY'S BECOME A PART OF OUR AGENDA ITEM PRETTY QUICKLY.
THIS IS THE CONTRACT TO ENGAGE WITH THE WATER RIGHTS ON SOME OF THAT AREA OVER THERE.
IF WE COULD PULL THOSE FROM THE AGENDA AND JUST HAVE A BRIEF DISCUSSION ABOUT THOSE BECAUSE WE'RE CONCERNED ABOUT TRANSPARENCY AND STUFF IN ALL THESE MATTERS OF FARMING AND WATER AND NUCLEAR REACTORS AND MAKING THINGS HAPPEN, I'D APPRECIATE THAT. THANK YOU.
>> THANK YOU, MR. SKANK. YES, WE CAN GLADLY PULL THOSE OFF AND ADDRESS THAT THOSE ARE PART OF OUR WELL FIELD.
MR. FISHER, I SAW YOUR HAND UP. IS THAT RIGHT?
I'D LIKE TO ASK A STATEMENT OF FACT BEFORE MY TIME STARTS, AND IT'S ALREADY STARTED OVER HERE.
>> IT'S PART OF AN AGENDA ITEM, AND I THINK IT'S IMPORTANT FOR SOME I'M WORKING ON.
I'D LIKE TO ASK THE TWO GENTLEMEN HERE ON MY LEFT, HOW MANY MGDS DOES THE CURRENT SEWER PLANTS PROCESS PER DAY?
>> LET ME SEE IF I CAN GET YOU THAT ANSWER.
IF YOU WANT TO CONTINUE FORWARD WITH YOUR THREE MINUTES.
THEN WE WILL DO OUR BEST TO GET YOU THE TOTAL MGD PRODUCED FROM BOTH WASTEWATER TREATMENT PLANTS.
>> I DON'T KNOW IF IT HELPS YOU, MR. CHIEF JIMMY JOHNSON, BUT I'LL PUT MY TWO CENTS IN FOR HIM.
IT MIGHT HURT HIM, BUT HOPEFULLY I THINK YOU GUYS SHOULD HIGHLY CONSIDER HIM.
MY NAME IS MIKE FISHER, I LIVE IN THE CITY OF AMARILLO.
ON THIS AGENDA, YOU GUYS ARE GOING TO CONSIDER PLACING THE ADC INTERIM PRESIDENT DOUG NELSON ON A PID.
DO YOU THINK HE WOULD GO AGAINST ANYTHING THAT THE CITY WANTS TO DO AS A PID BOARD MEMBER? WHAT DOES PID MEAN?
[01:10:02]
P-I-D. SOME SAY IT'S PUBLIC IMPROVEMENT DISTRICT.COLE, YOU SAID MANY TIMES AMARILLO WON'T BECOME BIG BROTHER YET EVERY TIME AN AGENDA ITEM COMES UP TO PURCHASE SURVEILLANCE EQUIPMENT OF SOFTWARE, YOU VOTE YES.
I'M PRETTY SURE. YOU COULD CORRECT ME IF I'M WRONG ON THAT.
TODAY, IT'S PIN LINK SOFTWARE TO DO MORE OF THAT BIG BROTHER STUFF.
HOW IS IT POSSIBLE TO SPEND $7.3 MILLION ON ONE PARK LIGHTING? YET TODAY, WE'RE GOING TO ADD ANOTHER 40,000 TO THAT.
YOU'RE GOING TO PAY SOMEBODY $70,000 A YEAR TO MOW THE WELL FIELDS.
COME ON, GUYS. YOU GUYS ARE BUSINESS GUYS.
YOU GOT TO BE ABLE TO LEASE THAT PROPERTY AND PUT SOME COWS OUT THERE.
YOU COULD MAKE MONEY OFF THIS INSTEAD OF SPENDING MONEY.
I'D LIKE FOR YOU TO PULL THAT OFF THE AGENDA AND TALK ABOUT IT.
I GOT A MINUTE LEFT, SO I'LL SKIP DOWN.
COLE, YOU CAMPAIGNED AS A COUNTRY BOY, OLD TRUCK COUNTRY ROADS, HUMBLE BEGINNINGS.
BUT SOMEWHERE BETWEEN THE BALLOT BOX AND THAT COUNTRY CLUB NEIGHBORHOOD YOU NOW CALL HOME, YOU FORGOT WHERE YOU CAME FROM.
YOU DIDN'T RUN ON THE COUNTRY CLUB BOY, BUT THAT'S EXACTLY WHAT YOU'VE BECOME. THANK YOU.
>> THANK YOU, MR. FISHER. ALWAYS HAPPY TO CONTINUE TO ENGAGE AND GO TO WORK FOR YOU.
WHAT IS THE ITEM THAT YOU WERE REFERRING ON THE MOWING CONTRACT, SIR?
>> SOMEBODY ELSE MIGHT BE ABLE TO HELP ME OUT ON THIS, BUT I THINK I'VE GOT IT MARKED HERE, BUT I'M NOT SURE.
>> DO WE HAVE IT? ANYBODY IN THE ROOM?
>> V AS IN VICTOR. THANK YOU, SIR.
APPRECIATE IT. MR. WARREN, I SEE YOU BACK THERE, IF YOU COME FORWARD.
THIS ONE IS GOING TO BE PROBABLY A LITTLE BIT DIFFERENT, BUT JOHN 6:44 SAYS NO MAN COMES TO THE LORD UNLESS HE'S DRAWN BY HIM.
LAST FRIDAY, I ATTENDED A MEETING THAT WAS REALLY UNCOMFORTABLE FOR ME.
I KNEW THAT I HAD A MEETING TO GO TO, AND I KNEW WHAT I WAITED AND I DIDN'T REALLY WANT TO GO, BUT I KNEW I HAD NO CHOICE.
LIKE JOHN 6:44 SAYS, I WAS DRAWN BY HIM.
YOU SEE, I MADE A PROMISE TO MY FRIEND JESUS, AND I KEPT MY PROMISE.
I ARRIVED, I WATCHED THE MEETING START, AND I FOLLOWED THE HOLY SPIRIT.
WHEN IT BECAME EVIDENT THAT NO ONE ELSE WOULD STAND UP, I DID.
WHAT DOES THAT MEAN? DOES THAT MAKE ME EXCEPTIONAL? NO. THE TRUTH IS THAT STANDING UP WAS WAY BEYOND MY COMFORT ZONE.
IT WOULD HAVE BEEN SO MUCH EASIER TO SIT AND JUST WATCH THINGS PLAY OUT, BUT THAT'S NOT WHAT I WAS CALLED THERE TO DO.
GOD HAS A PLAN FOR EACH OF US IN OUR LIVES, BUT WILL WE ANSWER HIM WHEN HE CALLS? TODAY I STAND BEFORE EACH OF YOU TO GIVE YOU A MESSAGE THAT IS FAR BEYOND MY COMFORT ZONE, JUST LIKE FRIDAY WAS.
DELIVERING THIS MESSAGE TO YOU IS IN FACT ME BEING OBEDIENT.
IT HAS NOTHING TO DO WITH POLITICS WHATSOEVER.
IT HAS EVERYTHING TO DO WITH YOU GUYS' ETERNITY.
JESUS HAS BEEN CALLING OUT TO EACH OF YOU TO SEE IF YOU WILL ANSWER.
MANY TIMES IN THE MIDNIGHT HOUR WHEN HE WAKES ME AND DRAWS ME TO PRAYER, OFTENTIMES HE LEADS ME TO YOU GUYS.
I'VE GIVEN SEVERAL OF YOU WORDS AT DIFFERENT TIMES THAT HAVE BEEN FROM THE HOLY SPIRIT, AND SEVERAL OF YOU GUYS KNOW WHAT I'M TALKING ABOUT.
HE HAS SAID THAT IT'S IMPORTANT THAT YOU REALLY EXAMINE YOURSELVES AND IDENTIFY AND REMOVE ALL THE THINGS IN YOUR LIFE THAT KEEP YOU AND THE FATHER AT ARM'S LENGTH.
BEFORE YOU CAN HEAR FROM AND BE LED BY JESUS, YOU NEED TO MAKE A LINE ITEM CHANGE IN YOUR LIVES AND MOVE HIM TO THE TOP OF THE LIST.
YOU CANNOT HEAR HIM, IF ANYTHING, BUT MOST ESPECIALLY YOURSELF STANDS IN THE WAY.
HE NEEDS REAL LEADERS RIGHT NOW.
HE NEEDS PEOPLE THAT WILL STAND WHEN HE CALLS THEM OUT, AND THEY HAVE A BACKBONE OF STEEL.
IN THIS TIME HE IS RAISING UP NEW DAVIDS, AND HE WANTS YOU TO KNOW THAT HE'S RAISING UP NEW DAVIDS.
I HAVE DELIVERED THE MESSAGE TO YOU GUYS SO WHAT YOU DO FROM THERE, THAT'S UP TO YOU. THAT'S YOUR RESPONSIBILITY.
HE WANTS ME TO EXPRESS TO YOU THAT IT'S
[01:15:03]
IMPORTANT THAT YOU TURN TO HIM AND HEAR HIS CALL SOON.YOU ARE ALL RUNNING OUT OF TIME.
>> WELL, THANK YOU, MR. WARREN, FOR YOUR OBEDIENCE.
I DEFINITELY UNDERSTAND THE NEED TO BE OBEDIENT TO WHAT YOU FEEL THE HOLY SPIRIT LEADING YOU TO, AND I WANT TO GIVE A STATEMENT OF FACT.
I KNOW I PERSONALLY APPRECIATE EVERY PERSON THAT PRAYS FOR ME, AND IT MEANS A GREAT DEAL WHEN PEOPLE SAY WE PRAY FOR YOU, AND WE UNDERSTAND THAT THINGS AREN'T WHAT THEY LOOK LIKE, AND THAT WE'RE PRAYING NOT JUST FOR THE CITY BUT FOR YOU INDIVIDUALLY.
I ALSO APPRECIATE ANY BROTHER THAT CAN HELP ME KEEP MY PRIORITIES STRAIGHT.
I HAVE NO GREATER PRIORITY THAN TO HEAR, WELL DONE GOOD AND FAITHFUL SERVANT FROM MY LORD AND SAVIOR WHEN ALL THIS IS OVER WITH.
THAT TEACHING IN MATTHEW IS PRETTY GOOD TO KEEP US FOCUSED ON WHAT WE NEED TO BE DOING.
THERE CAN BE FELLOWSHIP IN THE FIELD.
WE CAN BE ABOUT OUR FATHER'S BUSINESS, AND IT'S WORK IN THE FIELD.
THE WORD SAYS, THE HARVEST IS PLENTIFUL, THE LABORERS ARE FEW.
I APPRECIATE MR. WARREN, NOT ONLY FOR HIS OBEDIENCE IN COMING IN HERE, BUT HE DOES SERVE, AND SO WE'RE YOUR SERVANTS.
I ALSO STAND UP HERE AND SAY WITH CONFIDENCE, I DON'T HAVE A SUBJECTIVE LINE ITEM THAT'S OUT OF ORDER.
HE'S NUMBER 1, AND I'M PROUD TO TELL YOU THAT AND STAND ON THAT.
I THINK THAT'S WHY YOU ELECT PEOPLE THAT HAVE CORE VALUES.
NOW, MY VOTING RECORD IS MY VOTING RECORD AND I STAND ON THAT AS WELL.
BUT I DON'T TAKE ANYTHING IN THE WRONG SENSE, TOM, IN YOU CONTINUING TO PROMOTE AND CONTINUING TO CALL YOUR BROTHERS TO SEEK OUT THAT PRIORITIZATION.
WHAT DOES IT GAIN A MAN TO PROFIT THE WHOLE WORLD AND YET LOSE HIS SOUL? HERE'S WHAT I'D SAY.
TRUE FREEDOM COMES FROM CARING VERY LITTLE WHAT OTHER PEOPLE THINK ABOUT YOU.
AS AN OLD COWBOY ONCE SAID, IT'S NONE OF MY BUSINESS WHAT YOU THINK OF ME.
BUT I DO CARE WHAT YOU THINK ABOUT MY LORD AND SAVIOR AS A REPRESENTATIVE OF HIM FIRST AND FOREMOST.
MY JOB IS TO TRY TO REPRESENT HIM WELL, REGARDLESS OF WHAT IT LOOKS LIKE.
FOR THOSE OF YOU THAT CAN RECEIVE IT, I THINK THAT'S GREAT.
I CONTINUE TO ENCOURAGE YOUR PRAYER.
FOR THOSE OF YOU WHO CAN'T RECEIVE IT, I THINK THAT'S FINE.
YOU READY TO MOVE ON? SIR, WOULD YOU LIKE TO OFFER PUBLIC COMMENT? GIVE US YOUR NAME, PLEASE.
I AM THE LAW ENFORCEMENT AND EMERGENCY SERVICES LIAISON WITH K3 TOWING.
I'VE LISTENED TO OBVIOUSLY A LOT OF OUR PARTNER TOW COMPANIES UP HERE TALK ABOUT THIS CONTRACT AND SOMETHING TO BRING UP WITH TOW BOOKS, BECAUSE I'M FAMILIAR WITH BOTH.
I COME FROM A LAW ENFORCEMENT BACKGROUND, I'M STILL CURRENTLY IN LAW ENFORCEMENT.
SOMETHING I WOULD SUGGEST YOU DO IS GO TALK TO YOUR LAW ENFORCEMENT PEOPLE AND YOUR FIRE AND YOUR EMS ABOUT THOSE RESPONSE TIMES.
AGAIN, TOW BOOKS CAN BE MANIPULATED TO WHATEVER TIMES YOU WANT, BECAUSE I'VE GOT THE SYSTEM MYSELF.
I KNOW THAT MOST OF OUR CAD SYSTEMS DON'T ACTUALLY TRACK THOSE TIMES BECAUSE WE HAVE OTHER THINGS WE NEED TO TRACK THAT ARE MORE IMPORTANT AND THAT WE HAVE TO TRACK, AND THAT'S NOT REALLY ON THEIR PRIORITY LIST.
US AS RECORD SERVICES, WE DON'T WANT TO ADD WORK TO THEM BY MAKING THEM TRACK SOMETHING LIKE THAT.
BUT IT'S AS SIMPLE AS GOING AND TALKING TO YOUR STAFF ABOUT THOSE RESPONSE TIMES.
WHAT CAUSES THOSE SCENE TIMES TO GO LONGER AND CREATE THE DANGERS THAT ALL THESE OTHERS HAVE TALKED ABOUT NORMALLY IS THE CLEANUP.
IT'S NOT THE EXTRICATION, IT'S NOT THE OTHERS.
IT IS THE CLEANUP OF THE CRASH.
I THINK THAT IF YOU WOULD GO TO A ROTATION THAT CAN DEFINITELY SERVICE THE CITIZENS BETTER AND MAKE IT SAFER FOR THE COMMUNITY, SAFER FOR OUR OPERATORS OUT THERE AND SAFER FOR ALL YOUR FIRST RESPONDERS, JUST BY SIMPLY TRYING TO SPEED UP THAT TIME BECAUSE YOU HAVE MORE RESOURCES AT YOUR DISPOSAL.
AGAIN, AND IT ALSO GIVES THE OPPORTUNITY TO NOT JUST ONE COMPANY, IT DOESN'T LOCK YOU IN.
THE ONLY TIME I WOULD SUGGEST THAT ONE COMPANY IS IF THAT ONE COMPANY HAS 200 TRUCKS, AND I DON'T THINK THERE'S ANY ONE COMPANY IN AMARILLO THAT COULD SERVICE AMARILLO BY ITSELF THE WAY IT SITS AT THE MOMENT WITH AS MANY CRASHES AND AS MANY OTHER TOWS THAT THEY GET.
IF THERE WAS A COMPANY OUT THERE, OBVIOUSLY, I'D ADVISE YOU TO LOOK AT THAT.
I JUST DON'T THINK ANY OF US AS ONE PERSON COULD DO THAT.
THAT'S BEEN MY JOB WITH K3, IS TO GO AROUND AND TALK TO THOSE EMERGENCY AGENCIES AND MAKE SURE THINGS ARE RUNNING SMOOTHLY AND THAT WE ARE SERVICING THEM THE BEST WE CAN, AND THAT OUR RESPONSE TIMES ARE WHERE THEY SHOULD BE IN THE AREAS THAT WE SERVE.
[01:20:04]
I APPRECIATE YOUR TIME AND IF THERE'S ANY QUESTIONS ON LOOKING INTO THE CAD SYSTEMS AND RELATING THAT BACK OVER TO THE TOW BOOKS, OBVIOUSLY, I'M VERY FAMILIAR WITH THAT. THANK YOU.>> MR. BLACKBURN, CAN YOU TELL ME IF YOU'RE A RESIDENT OF AMARILLO OR NOT, FOR OUR MINUTES?
>> DO I HAVE ANYONE ELSE HERE WHO WOULD LIKE TO OFFER PUBLIC COMMENT TODAY? MR. FORD, I SEE YOU IN THE BACK.
>> MAYOR, COUNCIL, MIKE FORD, AMARILLO, TEXAS.
I WAS GOING TO WAIT UNTIL THEY HAVE IT, I'LL JUST GET THE INTRODUCTION OUT OF THE WAY.
MR. REED, DID YOU GET ONE? SORRY. THESE ARE JUST QUESTIONS LOOKING FOR ANSWERS, AND TO THE EXTENT THAT WE CAN GET ANSWERS, THAT'S GREAT.
NUMBER 1, DID THE CITY COUNCIL MEETING CLOSE SESSION DAY AT 12:00 PM? YES, NO?
>> THANK YOU. NUMBER 2, WHAT PART OF THE CITY OF AMARILLO CHARTER OR MUNICIPAL CODE AUTHORIZES THE MAYOR OR ANY CITY COUNCIL FOR THAT MATTER IN THEIR SOLE CAPACITY AND ABSENT A PUBLIC ACT OF THE CITY COUNCIL TO TASK THE CITY MANAGER AND CITY STAFF WITH A SIX-MONTHS PROJECT CULMINATING IN AN AGREEMENT REACHED WITHOUT THE MAJORITY CITY COUNCIL KNOWLEDGE OR APPROVAL THAT WAS RELIED UPON BY FIRME TO SELL $700 MILLION IN STOCK IN AN IPO.
IS THERE ANY FACT-BASED ANSWERS THAT I CAN GET ON NOW AND WHAT AUTHORITIES EXIST IN THE MUNICIPAL CODE OF THE CITY CHARTER THAT ALLOW THAT? BECAUSE I'VE LOOKED AT THE CHARTER, NOTHING EXISTS THERE.
I'VE ALSO LOOKED AT THE MUNICIPAL CODE, NOTHING EXISTS THERE.
ANY THOUGHTS? NO? THANK YOU VERY MUCH.
WHAT PART OF THE CITY OF AMARILLO CHARTER MUNICIPAL CODE AUTHORIZES THE CITY MANAGER TO ENTER INTO A WATER SALE MOU WITH FIRME FOR UP TO 5.5 MGD AND RELIED UPON BY FIRME IN ITS MOST RECENT STOCKHOLDER COMMUNICATIONS WITHOUT THE PUBLIC CONSENT OF THE CITY COUNCIL? ANYTHING? WELL, THIS MOU JUST APPEARED, AND THERE'S NO PUBLIC ACT BY THE CITY COUNCIL THAT AUTHORIZES CITY MANAGER TO ENTER INTO IT, AND YET THE FIRME IS RELYING UPON IT AND THEIR INVESTOR COMMUNICATIONS.
NOTHING? WEIRD. FINALLY, I'M JUST GOING TO CONCLUDE THE LITTLE KITTY THING HERE, WHICH ONE IS YOUR FAVORITE PROJECTS? THESE ARE FOUR AEDC NOTICES, TOTALING $82 MILLION IN PROJECTS.
IF YOU KNOW WHICH ONE IS YOUR FAVORITE PROJECT, FEEL FREE TO CALL IT OUT, BUT I DON'T THINK YOU HAVE A CLUE WHAT THOSE PROJECTS ARE.
FINALLY, PLEASE REMOVE 8D FROM CONSENT AGENDA ON TANGLES.
ALSO, MR. PRESCOTT, IT IS PURELY YOUR RIGHT, AND IF YOU WRITE THIS DOWN, 551042 UNDER THE OPEN MEETINGS ACT TO REQUEST AND MAKE FACT-BASED QUESTIONS DURING PUBLIC COMMENT.
THAT'S YOUR RIGHT. IT SPECIFICALLY ADDRESSES 551042, SPECIFICALLY ADDRESSES MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC, AND IT ADDRESSES MEMBERS OF THE GOVERNMENT BODY.
IF YOU HAVE A QUESTION AS AN ELECTED OFFICIAL, IT IS YOUR RIGHT, BY ALL MEANS, AND I DEFY ANYBODY OVER HERE TO STOP YOU FROM DOING THAT TO ASK A FACT-BASED QUESTION.
JUST AS MR. TIPS DID, HE WAS ASKING PLENTY OF FACT-BASED QUESTIONS, HE WAS GIVING FEEDBACK.
NOBODY IS GOING TO WALK UP HERE AND PUT YOU IN CUFFS FOR ASKING QUESTIONS OR ENGAGING THE PUBLIC.
I PROMISE YOU, THAT'S NOT GOING TO HAPPEN.
BUT THERE'S THIS DESIRE TO SHUT DOWN PUBLIC COMMENT.
MR. SIMPSON, DO YOU THINK THAT PUBLIC COMMENT IS NOT PART OF CONVERSATION? THAT'S THE ONLY TIME FOR IT.
THAT'S THE ONLY TIME THE PUBLIC GETS.
>> I HAVE A QUESTION. MR. FORD?
>> THANK YOU FOR THAT CLARIFICATION.
YOU HAVE DESCRIBED MULTIPLE TIMES SINCE I'VE BEEN ON THE DYERS, ACTIONS OF THE AMARILLO CITY COUNCIL IS UNLAWFUL.
THESE ARE SERIOUS ALLEGATIONS.
>> SO FOR THE BENEFIT OF THE PUBLIC, I HAVE TWO VERY STRAIGHTFORWARD QUESTIONS.
ARE YOU A LICENSED ATTORNEY IN THE STATE OF TEXAS OR ANY OTHER JURISDICTION?
>> THAT'S AN APPEAL TO AUTHORITY, THAT DOESN'T MEAN THAT I CANNOT OPINE ON SOMETHING.
I'M ACTUALLY AN EXPERIENCED PRACTITIONER IN THE TEXAS OPEN MEANINGS ACT FOR A DECADE AND A HALF.
>> ARE YOU A LICENSEE ATTORNEY?
>> I DON'T HAVE TO BE A LICENSED ATTORNEY TO INTERPRET WHAT STRAIGHTFORWARD MEANING OF THE REGULATION OF THE TEXAS OPEN MEANINGS ACT?
[01:25:03]
THERE'S NO REQUIREMENT FOR THAT.AS A MATTER OF FACT, THE TEXAS CITIZENS PARTICIPATION ACT SPECIFICALLY ALLOWS CITIZENS.
>> ILLEGAL ACTS BY THEIR CITY.
>> I'M NOT AN ATTORNEY. THANK YOU.
IF YOU'RE NOT AN ATTORNEY, WHICH WE'VE JUST QUALIFIED, WHAT QUALIFIED LEGAL AUTHORITY, SPECIFIC STATUTES, CASE LAW, OR WRITTEN OPINION FROM LICENSED COUNSEL, ARE YOU RELYING ON FOR YOUR CONCLUSION TO THESE ACTIONS WHICH ARE UNLAWFUL?
>> I WOULD TALK ABOUT THE SUDER DECISION IN THE TAX NOTES CASE AND THE APPEALS COURT DECISION IN THE TAX NOTES CASE, WHICH GAVE THE TEMPLATE FOR HOW THE CITY OF AMARILLO WAS SUPPOSED TO WRITE PUBLIC NOTICES, LEGAL PUBLIC NOTICES, ESPECIALLY IN MATTERS OF SIGNIFICANT PUBLIC CONCERN.
THOSE ARE STRAIGHTFORWARD DECISIONS BY TWO COURTS THAT FOUND THAT THIS GENTLEMAN OVER HERE AND A COUPLE OF OTHERS OVER HERE, ENGAGED BASICALLY IN A CONSPIRACY TO DEFRAUD THE PUBLIC OF $265 MILLION IN TAX NOTES.
I USE THOSE SPECIFICALLY BECAUSE THEY ARE GERMANE TO THE CITY OF AMARILLO, WHICH THE CITY OF AMARILLO HAS NEVER DEALT WITH, BUT THERE'S A WHOLE ALMOST A CHAPTER IN THE OPEN MEETINGS HANDBOOK, WHICH I USED AS A STATE OFFICIAL FOR A DECADE AND A HALF TO TELL ME HOW TO COMPORT MYSELF IN AN OPEN MEETING, AND I ACTUALLY READ THE THING, AND I ACTUALLY FOLLOW THE THING.
IT WAS AMAZING BECAUSE I DIDN'T HAVE PEOPLE TELL ME I WAS RUNNING UNLAWFUL MEETINGS.
>> THE COMMUNITY, IN MY OPINION, DESERVE TO KNOW THAT YOU ARE NOT A LICENSED ATTORNEY, AND YOU'RE NOT USING LEGALLY GROUNDED CONCLUSIONS FROM COUNSEL YET.
>> WHAT COUNSEL ARE TALKING ABOUT?
>> THOSE ARE YOUR PERSONAL INTERPRETATION?
>> THIS GUY? ARE YOU TALKING ABOUT THIS GUY?
>> I'M ASKING WHERE YOU'RE GETTING YOUR INFORMATION FROM.
>> HIS CALCULUS IS WHETHER OR NOT WE'RE LIKELY TO BE SUED.
THAT'S HIS LITMUS TEST ON ANYTHING.
I'VE BEEN TOLD BY THAT BY THE MAYOR.
THAT'S THE LITMUS TEST FOR THIS GUY.
YOU HAD ALEX FAIRLEY STAND UP HERE AS THE CHAIR OF THE ADC WHO SAID THAT OUR CRITERIA FOR ANYTHING THAT WE DO SHOULD BE HERE'S THE LINE OF THE STATE LAW.
THEN WE SHOULD BE SO FAR BACK THAT IT SHOULD NEVER BE EVEN QUESTIONED AS TO WHETHER OR NOT WE'RE DOING SOMETHING.
BUT NONE OF YOU GUYS ARE CONCERNED ABOUT THAT.
THE ISSUE ON PUBLIC COMMENT IS SO PATENTLY CLEAR.
IT DOESN'T TAKE A LAWYER TO INTERPRET SOMETHING.
YOU'RE TELLING ME THAT ONLY A LAWYER CAN STAND UP HERE AND QUESTION YOU, MR. PRESCOTT AS TO WHETHER YOU'RE DOING SOMETHING ILLEGAL.
THAT IS BIG S. I OPPOSE YOU AND ANYTHING YOU SAY ON THAT.
THAT IS AN APPEAL TO AUTHORITY, AND IT IS A COMPLETE SMEAR OF ANYBODY IN THE PUBLIC WHO COMES UP HERE WHO HAS A BRAIN AND CAN READ THE STATE LAW AND KNOWS EXACTLY WHAT IT IS.
I COMPARE IT TO YOURS ANY TRICAN DAY OF THE WEEK.
ANY DAY OF THE WEEK, MR. PRESCOTT, I WILL COMPARE MY PUBLIC RECORD TO YOUR PUBLIC RECORD.
MR. I'M OPPOSED TO BACKROOM DEALINGS.
YOU JUST PARTICIPATED IN ONE OF THE LARGEST BACKROOM DEALS IN PROBABLY THE HISTORY OF AMARILLO, $700 MILLION OF AN IPO SALE THAT NEVER SAW THE LIE OF DAY.
AND YOU'RE GOING TO QUESTION ME ON MY AUTHORITY OR WHATEVER.
>> I JUST ASK IF YOU WERE ILLEGAL, IF YOU ARE A LICENSED.
>> WE ALREADY ESTABLISHED THAT, I'M AN ATTORNEY.
>> MR. TIPS HAS ASKED THAT MANY TIMES.
>> I WOULD LIKE TO MAKE A STATEMENT OF FACT.
I DID OPPOSE THE TAX NOTES THAT YOU'RE BASING MOST OF YOUR CONCLUSIONS ON, AND I WAS DETAINED OR DEPOSED AS AN ANTAGONISTIC WITNESS HAD TO HIRE MY OWN ATTORNEY WHEN WE WALKED THROUGH THAT CASE.
AND THE RIGHT SIDE WON IN THAT.
THOSE WERE ILLEGALLY PROCURED TAX NOTES, AND WE DIDN'T MOVE FORWARD WITH THE PROJECT.
I UNDERSTAND YOUR SIDE OF IT, SIR, AS SOMEBODY WHO'S TRIED TO WORK ALONGSIDE OF YOU.
I ALSO UNDERSTAND THE SIDE UP HERE THAT IS CONSTANTLY BEING BOMBARDED WITH ALLEGATIONS OF CRIMINALITY SAYING, HERE THE COUNCIL IS ACTING AGAIN CRIMINALLY.
I KNOW THE ROOM WANTS TO MOVE FORWARD, BUT LET ME ASK YOU A QUICK QUESTION.
YOU DO REMEMBER THAT WE USED TO MEET AT ONE O'CLOCK.
WE WOULD ADJOURN TO EXEC, LIKE A TYPICAL MEETING AT THE END OF THE DAY.
WHAT WE DID WAS, WE SAID, WE'RE HEARING YOU GUYS.
WE WANT TO MORE OR LESS REINSTALL PUBLIC COMMENT.
WE WANT YOU TO BE ABLE TO SPEAK ON ANY ITEM, NOT JUST ITEMS ON THE AGENDA, AND WE CARE WHAT YOU HAVE TO SAY.
THAT'S WALKED US FORWARD WITH A PREVIOUS COUNCIL THAT WE ALSO SAID, WE COULD HEAR MORE OF YOU IF WE STARTED THE MEETING AT 3:00 PM INSTEAD OF 1:00 PM.
WE WERE PUSHING OURSELVES LATE EVENING, EIGHT O'CLOCK AT NIGHT TO GET INTO AN EXEC, NOT THE BEST TIME TO MAKE PERTINENT DECISIONS.
WE SAID, WE COULD PUT THE EXECUTIVE MEETING AT ONE,
[01:30:04]
GET OUR EXECUTIVE MEETING OUT OF THE WAY AND THEN RUN AN EFFICIENT BUSINESS MEETING, WHICH, WE'VE DONE IN A MARATHON CAPACITY FOR A LONG TIME.IF WE'RE HERE FOR ANY REASON, IT'S BECAUSE WE ARE TALKING TO YOU AND WE ARE LISTENING TO YOU.
IT'S HARD FOR US TO BE ASSAULTED AS THE CRIMINALS UP HERE, WHEN THE CLOSED MEETING THAT WE HAD EARLIER, YOUR REQUEST WAS THAT YOU GOT PUBLIC COMMENT BEFORE WE GO INTO CLOSED MEETING.
IF THAT'S THE CASE, THEN WE MOVE THE MEETING BACK TO ONE O'CLOCK.
AND WE DO EXEC AT THE END, BECAUSE THAT'S ALL WE WERE ACCOMPLISHING.
AND SO IT'S THE INTENTION OF THE LAW.
AND I'M NOT SAYING THAT YOU CAN'T POINT TO EVERY JOT AND TITTLE IN THE LAW.
BUT THE INTENTION IS, LET'S HEAR THE PUBLIC.
YOU'RE HERE TODAY HAVING A PRETTY VIVACIOUS PUBLIC COMMENT, PERIOD.
I WOULD SAY WE'RE PROBABLY WAXING A LITTLE COLD HERE WITH SOME PEOPLE'S PATIENTS, BUT WE'RE TRYING TO HEAR YOU.
AND THEN WE'RE ALSO ALLOWING CONVERSATION.
>> MR. MAYOR, THE LAW DOES NOT ALLOW YOU TO PICK AND CHOOSE WHEN YOU'RE GOING TO ALLOW PUBLIC COMMENT AND WHEN YOU'RE NOT GOING TO ALLOW PUBLIC COMMENT.
IF YOU LET ME FINISH, IT SAYS AT ANY OPEN MEETING, THE PUBLIC SHALL HAVE THE RIGHT TO ADDRESS THEIR GOVERNMENT AT ANY OPEN MEETING.
AND SO YOU HAVE TWO OPEN MEETINGS TODAY.
YOU ONLY ALLOW THAT AT ONE AT THIS ONE.
>> IF YOU ALLOW THIS CONSTRUCT WITH THE CITY ATTORNEY.
>> LET ME FIX THAT THEN, BECAUSE NOW WHAT WE'VE DONE IS WE'VE GONE THE INTENTION OF MOVING EXEC EARLY SO THAT WE COULD ALLOW FOR PUBLIC COMMENT AND MORE PEOPLE TO PARTICIPATE AT THREE IN THE AFTERNOON? WE EITHER NEED TO OPEN ONE MEETING AND JUST HAVE ONE MEETING THAT STARTS WITH AN ADJOURNMENT TO EXEC, AND THEN WE OR WE RE-ENTER BACK INTO HERE RATHER THAN NOTICING IT SEPARATELY, OR WE NEED TO GO BACK TO OUR ONE O'CLOCK MEETING SO THAT WE CAN GET PEOPLE ON AN AIRPLANE AND OUT OF HERE IN TIME.
>> MR. MAYOR, I SPOKE WITH ONE OF THE COUNCIL MEMBERS YESTERDAY ABOUT THIS. WHAT'S THE NET EFFECT? YOU PUT A PUBLIC COMMENT ITEM 2 ON YOUR WORK SESSION.
WHAT'S THE NET EFFECT? HOW MANY PEOPLE ARE GOING TO SHOW UP TO THAT? TWO, ONE.
>> I DON'T KNOW, SIR. I'VE HAD TWO HOUR LONG PUBLIC COMMENT COMMENT PERIODS OVER THIS LAST.
>> YOU SIGNED UP FOR THIS JOB. YOU SIGNED FOR THIS JOB.
I'M JUST SAYING I CAN'T HAVE THE SAME PEOPLE GIVING PUBLIC COMMENT TWICE ON THE SAME TOPICS THAT WE'RE DISCUSSING.
IF YOU HAVE TWO MEETINGS. THEY HAVE THE RIGHT TO HAVE THOSE.
>> THEN LET ME FIX IT. WE'LL ENGAGE WITH COUNSEL, AND WE'LL SEE HOW WE GO BACK TO, MAKING SURE YOU GUYS UNDERSTAND THIS IS ONE MEETING.
IF IT'S BEING NOTICED AS TWO SEPARATE MEETINGS, WE DON'T NEED IT THAT WAY.
WE WANT TO FULLY ADHERE TO THE LAW.
WE HAVE NO REASON NOT TO HEAR YOU AND NOT TO DISCUSS WITH YOU.
THANK YOU FOR ENGAGING WITH US HERE TODAY.
YOU INTENTIONALLY HAVE DONE THAT BECAUSE IT'S NOT BROADCAST ON TV.
>> THEN IT'S VERY SUPER SIMPLE TO FIX.
I MEAN, THERE'S NO REASON TO EVEN BE MESSING WITH THIS.
>> I WOULD SAY THIS IS HAS BEEN YOUR.
>> IT'S IN YOUR CONTROL. YOU CAN FIX IT.
>> IT'S YOUR INTERPRETATION, BUT IT'S OUR INTENTION.
LET'S SEE IF WE CAN RIGHTLY ALIGN.
>> LET'S PUT UP THE LAW AND SEE WHAT THE REST OF THE PEOPLE SAY.
AT 5:51:07, LET'S PUT UP THE LAW ON THE SCREEN AND SEE WHAT THE REST OF THE FOLKS SAY.
>> JUST MY INTERPRETATION OR DOES IT READ EXACTLY THAT.
DO I HAVE ANYONE ELSE HERE TODAY WHO WOULD LIKE TO OFFER PUBLIC COMMENT?
>> THAT'S GOING TO BE A REAL HARD ONE TO FOLLOW.
AFTER LAST MEETING, I BELIEVE THAT TAKE IT IN THE GAS PAGE PUT YOU IN A OVERSIZED PAIR OF BOOTS AND A NICE LOOKING JACKET.
TODAY, I SHOWED UP TO THE COUNCIL MEETING AND WAS GREETED WITH THESE STICKERS THAT YOU HAD MADE UP.
I JUST WANT TO SAY THAT AT THE END OF ALL OF THIS, I KNOW A LOT OF US GET SERIOUS ABOUT A LOT OF THIS, BUT AT THE END OF ALL THIS, IT'S STILL NICE TO SEE THAT WE CAN HAVE SOME HUMOR IN THIS AND FIND SOME FUN AT THE END OF ALL OF IT.
THE SECOND THING I WOULD LIKE TO SAY IS I AGREE WITH A LOT OF THE TOW TRUCK GUYS.
AND I THINK I'VE ADDRESSED AS COUNCIL BEFORE ON IT'S NOT JAS JOBS TO PICK WINNERS, AND THE WAY I'VE SEEN IT IN A LOT OF OTHER CITIES, ONE CALL GOES TO ONE COMPANY, ONE CALL GOES TO THE NEXT, AND THEY HAVE A SHEET, AND IT JUST GOES.
I THINK THAT'S THE WAY THAT THAT SHOULD BE HANDLED.
ON THE THIRD THING, I SEE THAT WE'RE SPENDING A LOT OF MONEY ON FLOCK CAMS, REAL TIME CRIME CAMS? THERE'S SOME MORE MONEY BEING SPENT TODAY ON SOME OTHER SOFTWARE STUFF.
I WOULD LIKE SOME ADDRESS WHEN IT COMES TO THESE FLOCK CAMS AND ALL LIKE THAT.
WHERE DO THEY FALL INTO FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT REQUEST?
[01:35:02]
ARE WE GOING TO BE ABLE TO REQUEST THAT FOOTAGE, GET THAT FOOTAGE? OR LIKE AN ARTICLE I READ THE OTHER DAY, IS THERE GOING TO BE A WORK AROUND SAYING, NO, THE PUBLIC IS NOT ALLOWED TO THOSE BECAUSE IT'S BEING STORED BY A PRIVATE COMPANY.I WOULD JUST LIKE TO HEAR SOME ADDRESS FROM ALL ON THAT, IF I COULD. THANK Y'ALL.
>> THANK YOU, SIR. DO YOU HAVE ANYONE ELSE HERE WHO WOULD LIKE TO OFFER PUBLIC COMMENT? THANK YOU, PUBLIC FOR ENGAGING ONCE AGAIN WITH US.
I WOULD ALSO SAY, THANK YOU FOR THE PATIENCE.
I KNOW IT CAN BE LABORIOUS, BUT, WE STILL ARE MAKING PROGRESS.
WE ARE GOING TO GO AHEAD AND TAKE OUR TIME TODAY.
WE ARE GOING TO WORK THROUGH OUR CONSENT AGENDA BY PULLING SEVERAL ITEMS OFF.
[8. Consent Items]
COUNSEL, DO I HAVE ANYTHING THAT ANY OF YOU GUYS WOULD LIKE TO PULL OFF FOR FURTHER DISCUSSION?>> YES, I'D LIKE TO PULL EIGHT IN.
>> ANY OTHERS? COUNCIL? NO. GO AHEAD.
>> I WAS GOING TO SAY, ARE YOU PULL IN THE ONES THAT WERE REQUESTED? RIGHT NOW I HAVE 8 P AS IN PAUL FOR CLARIFICATION. V IS IN VICTOR.
X IS IN X-RAY, W IS IN WAYNE, AND THEN 8R.
WE CAN TAKE THEM UP IN THE ORDER.
THAT THEY EXIST IN ALPHABETICAL ORDER, IF WE COULD GO AHEAD AND ENTERTAIN A MOTION FIRST FOR THE REMAINING CONSENT AGENDA.
>> HAVE A MOTION TO ACCEPT THE REMAINING CONSENT AGENDA AS AMENDED.
>> ANY OPPOSED? MOTION PASSES. LET ME SEE HERE.
IN THE ORDER. I'M GOING TO GO WITH INNS AND NANCY FIRST. LOOK THAT ONE UP.
[8.N. CONSIDER AWARD - ADVERTISING ANNUAL CONTRACT ]
>> THANK YOU, MAYOR. AND I DON'T KNOW WHO MAY BE ABLE TO ANSWER QUESTIONS ABOUT THIS, BUT I JUST WANT TO GO OVER EXACTLY WHAT THE MONEY IS BEING SPENT FOR THE AMARILLO GLOBE NEWS.
>> LAURA STEPHANIE, I THOUGHT YOU WORKED ON THAT ONE?
>> YES. THE CITY OF AMARILLO HAS SEVERAL ITEMS THAT THEY PURCHASED THROUGH THE AMARILLO GLOBE NEWS ON AN ANNUAL BASIS.
A LOT OF THOSE ARE REQUIRED BY STATE LAW.
WE DID PULL THE AMOUNTS THAT WERE SPENT IN THIS LAST FISCAL YEAR, AND IT WAS JUST SHY OF ABOUT $48,000.
ABOUT 3,500 WAS TRULY FOR SUBSCRIPTIONS, AND LEGAL NOTICES WERE $32,000 OF IT.
I THINK THE REST WAS MAYBE RELATED TO EMPLOYMENT.
ESPECIALLY THE LEGAL NOTICES, THOSE ARE REQUIREMENTS BY STATE LAW.
THOSE CAN VARY FROM YEAR TO YEAR.
I BELIEVE ON THIS ITEM, THE AMOUNT IS STATING FOR, WE WILL SPEND IT AS NEEDED, BUT THE AMOUNTS FOR 70,000.
THIS WOULD ALLOW US CAPACITY TO ENSURE THAT WE PURCHASE ALL OF THOSE LEGAL NOTICES, EMPLOYMENT MATTERS, THOSE TYPE OF THINGS AS NEEDED.
THAT'S WHERE THE BULK OF THOSE COSTS ARE GOING.
DOES THAT GETS YOU THE INFORMATION YOU NEEDED?
>> I JUST WONDERED, SO THE CONTRACT INCLUDES THE EMPLOYMENT, WHICH IS AT OUR DISCRETION, WHICH YOU SAID, HOW MUCH WAS THAT IN THE LAST YEAR?
>> ON THE SUBSCRIPTIONS, IT WAS ABOUT 3,500.
THEN I WOULD SAY MAYBE ABOUT 10,000 OR SO WAS RELATED TO EMPLOYMENT. YES.
>> THEN, THOUGH THE CONTRACT SAYS 70, SO WE SPENT A TOTAL OF ABOUT 45, 47, SOMETHING LIKE THAT?
>> DO WE GET A BETTER RATE WHEN WE SPEND OR ARE THE RATES ON THE LEGAL ADS OR ARE THEY BASED ON HOW MUCH WE BUY OR IS THAT JUST A STANDARD RATE THAT THEY APPLY?
>> I THINK WE HAVE A SET RATE WITH THEM THROUGH THIS CONTRACT.
THE AMOUNT THAT WE'VE PUT IN HERE, AND I'M LOOKING AROUND TO SEE IF MIKE'S AROUND, BUT I THINK THAT'S JUST AN UPPER END THAT WE DON'T ANTICIPATE EXCEEDING ON THAT, BUT THAT GIVES US A LITTLE BIT OF BREATHING ROOM JUST KNOWING THAT DEPENDING ON WHAT'S GOING ON IN THE YEAR, THOSE PUBLIC NOTICES, ESPECIALLY THOSE CAN FLUCTUATE.
WE HAVE ANNUAL ONES, WE KNOW WE HAVE TO DO, RELATED TO BUDGET, PROPERTY TAX, THOSE THINGS, BUT AS WE DO THINGS LIKE PUBLIC HEARINGS, AND THE VOLUME OF THOSE CAN CHANGE FROM YEAR TO YEAR, AND SO THAT WOULD GIVE US SOME CAPACITY TO MAKE SURE WE HAVE ENOUGH SET ASIDE FOR THE CONTRACT TO MEET THOSE REQUIREMENTS AS THEY COME UP.
>> THIS IS ALL STATE DICTATED ON WHAT WE HAVE TO.
[01:40:04]
>> THE STATE ALSO REQUIRES US THAT WE HAVE TO SPEND $32,000 WITH A LOCAL.
WE JUST CAN'T PUBLISH THEM OURSELVES.
>> THAT IS CORRECT. YES. MOST OF THOSE, WE HAVE TO PUBLISH OURSELVES ON OUR WEBSITE, BUT WE ARE LEGALLY REQUIRED BY STATE LAW TO PUT THOSE IN A NEWSPAPER OF CIRCULAR.
>> [OVERLAPPING] THAT'S CORRECT. THE BULK.
THE VAST MAJORITY OF OUR COSTS ARE RELATED TO STATE LAW REQUIREMENTS. YES, SIR.
>> I GUESS THEY HAVE A LEGAL ORGAN AND THE STATE DECIDES WHO THAT IS.
I GUESS IT'S THEM WE DON'T HAVE NO OTHER CHOICE OF ANYBODY ELSE TO DO IT AT A LOWER PRICE OR ANYTHING.
>> [OVERLAPPING] THAT'S CORRECT. I CAN'T REMEMBER HOW STATE LAW IS WORDED, BUT STEPHANIE MIKE COULD WEIGH.
>> WE CALL IT A NEWSPAPER OF GENERAL CIRCULATION.
>> FOR US, THAT IS THE AMARILLO GLOBE NEWS.
I DON'T KNOW WHAT STEPS WE WOULD HAVE TO TAKE TO SEE IF THERE WAS ANYTHING ELSE IN THIS AREA THAT WOULD FIT THAT DESCRIPTION.
I DON'T BELIEVE THAT THERE IS AT THIS TIME.
>> WELL, THANKS. I JUST WANT PEOPLE TO KNOW THAT'S MONEY.
WE'D HAVE NO CHOICE TO SPEND THAT MONEY WITH WHOEVER THE STATE REALLY IS DECIDING ALL THAT FOR US, AND WE'VE GOT TO SPEND IT, AND I GUESS THEY'RE JUST ASSUMING THAT'S THE BEST WAY TO GET THE MESSAGE OUT. ANYWAY. THANK YOU.
>> COUNCILMAN, WOULD YOU LIKE TO MAKE A MOTION ON THAT ONE?
>> I MOVED THAT WE APPROVE EIGHT AND AS PRESENTED.
>> MOTION IN A SECOND. ALL IN FAVOR?
>> ANY OPPOSED? MOTION PASSES.
ITEM 8P IS IN PAUL. ANDRE JIMMY?
[8.P. CONSIDER PURCHASE - PENLINK TANGLES BRONZE SUBSCRIPTION ]
>> YES. INTERIM CHIEF JOHNSON, WE'VE GOT LIEUTENANT CHADWICK AVAILABLE TO DISCUSS THIS ONE.
>> CHIEF, I THINK THIS IS AN IMPORTANT ONE BECAUSE IT LEADS US DOWN THE ROAD OF TECHNOLOGY, AND WE'VE DISCUSSED SOME OF THIS IN THE PREVIOUS.
AS MUCH AS YOU CAN COVER AND HOW WE HANDLE DATA, WHERE THIS DATA COMES FROM, WHAT IT'S ASSOCIATED WITH, NOT ASSOCIATED WITH, EVEN OUR REAL CRIME CENTER, AND ANYTHING ELSE YOU'D LIKE TO LEAD US TO.
>> SINCE YOU ASK THOSE SPECIFIC THINGS, I'M GOING TO DEFER TO LIEUTENANT CHADWICK.
HE'S THE COORDINATOR OF OUR REGIONAL CRIME CENTER.
HE'LL HAVE THOSE SPECIFIC ANSWERS FOR YOU.
>> THERE'S A COUPLE OF THINGS THAT I HEARD TODAY.
I THINK I'LL START WITH FLOCK IF THAT'S OKAY.
THEY TALK A LOT ABOUT FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT, SOMETHING YOU'D HAVE BEEN VERY FAMILIAR WITH.
TEXAS MUNICIPAL LAW ENFORCEMENT DOESN'T HAVE TO DO IT FOR YOU. THAT'S FOR FEDERAL THINGS.
WE HAVE TO GO THROUGH THE TEXAS PUBLIC INFORMATION ACT JUST SO EVERYBODY KNOWS FLOCK SAFETY IS SOMETHING THAT I WILL AND RESTORE THAT DATA FOR 30 DAYS.
TREAT IT LIKE INTELLIGENCE AS WE WOULD EVEN OUR INTERSECTION CAMERAS.
WE HAVE SOMEBODY FROM THE PUB WANTS TO COME IN AND GET THAT DATA.
THE ONLY TIME THAT THEY'RE ALLOWED TO HAVE IT IS IF WE HAVE PUT IT INTO A CASE.
ONCE IT BECOMES PART OF A CASE OR A CRIMINAL CASE, YES, THEN IT'S OPEN TO A PUBLIC RECORDS ACT, THEN AND THEY CAN RECEIVE IT.
WE ONLY SAVE THAT DATA FOR 30 DAYS, AND THEN IT'S PURGED.
ANY OTHER REQUESTS WOULD HAVE TO GO TO THE TEXAS DPS.
TEXAS DPS ALSO RECEIVES THAT DATA.
THAT WOULD HAVE TO BE A QUESTION DIRECTED AT THOSE GUYS.
BUT THEY'RE THE REASON AS FAR AS THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT ON THE STATE AND MUNICIPAL LEVEL.
NOW, AS FAR AS THE TECHNOLOGY THAT WE'RE BRINGING FOR PENLINK, WHICH IS CALLED TANGLES.
WE'VE BEEN LOOKING FOR THIS PARTICULAR PIECE FOR A LONG TIME.
SOMETHING THAT HAPPENS WITH YOU GUYS, WE GET THREATS TO YOU GUYS, SOMETIMES TO THE CITY, SOMETIMES TO THE PUBLIC INFRASTRUCTURE.
WE MANUALLY LOOK THROUGH SOCIAL MEDIA TO SEE IF THERE'S ANY SUCH THING.
THIS IS JUST AUTOMATING THAT IDEA.
EVEN IN THE DARK WEB OR DEEP WEB, IT'S STILL OPEN SOURCE DATA STUFF THAT ANYBODY IN THIS ROOM, IF THEY WANT TO, THEY CAN TYPE IN, CALL STANLEY, AND ANYBODY CAN MAKE A COMMENT ABOUT YOU, THEY COULD SEE IT.
EVEN IF IT'S YOUR FAVORITE RECIPE FOR MEATLOAF.
IF THEY WANT TO FIND IT, THEY COULD FIND IT.
FOR US, IT AUTOMATE SOME OF THOSE PROCESSES.
FOR CONSTANTLY LOOKING FOR THINGS LIKE A GREAT EXAMPLE, HUMAN TRAFFICKING, DRUG TRAFFICKING, DANGER TO INFRASTRUCTURE, THINGS THAT WOULD BE OF RELEVANCE TO US.
IT'S CONSTANTLY LOOKING FOR THAT, SENDING US ALERTS.
YOU CAN IMAGINE THE TRILLIONS OF SOCIAL MEDIA MESSAGES THAT HIT WHETHER IT'S A WORLD WIDE WEB, DARK WEB, DEEP WEB, YOU GUYS WILL NOT ALLOW ME TO HIRE ENOUGH PEOPLE TO MONITOR THAT.
PENLINK IS ACTUALLY SOMETHING USED BY THE STATE ATTORNEY GENERAL, BEING USED BY TEXAS DPS, BEING USED IN DALLAS, BEING USED IN FORT WORTH, BEING USED IN HOUSTON.
IT'S A FAIRLY WELL-USED PRODUCT,
[01:45:01]
WHICH IS WHY IT'S ONE OF THE LAST ONES, BECAUSE SOME OF THE OTHER ONES THAT WE SAW THEY JUST WERE NOT VERY ROBUST FOR WHAT WE WANTED TO BE.IT'S A LITTLE PRICEY. BUT AGAIN, FOR US TO BE ABLE TO TRULY PROVIDE SECURITY AND SAFETY FOR THIS CITY, AND AS IT GETS BIGGER, WE HAVE TO HAVE THE ABILITY TO CONSUME TONS OF DATA.
I PROMISE WE'RE NOT LOOKING FOR MOM'S MEATLOAF RECIPE.
WE'RE ONLY LOOKING FOR THINGS THAT ARE CRIMINAL OR HAVE A DIRECT THING TO DO WITH PUBLIC SAFETY.
AS FAR AS TRANSPARENCY, THAT IS WHY WE VIEW THE SURVEILLANCE CAMERAS AND THOSE THINGS AS INTELLIGENCE RATHER THAN AS INVESTIGATIVE LEADS, BECAUSE WE DON'T WANT EVERYBODY TO BE ABLE TO COME IN AND ASK FOR EVERY VIDEO, EVERY LPR PIECE OF DATA THAT WE HAVE FOR WHATEVER NEFARIOUS REASON.
THAT'S NOT JUST FOR THE PUBLIC SAFETY HERE BECAUSE WE'RE HIDING SOMETHING FROM THEM.
WE DON'T WANT GOOGLE TO COME ASK FOR IT OR META TO COME ASK FOR IT.
THEY HAVE THE SAME CAPABILITY.
IF ONE OF OUR LPR LEADS TO AN ARREST, WE RECOVER A STOLEN AUTO, THEN YES, THEY HAVE ACCESS TO IT JUST LIKE ANYBODY ELSE.
BUT THE STATE OF TEXAS AND GREG ABBOTT WERE SMART AND THAT THEY WENT DOWN THE SAME ROAD AS FLORIDA, AND THEY PROTECTED THAT DATA FROM THIS VERY THING SO THAT PEOPLE CAN'T JUST COME IN WILLY-NILLY AND ASK FOR EVERYTHING THAT COMES ACROSS TO DEATH.
>> LET'S JUMP INTO THAT JUST A LITTLE BIT.
HOW MANY FLOCK CAMERAS CURRENTLY UP AROUND THE CITY THAT YOU HAVE UNDERNEATH YOUR CONTROL.
>> WE HAVE 79 CAMERAS OVER 110 SQUARE MILES.
TELL ME WHERE THE MAJORITY OF THOSE ARE LOCATED?
>> WELL, THE VAST MAJORITY OF THEM CAME THROUGH GRANT FUNDING, SO THEY'RE PART OF A PSN ZONE.
IT WAS A FEDERAL PROGRAM CALLED PROJECT SAFE NEIGHBORHOOD.
IF YOU WANT TO SEE THE VAST MAJORITY OF THEM, THEY'RE GOING TO BE IN THE SANDERSON AREA ON THE NORTH SIDE OF TOWN, SOME OF OUR MORE VIOLENT SECTIONS OF TOWN.
>> ARE THESE AREAS INTERSECTIONS? LPR STANDS FOR LICENSE PLATE READER AND THEN YOU'VE GOT YOUR FLOCK CAMERAS.
ARE ANY OF THESE CAMERAS DIRECTED INTO ANYONE'S PRIVATE PROPERTY?
>> NO. THE LIMITATIONS OF THEM TYPICALLY TWO LANES OF TRAFFIC IS ALL THEY'RE ABLE TO ACTUALLY READ.
>> THESE CAMERAS, 79 OF THEM RIGHT NOW, PRODUCE DATA THAT GOES INTO YOUR REGIONAL CRIME CENTER THAT CAN BE REAL-TIME.
WHEN I STEAL A CAR AND I'M GONE AND EVADING WHATEVER, THEN YOU'RE FINDING ME BY THAT EVENING AND ARRESTING ME AND YOU KNOW WHERE THE CAR ENDED UP ON THE SOUTH SIDE OF TOWN IS HISTORICALLY WHAT WE'VE SEEN.
>> WE'VE SEEN AN INCREASE IN OUR CRIME-FIGHTING DEPARTMENT FROM BEING ABLE TO UTILIZE THESE.
NOW, WE DO WANT TO BE VIGILANT.
IT'S NOT THAT WE WANT TO BE CASUAL IN THIS.
THERE IS AN APPROPRIATE BALANCE WHEN WE SAY BIG BROTHER. I AGREE WITH YOU.
I THINK THAT IF OUR SYSTEM IS AFFORDING THINGS AND PLACING CAMERAS AROUND IN PLACES THAT YOU ARE NOT NORMALLY GIVING YOUR PUBLIC CONSENT, THEN I THINK THAT IS BIG BROTHER.
WITH OUR CELL PHONES, EVERYTHING THAT I'M POSTING VOLUNTARILY, EVERYTHING THAT IS BEING SAID ABOUT ME INVOLUNTARILY RIGHT NOW BY SOMEBODY ELSE, THOSE ARE ALL OPEN SOURCE, AND THINGS THAT'S WHAT PENLINK DOES.
IT GOES THROUGH AI DATA THAT AND PULLS TOGETHER A PROFILES.
>> JUST LIKE GOOGLE SEARCH LIST LITERALLY.
>> I THINK THAT'S AN IMPORTANT POINT TO FOCUS ON, MAYOR, BECAUSE SOMETIMES THAT GETS MISSED IS THIS IS OPEN SOURCE MATERIALS.
>> IF EVERYBODY WILL JUST IMAGINE AN INVESTIGATOR AND ANALYST PERUSING THROUGH PAGE AFTER PAGE, WEB PAGE, AFTER WEB PAGE, ANYWHERE THEY CAN FIND AND THINGS THEY DON'T KNOW ABOUT, THEY'RE NOT GOING TO BE ABLE TO GET TO, THIS ASSISTS THEM IN DOING THAT.
NOTHING WE WOULD NEED TO GET A WARRANT FOR OR ANYTHING LIKE THAT.
THERE ARE STILL REQUIREMENTS ON US, CONSTITUTIONAL REQUIREMENTS TO OBTAIN WARRANTS WHEN WE'RE DOING SOME OF THIS STUFF WITH OUR TECHNOLOGY.
IT'S NOT JUST A FREE-FOR-ALL ALL.
I KNOW THAT GETS MISSED. IT'S OPEN SOURCE.
I ALSO APPRECIATE THE DELINEATION HERE FROM FLOCK AND SOME OF THE OTHER DATA SOFTWARE TOOLS THAT YOU'RE WORKING THROUGH.
I THINK FOR ME, IN THE LAST TIME THAT THIS CAME UP, WE WERE TRYING TO GET A REFERENCE POINT.
I RESEARCHED A LOCAL BUSINESS. I WON'T GIVE THEIR NAME.
THEY HOUSE IN AROUND 30,000 SQUARE FEET, WHICH SOUNDS LARGE.
THEY HAD OVER 200 CAMERAS IN AND ON THAT PROPERTY.
FOR US TO HAVE 79 CAMERAS THAT ARE POINTED IN PUBLIC AREAS, WHERE I KNOW THAT I'M BEING SEEN BY MY PUBLIC, AND NOW I KNOW THAT FLOCK IS LOOKING, AND THAT DATA IS GOING BACK TO YOU.
I CAN SEE SOME BALANCE THERE IN MAKING SURE THAT YOU HAVE EVERY TOOL AT YOUR DISPOSAL TO PROTECT OUR COMMUNITY,
[01:50:01]
BUT I ALSO DON'T WANT YOU TO HAVE A TOOL THAT CAN BE EASILY MISUSED.I DON'T FEEL THAT WAY BECAUSE I DON'T FEEL THAT WAY WHEN I PATRON A LOCAL BUSINESS ESTABLISHMENT THAT HAS A PRIVATE CAMERA SYSTEM THAT I VOLUNTARILY GO IN AND OUT OF THAT BUILDING, AND I KNOW I'M BEING SURVEILLED, SO TO SPEAK.
BUT I THINK THE BIG BROTHER ASPECT IS REALLY IMPORTANT.
LAST COMMENT, AND THEN I'LL LET ANYBODY ELSE ASK YOU QUESTIONS.
I WANT TO KNOW, IS THERE ANYBODY ELSE THAT HAS THIS DATA? DOES FLOCK KEEP IT? CAN THEY COME IN AND GET IT? HOW DOES THAT WORK?
>> FLOCK DOESN'T STORE OUR DATA.
THE DATA STORED AND OUR OWN PROTECTED, AND IT'S ON A GOVERNMENT SERVER.
YOU HAVE TWO MAIN GOVERNMENT SERVERS, AWS AND AZURE.
THAT'S TWO MAJOR. WE HAVE COMPLETE ACCESS TO IT, WHICH PERJURES WITH US.
TO THEIR POINT, AND I WILL SAY THIS, MAYOR, I AGREE IN THE IDEA OF TRANSPARENCY.
WE'VE ALL TAKEN OATHS TO PROTECT THE CONSTITUTION. I GET IT.
IT NEVER HURTS OUR FEELINGS WHEN PEOPLE ASK ABOUT THE BOUNDARIES BECAUSE, FOR A CITY, WE'RE PUSHING THE BOUNDARIES ONLY BECAUSE WE NEVER HAD TO TEACH.
MOST PEOPLE DON'T REALIZE LPR HAS BEEN AROUND FOR ALMOST 50 YEARS.
IT'S NOT NEW. IT'S NEW TO US, BUT IT'S NOT NEW.
BUT WHICH IS WHY FOR A LOT OF REASONS, WE CHOSE TO PURGE THAT DATA AFTER 30 DAYS, MAINLY BECAUSE IT'S JUST TOO EXPENSIVE TO KEEP.
I'LL BE HONEST WITH YOU, WE'VE ALLOWED ANYBODY THAT WANTS TO SEE IT, COME SEE HOW WE USE IT.
BECAUSE AT THE END OF THE DAY, WE WILL ONLY DO WHAT THE CITIZENS OF THIS CITY WANT US TO DO AND ALLOW US TO DO.
OUTSIDE OF THAT, WE CAN GO BACK TO THE 80S IF WE NEED TO.
>> I THINK WE FORGET SOMETIMES THAT YOU GUYS POLICE AT THE WILL OF THE PEOPLE, AND THAT IS WHAT WE WANT.
OTHER QUESTIONS FOR THESE GENTLEMEN?
>> WE DON'T FORGET THAT, MAYOR.
>> WHEN THE LPR HAS FIRST HIT THE MARKET.
I THINK IT WAS LA THAT TESTED THEM.
>> IT WAS ACTUALLY THE UK WHERE IT STARTED.
>> THEY WERE USED TO GATHER INTELLIGENCE, AND THEY ACTUALLY WORKED.
THEY WERE ABLE TO HELP LAW ENFORCEMENT PICK CRIMINAL ACTIVITY FROM A CERTAIN PART OF TOWN.
ALL OF A SUDDEN, IT MOVED TO ANOTHER PORTION, AND WE NEED TO MOVE RESOURCES THERE.
>> IN LAW ENFORCEMENT, WE KNOW THIS WORKS, BUT ON THE PUBLIC END, THEY'RE CONCERNED THAT WE'RE NOT CAPTURING DATA WHEN THEY'RE NOT DOING ANYTHING.
WE OBVIOUSLY ARE BECAUSE AS PEOPLE GO THROUGH THOSE INTERSECTIONS, WE'RE CAPTURING THAT DATA.
WE'RE ONLY STORING IT ON OUR SERVERS.
>> IT'S ON OUR CLOUD SERVERS, YES.
>> BUT WE OWN THAT. AT LEAST THAT END OF IT.
THERE'S REALLY LESS OF A CONCERN TO WHERE THAT DATA IS GOING, BECAUSE WE'RE THE ONES THAT CONTROL IT, AND HOW WE USE IT.
THAT WOULD BE THE SCARY THING TO THE PUBLIC, HOW THAT DATA IS USED.
DO YOU USE THAT FOR PREDICTIVE MODELING?
>> NOT REALLY. I'LL TELL YOU THE REASON WHY.
THIS PROBABLY WILL COME AS A LITTLE BIT OF A SHOCK.
WE ON A GIVEN MONTH, 15 MILLION TO 20 MILLION PLATE READS.
AN IDEA OF THE NEEDLE TO LOOK FOR TO EVEN LOOK IN THAT HAYSTACK.
PREDICTIVE MODELING, I CAN TELL YOU HOW MANY LOTS OF PLATES COME THROUGH.
THEY WANT TO KNOW HOW MANY CARS ARE COMING THROUGH A ROAD, BUT NOT REALLY.
TO SOME EXTENT, YES, WE CAN SAY THAT IS OUR PROJECT SAFE NEIGHBORHOOD? IS THAT REALLY A LEGIT ZONE BASED ON SOME OF OUR OTHER LPRS? YEAH, SURE.
WE CAN SAY THAT THIS CAMERA ON THIS DAY HAD THIS MANY HITS ON CRIMINAL ACTIVITY, AS OPPOSED TO ONE MAYBE OUT SOUTH OF TOWN THAT HAD VERY FEW.
THAT'S WHERE WE DO A DATA-DRIVEN OR AN EVIDENCE-BASED APPROACH TO WHERE WE PUT THESE IN THE FIRST PLACE.
WE HAVE A CAMERA THAT'S NOT PICKING ANYTHING UP, WELL WE'LL MOVE IT SOMEWHERE ELSE TO SEE IF IT DOES.
>> THANK YOU, GENTLEMEN. WE APPRECIATE THE EXPLANATION.
>> DO YOU MIND IF I ADD ONE MORE TIME.
>> YES, SIR. ANYTHING YOU NEED.
>> I KNOW WE GOT A LATE NIGHT.
AT THE END OF THE DAY, THIS IS NOT ABOUT TECHNOLOGY.
THIS IS ABOUT TRUST IN THE POLICE DEPARTMENT AND THE GOVERNMENT.
THAT IS HARD-WIRED INTO THE AMERICAN DNA BECAUSE OF WHERE WE CAME FROM TO DISTRUST THE GOVERNMENT.
SOMEWHAT, THAT'S A HEALTHY THING.
BUT I WOULD JUST LIKE TO SAY THAT THIS IS NOT THE FIRST TIME WE'VE STRUGGLED WITH TECHNOLOGY AND POLICING.
IF YOU'LL READ THE HISTORY OF POLICING, WHEN WE WENT FROM HORSES AND FOOT PATROL AND PUT THE FIRST OFFICERS IN CARS, THAT CAUSED A LOT OF OUTRAGE AND A LOT OF CONCERN FROM THE PUBLIC.
[01:55:02]
ALL OF A SUDDEN, NOW, AN OFFICER WHO ONLY HAD ACCESS TO ABOUT A BLOCK-WIDE AREA NOW HAS ACCESS TO THE WHOLE CITY.THEY'RE GOING TO BE EVERYWHERE ALL THE TIME NOW.
WHEN WE WENT FROM REVOLVERS TO SEMIAUTOMATIC PISTOLS, ANOTHER PIECE OF TECHNOLOGY, THAT WAS ANOTHER ONE THAT CAUSED CONTRABAND. THIS IS NOT NEW.
IT'S IN HOW YOUR DEPARTMENT, HOW YOUR GOVERNMENT IS GOING TO USE THE TECHNOLOGY.
IT'S NOT THE TECHNOLOGY, AND IT'S ABOUT THE PERSON USING THAT TECHNOLOGY.
THE ONLY WAY YOU'RE GOING TO KEEP THAT THE WAY IT SHOULD BE WORKING IS A PROPER VETTING PROCESS WITH WHO YOU'RE HIRING, STRICT POLICIES AND MANUALS, STRICT TRAINING, AND STRICT ACCOUNTABILITY.
BECAUSE THE TRUTH IS THAT I TOOK AN OATH TO PRESERVE, PROTECT, AND DEFEND THE CONSTITUTION.
I WAS AT IACP THIS YEAR, THE INTERNATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF CHIEFS OF POLICE, AND 17,000 CHIEFS AND POLICE OFFICERS FROM AROUND THE WORLD STOOD UP IN THAT CONFERENCE AND TOOK THEIR OATH LIKE WE DO EVERY YEAR, TO REMIND US OF THE OATH WE TOOK.
WE WERE CALLED TO SERVE AND PROTECT PEOPLE, AND WE'RE DOING THAT CALL.
THE FACT OF MATTER IS, IF I TOOK THIS PIECE OF TECHNOLOGY OUT RIGHT NOW, START FIRING ROUNDS OFF IN THIS ROOM BECAUSE I VIOLATED MY CALLING BECAUSE I VIOLATED MY OATH, THERE'S ABSOLUTELY NOTHING THAT'S GOING TO STOP ME FROM DOING THAT, EXCEPT OFFICER PETRONE OVER HERE, AND OFFICER JENKINS OVER HERE, WHO IN ABOUT A QUARTER OF A SECOND WOULD PUT ME DOWN.
THAT'S ABOUT HOW LONG IT TAKES TO PULL THE TRIGGER, A QUARTER OF A SECOND.
I LOVE THESE GUYS, AND THEY LOVE ME.
THEY WOULD PUT ME DOWN IN A HEARTBEAT IF I TRIED TO VIOLATE MY OATH IN THAT WAY.
THIS COMES DOWN TO TRUST, AND WE WANT OUR PUBLIC TO TRUST US.
WE THINK OUR PUBLIC DOES TRUST US BASED ON THE SUPPORT WE'VE GOT, AND I WILL EXTEND IT.
IF YOU OR MR. FORD, OR ANYBODY ELSE WANTS MORE CLARIFICATION ON THE TECHNOLOGY WE'RE USING, PLEASE CONTACT ME, AND WE'LL SET SOMETHING UP.
>> WELL SAID. I APPRECIATE THAT. THANK YOU, CHIEF.
>> YES, SIR. THANK YOU VERY MUCH.
>> I WOULD MAKE A MOTION THAT WE ACCEPT.
>> MOTION ON ITEM 8P TO ACCEPT AS PRESENTED.
MOTION IN A SECOND. ALL IN FAVOR, PLEASE SAY AYE.
>> ANY OPPOSED? MOTION PASSES.
[8.V. CONSIDER AWARD – WELL FIELD MOWING ANNUAL CONTRACT RENEWAL (Part 1 of 2)]
LET ME SKIP R FOR A MINUTE.>> WELL FIELD MOWING CONTRACT.
CAN WE JUST TALK ABOUT HOW BIG IS THAT FIELD, SO WE MOW IT OR CAN WE PUT CATTLE ON IT? DOESN'T SOMEBODY ELSE ALREADY OWN PROBABLY SOMETHING OUT THERE?
>> [OVERLAPPING] A LITTLE MESS, IF YOU SEE THE WORD WELL FIELD, WE ALL THINK OF A FIELD, BUT THIS IS ACTUALLY WHERE WE HAVE ALL OF OUR WELLS.
WE HAVE WELLS IN CARSON COUNTY, WE HAVE THEM IN POTTER COUNTY, WE HAVE THEM IN RANDALL COUNTY, TOTAL OF 129 OF THOSE WELL SITES THAT HAVE TO BE MOWED.
THEY'RE FENCED IN AREAS TO PROTECT THE WELL HEAD.
THIS IS AN EXISTING CONTRACT. THIS IS JUST A RENEWAL.
ONE OF THE THINGS THAT HAPPENS IN A NON-RAINY SEASON, IF WE'RE IN A LITTLE BIT OF DROUGHT, WE PROBABLY DON'T PAY OUT THIS ENTIRE CONTRACT.
THIS LAST YEAR, WE PAID OUT THE ENTIRE AMOUNT OF THAT DUE TO THE MOWING THAT'S REQUIRED AT THOSE AREAS.
QUESTION WAS ASKED TO US IF WE WOULD JUST BE ABLE TO USE A HERBICIDE OR SOMETHING LIKE THAT TO GO IN THERE AND JUST KILL ALL THAT INSTEAD.
THERE'S ACTUALLY THE LAW SAYS YOU CANNOT USE A HERBICIDE WITHIN 100 FEET OF THOSE WELL HEADS BECAUSE IT'S MUNICIPAL WATER.
THIS IS JUST ROUTINE MAINTENANCE FOR US.
>> GREAT. THANK YOU. CAN I STAY WITH YOU ON W,
[Items W, X & Z]
X, Z, MAYBE? THESE ARE WELL FIELD.>> I'VE GOT DOUBLE F, DOUBLE U.
>> I'LL GET INTO DOUBLE F IN A MINUTE.
>> SORRY, NOT DOUBLE F. THE DOUBLE U LETTER.
>> ON THIS, IT SAYS CARSON COUNTY.
ARE WE PAYING FOR THINGS FOR OR ON BEHALF OF CARSON COUNTY, OR IS THIS OUR WELL FIELD?
>> THIS IS OUR WELL FIELD IN CARSON COUNTY.
>> LOCATED INSIDE OF CARSON COUNTY.
>> THESE ARE OUR WATER RIGHTS.
>> THESE ARE ASSETS THAT WE OWN.
>> CORRECT. YES. GOING TO W, THIS IS AN ACTUATING.
>> THAT'S THE NAME OF THE WELL FIELD.
CARSON COUNTY WELL FIELD, POTTER COUNTY WELL FIELD. THAT'S THE NAME OF.
>> JUST BY TITLE. THANK YOU, SIR.
>> IT'S PRETTY COMMON THAT THAT'S WHAT THEY'RE CALLED ANYWHERE YOU'RE AT.
THIS IS A 42-INCH ACTUATING VALVE. WHAT THIS IS.
THIS IS A VALVE THAT IS GOING TO BE INSTALLED ON THE 45-INCH MAIN.
IT'S THE ACTUAL MAIN THAT WAS TALKED ABOUT EARLIER IN PUBLIC COMMENT AS WELL.
WE HAVE MANY VALVES THAT ARE IN OUR SYSTEMS, ESPECIALLY ON THE TRANSMISSION LINES, WHETHER THAT'S IN THE DISTRIBUTION SYSTEM IN TOWN OR WHETHER IT'S ON OUR WELLFIELD, WHERE WE'RE BRINGING WATER INTO TOWN, AND THOSE VALVES SERVE A PURPOSE, AND THEY'RE TO SHUT OFF THE WATER IF WE HAVE A LEAK.
[02:00:03]
THIS IS THE MAIN REASON WE HAVE THOSE.NOW, THIS IS A LINE THAT WAS INSTALLED BACK IN THE 1960S ORIGINALLY.
IT WAS UPGRADED IN THE 1980S, SO IT'S A VERY OLD LINE, AND WE DO HAVE FAILURES ON SOME OF THE EXISTING VALVES THAT ARE THERE.
THIS IS A NEW VALVE THAT WE'RE GOING TO BE INSTALLING.
IN CASE WE HAVE A LEAK, THIS IS THE ONE ARTERY THAT COMES INTO TOWN FROM THAT CARSON COUNTY WELL FIELD THAT BRINGS THE WATER IN.
WE NEED TO BE ABLE TO HAVE A WAY TO ISOLATE THAT IF WE HAVE A LEAK, SO WE CAN GET IT REPAIRED AND GET BACK INTO SERVICE.
THIS IS PRETTY MUCH A ROUTINE PLAN TO O&M ITEM FOR THIS BUDGET YEAR.
>> I APPRECIATE THAT. ITEMS W, X, AND Z, ALL REAL PERTINENT BECAUSE OF THE NAMING IN THEIR CARSON COUNTY.
THESE ARE ALL ITEMS THAT WE NEED, AND WE LOOK AT YOU GUYS TO MAKE SURE THAT YOU ARE MAINTAINING THINGS SO THAT FUTURE COUNCILS AREN'T LOOKING BACK, WONDERING WHY WE HAVE A $10 MILLION PROBLEM; YOU'RE FIXING THIS $70,000 AT A TIME.
>> ALL OF THESE ITEMS, W, X, AND Z, ARE ALL PLANNED ROUTINE O&M ITEMS TO KEEP THE SYSTEM RUNNING AND KEEP IT MOVING.
THESE ARE THINGS THAT WE GET READY FOR THE BUDGET YEAR TO KICK OFF SO THAT WE CAN START IMPLEMENTING SOME OF THESE PROJECTS.
THAT'S WHY YOU SEE THEM LANDING ON THE AGENDA AS THEY ARE.
>> THANK YOU, SIR. COUNCIL, CAN I GET A MOTION TO ACCEPT EIGHT W, X, AND Z?
>> I GOT A MOTION AND A SECOND FOR EIGHT W, X, AND Z AS PRESENTED, ALL IN FAVOR, PLEASE SAY AYE.
>> ANY OPPOSED? MOTION PASSES.
I KNOW YOU WANTED TO COMMENT ON EIGHT DOUBLE F.
>> MAYOR, WE HAVEN'T VOTED ON EIGHT V YET, V AS IN VICTOR.
[8.V. CONSIDER AWARD – WELL FIELD MOWING ANNUAL CONTRACT RENEWAL (Part 2 of 2)]
>> I THOUGHT WE HAD A MOTION ON V.
>> YOU DID NOT. WE SKIPPED IT.
>> NO, WE TALKED ABOUT IT, BUT THEN WE WENT RIGHT TO W.
>> THANK YOU. I THOUGHT WE DID, VICTOR. I APOLOGIZE.
LET ME COME BACK AND ASK, DID I HAVE ANY FURTHER DISCUSSION OR QUESTIONS ON V FOR THE MOWING CONTRACT? THANK YOU, STAFF, FOR LOOKING OUT.
WE ASK FOR A MOTION ON EIGHT VS AND VICTOR.
>> I MOVE TO APPROVE EIGHT V AS PRESENTED.
>> MOTION IN A SECOND. ALL IN FAVOR? PLEASE SAY AYE.
>> THANK YOU, STAFF. EIGHT DOUBLE F.
[8.FF. CONSIDER APPROVAL - CONTRACT FOR THE EXCHANGE OF WATER RIGHTS ]
>> MAYOR, COUNCIL, THIS IS A CONTRACT FOR THE EXCHANGE OF WATER RIGHTS.
THIS IS A TYPICAL APPROACH WHEN THERE'S A NEED ON BOTH SIDES OF A LAND OWNER AND THE CITY TO HAVE A NEED WITH EXCHANGE OF WATER RIGHTS RATHER THAN SALE.
CITY DOESN'T SELL WATER RIGHTS.
BUT IN A CERTAIN CASE, THERE'S NEEDS.
THIS INDIVIDUAL IDENTIFIED A NEED THAT THEY HAD FOR 160 ACRES OF WATER RIGHTS THAT THE CITY OWNED.
THERE'S 103 PRIVATELY OWNED WATER RIGHTS THAT ARE VERY BENEFICIAL TO THE CITY, SUCH THAT THAT WILL MAKE A BLOCK OF OVER THREE SECTIONS, 640 ACRES IS IN A SECTION CONTIGUOUS WITH A LARGE BLOCK, THE 62,000-ACRE CONTIGUOUS BLOCK OF THE CITY OF AMARILLO ALREADY OWNS.
THE BENEFIT OF THAT IS THAT WE CAN OPERATE AND DRILL WELLS ON THOSE THREE SECTIONS UNDER THE LARGE PERMIT RATHER THAN HAVE INDIVIDUAL WELL PERMITS.
IT'S MUCH MORE EFFECTIVE, EFFICIENT WAY FOR US TO MANAGE THE WATER RIGHTS.
THE 160 ACRES THAT WE'RE GIVING UP IS NOT NECESSARILY THAT IMPORTANT IN THE SCHEME OF DRILLING WELLS.
THERE'S A HALF-MILE SETBACK; HAS BEEN HISTORICALLY A HALF-MILE SETBACK FOR WELLS, AND WE WON'T BE ABLE TO DRILL A NUMBER OF WELLS ON THAT ACREAGE.
IT OPENS UP THE PLANNED DEVELOPMENT OF WATER RIGHTS.
ALSO, THERE'S A SLIGHT CASH ADJUSTMENT BECAUSE IT'S VERY DIFFICULT TO GET THE EXACT AMOUNT OF WATER.
IT'S WATER FOR WATER SWAP, BUT WE GET VERY CLOSE AS WE CAN WITH ACREAGE.
THERE'S A FEW DOLLARS TO JUST TO MAKE IT THE EXACT ON ACREAGE.
WE DIDN'T WANT TO SPLIT UP THE 160 ACRES BECAUSE THAT'S THE TYPICAL ONE-QUARTER SECTION IN AGRICULTURE WAY OF 640 ACRES.
BUT STAFF IS RECOMMENDING THIS BECAUSE OF HOW EFFICIENT AND EFFECTIVE IT WILL MAKE YOUR DEVELOPMENT OF ADDITIONAL RESOURCES IN THE CARSON COUNTY WELL FIELD.
>> THANK YOU, SIR. QUESTIONS ON EIGHT DOUBLE F. READY FOR A MOTION, IF YOU ALL ARE.
>> I GOT A MOTION AND A SECOND.
>> ANY OPPOSED? THAT'S EIGHT DOUBLE F. HANG IN THERE WITH ME FOR JUST ONE MORE 8R.
[8.R. CONSIDER AWARD - ANIMAL MANAGEMENT & WELFARE SITE IMPROVEMENTS ]
I'LL DIRECT YOUR ATTENTION BACK TO AN ITEM THAT POPPED UP[02:05:01]
BECAUSE IN THE SUPPORTING DOCUMENTS BEHIND INSIDE OF THE PACKET, IT REFERENCES A FY 23, 24 FUNDING AS WELL AS A FY 25, 26 FUNDING.ITEM 8R IS ANIMAL MANAGEMENT WELFARE SITE IMPROVEMENTS.
THIS IS A $386,000 CONTRACT AWARD.
I WANT TO START BY SAYING, I'M IN FAVOR OF THE AWARD.
I'M DEFINITELY IN FAVOR OF THE UPGRADES AND THE IMPROVEMENTS.
I THINK THE WAY THAT THIS CAN BE EXPLAINED IS MORE LIKE KENNEL IMPROVEMENTS, BUT HERE, AS IT READS, IT READS SIDEWALK AND DRAINAGE.
TYPICAL UNDERSTANDING IS NOT NECESSARILY.
ARE WE WORKING ON THE KENNELS? HERE'S WHAT I WOULD ASK, MR. FREEMAN.
I KNOW YOU AND I SPOKE ABOUT THIS EARLIER TODAY.
CAN YOU TELL ME WHY THAT'S BEING FUNDED OUT OF TWO SEPARATE SOURCES AND HOW MUCH IN EACH?
>> YES, SIR. IT'S THE MAIN WALKWAY BETWEEN THE KENNELS, THAT HAS HAD MAJOR DETERIORATION DUE TO THE DRAINAGE FROM CLEANING THE KENNELS MULTIPLE TIMES A DAY.
THAT'S A MAJOR PIECE OF THE INFRASTRUCTURE OUT THERE FOR ADA WALKABILITY, USING WHEELCHAIRS, AND THEN ALSO JUST A DRAINAGE TO KEEP THE WATER FROM DOING THE SAME THING AS IT'S DONE IN THE PAST.
THAT WAS THE REASON FOR THE PROJECT.
BUT AS FAR AS A FUNDING SOURCE, THE 23, 24 CIP, WE HAD $267,000 REMAINING IN A KENNEL RENOVATION, WHICH THIS RELATES TO THE KENNELS.
THAT WAS HELD ON, DIDN'T HAVE ENOUGH FUNDING TO DO A PARTICULAR PROJECT.
WE'RE PROPOSING TO COMBINE IT WITH THIS YEAR'S CIP, WHICH IS 650,000 ALLOCATED FOR ENI, SO JUST GENERAL IMPROVEMENTS TO THE FACILITY.
BUT REALLY, YOU COULD GO EITHER WAY WITH THE FUNDING SOURCE.
WE WERE JUST USING THE OLDER CIP, AND WE'D STILL HAVE A REMAINDER FROM THE CURRENT CIP.
EITHER WAY, COUNCIL WANTS TO FUND IT.
>> THE REASON THAT I PULL IT OFF TO DISCUSS IT IS, I JUST WANT TO MAKE SURE COUNCIL SEES WHAT STAFF IS CURRENTLY WORKING ON WITH CIP AND HOW WE FUNCTION SO THAT AS WE'VE WALKED THROUGH A BUDGET VERY PAINSTAKINGLY, AND WE'RE ALSO DIGGING INTO OLD PROJECTS THAT WE'RE AWARE OF, LIKE, WE'VE GOT PROJECTS THAT WE'VE FINISHED, AND WE'RE TRYING TO CLOSE THEM OUT.
STAFF IS DOING A GOOD JOB OF WORKING THROUGH THOSE.
THIS IS HOW THE TRAIN CONTINUES TO MOVE, EVEN THOUGH WE HAVEN'T GOT ALL THAT HOMEWORK IN YET.
COUNCILL, YOU UNDERSTAND YOU'RE THE APPROPRIATIONS COMMITTEE BY THE CHARTER, YOU APPROPRIATE FUNDS ON AN ANNUAL BASIS.
YOU SHOW UP AND YOU GIVE YOUR VOTE FOR THE BUDGET AS PRESENTED.
THIS BUDGET WAS 570 MILLION, MAYBE? IS THAT WHERE WE'RE AT? IT INCLUDED 113 MILLION OF CIP PROJECTS.
SOME OF THOSE PROJECTS, ABOUT 19 MILLION OF THEM, RESIDE IN YOUR GENERAL FUND, AND THAT'S THE ONE-TIME MONEY THAT'S COMING OUT.
WELL, NOT ALL OF THAT 19 MILLION CAN BE SPENT WITHIN THAT GIVEN YEAR.
WHAT'S VERY, VERY DIFFICULT IS TO SEE THAT THERE'S NOT A CONTINUATION REPORT THAT'S BEING FILED AT THE END OF EACH YEAR.
THEY'RE NOT GIVING YOU AN UPDATE WHEN YOU ADOPT YOUR NEXT BUDGET THAT HAS THOSE LINE ITEMS IN IT WHERE NOW YOU'RE TRACKING, OH, OUT OF THAT 19 MILLION, WE STILL HAVE $18 MILLION TO SPEND.
THIS IS ONE EXAMPLE OF A 23 BUDGET.
CAN WE CONFIRM, WAS THIS VOTED FOR BY THAT COUNCIL ON AN APPROPRIATIONS? IT WAS APPROPRIATED. IT WASN'T JUST A PROJECT THAT WAS CREATED.
>> IT WAS APPROVED DURING THE BUDGET WITHIN THE CIP SCHEDULE IN THE BACK OF THE BUDGET. YES, SIR.
>> THIS ISN'T PECULIAR TO JUST THIS ONE PROJECT.
OUR CITY MANAGER IS WORKING THROUGH THESE AND TRYING TO PULL THESE TOGETHER.
WHAT I HAD ASKED WAS, COUNCIL DOESN'T WANT TO GET ONE AT A TIME.
WELL, WE GOT SOME SAVINGS OVER HERE, OR WE STILL HADN'T SPENT THIS MONEY.
IDENTIFY ALL OF THE MONIES, BECAUSE WE MAY HAVE A LARGE PROJECT THAT WOULD REALLY HELP THE COMMUNITY THAT WE'RE NOT GOING TO EVEN DISCUSS OR LOOK AT, UNLESS WE KNOW, WELL YOU HAVE A LARGE AMOUNT OF MONEY? AS WE GO THROUGH THE BUDGET, A GOOD EXAMPLE THIS LAST SESSION IN THE WORK SESSION.
THE QUESTION WAS ASKED, LIKE, WE DON'T HAVE A POT OF GOLD AT THE END OF THE RAINBOW SOMEWHERE.
WE DON'T HAVE MONEY SITTING OUT THERE, AND STAFF ANSWERED, NO, YOU DON'T.
LIKE, THIS IS ALL THE MONEY YOU HAVE ON THE APPROPRIATIONS OF YOUR CURRENT BUDGET, WHAT YOU'RE GIVING. LIKE, THIS IS IT.
WE'VE NEGLECTED OVER THE LAST SEVERAL YEARS TO IDENTIFY THAT THERE ARE MONIES THAT HAVE BEEN APPROPRIATED BY PREVIOUS BUDGETS AND PREVIOUS COUNCILS THAT HAVEN'T BEEN CLOSED OUT IN THOSE PROJECTS.
LIKE, THIS IS A GREAT PROBLEM TO HAVE IF YOU CATCH IT.
IT'S A REALLY BAD THING IF WE JUST CONTINUE TO WORK FORWARD, AND WE DON'T KNOW,
[02:10:02]
BECAUSE YOU GUYS, YOU THINK WE KNOW, AND WE NEED TO KNOW.WE NEED NOT ONLY FOR US TO UNDERSTAND HOW MUCH MONEY IS STILL REMAINING IN ANY OF THESE PROJECTS THAT HAVE BEEN APPROPRIATED, BUT WE NEED YOU TO KNOW THAT, AS WELL.
MR. PATH, I KNOW YOU AND I HAD A LONG DISCUSSION EARLIER TODAY.
DO YOU WANT TO WEIGH IN ON WHAT DIRECTION YOU'RE HEADING AND THEN WHERE YOU'RE GOING TO TAKE US, AND MAYBE HOW LONG IT'LL TAKE YOU TO GET THERE?
>> I APPRECIATE YOU BRIEFING THE COUNCIL ON THE CONVERSATION WE HAD TODAY.
THE INFORMATION I RELAYED TO YOU.
OUR CIP COMMITTEES BEEN WORKING ON THIS FOR A FEW MONTHS.
IT'S ONE OF OUR SECONDARY JOBS IS WE'RE TRYING TO JUST GET THINGS DONE OPERATIONALLY, BUT WE'VE BEEN WORKING OUR WAY THROUGH ALL THE DIFFERENT CIP ACCOUNTS, WHETHER SEVERAL YEARS OLD, AND SO WORKING TO CLOSE THOSE OUT SO WE CAN BRING THEM BACK TO YOU WHICH ONES ARE SO ACTIVE AND WHICH ONES ARE CLOSED, AND HOW MUCH MONEY IS AVAILABLE IN DRAINAGE, UTILITIES IN GENERAL.
I'M GETTING WITH STAFF TOMORROW AS ONE OF OUR MEETINGS TOMORROW TO TALK ABOUT THE NEXT PRESENTATION TO THE COUNCIL.
THE NEXT STOP IN THIS PROCESS IS TO BRING IT TO YOU ALL AS A GOVERNING BODY.
THAT WAY WE CAN PRESENT TO YOU ALL THE WORK WE'VE DONE, EDUCATE YOU ALL ON THE PROCESS, AND WHAT WE'VE LEARNED, THE THINGS WE'RE GOING TO DO DIFFERENTLY GOING FORWARD.
OBVIOUSLY, AS THE MAYOR SAID, I TALKED ABOUT THIS MORNING WITH HIM.
THIS HAS BEEN A LONG TIME COMING.
WE'VE BEEN WORKING HARD A FEW MONTHS TO TRY TO FIGURE OUT HOW WE GOT HERE, AND SO WE'VE LEARNED A LOT, A LOT OF GOOD THINGS, AND SO WE'LL BE WORKING WITH OUR STAFF AND INTERNAL AUDIT TO DO SOME POLICIES, AND BUT WORKING ON THAT NEXT FEW MONTHS TO BRING IT BACK TO YOU IN A PRESENTATION.
AS THE MAYOR SAID, WE DON'T WE DON'T WANT TO JUST BRING YOU LOTS OF LITTLE BITS.
WE'RE TRYING TO GROUP IT ALL TOGETHER, BUT WE'RE WORKING ON THAT NEXT THREE OR SO MONTHS OR SO.
>> I WANT COUNCIL TO HEAR A COUPLE OF THINGS HERE.
ONE, OUR CITY MANAGER IS WORKING ON IT, AND HE IS TASKED U NEIL, GERBER, AND U NEIL IS DOING A FANTASTIC JOB IN WHAT I CAN SEE JUST IN A FEW CONVERSATIONS BACK AND FORTH.
WE'RE GOING TO FIGURE ALL THIS OUT.
THEY'RE GOING TO FIGURE ALL THIS OUT.
THIS IS A GOOD PROBLEM TO HAVE.
BUT I WANT YOU GUYS TO HEAR ME SAY, WE DO HAVE MONEY.
LIKE, WE DO HAVE MONIES THAT ARE ON THE BOOKS THAT HAVE BEEN APPROPRIATED THAT HAVE NOT BEEN SPENT.
THEY'RE SITTING THERE, SOME OF THOSE MONIES NEED TO BE SPENT ON EXACTLY WHAT THEY WERE APPROPRIATED FOR, WE HAVEN'T DONE THE PROJECT FOR WHATEVER REASON, AND THERE'S SOME LEGITIMATE REASONS AS TO WHY, AND THERE'S PROBABLY SOME REASONS THAT AREN'T AS LEGITIMATE.
BUT WE NEED THIS COUNCIL TO BE ABLE TO DIRECT ALL OF THE MONIES THAT WE CAN IDENTIFY THAT HAVE BEEN EITHER APPROPRIATED OR, IF THERE'S ANY MONEY SITTING THERE THAT HAVEN'T BEEN APPROPRIATED, BECAUSE YOU CAN ONLY DO THIS EXERCISE ONCE A YEAR UNLESS YOU AMEND THAT DOCUMENT.
I THINK, FOR ME, EVEN THOUGH I'VE BEEN HERE FOR FOUR YEARS NOW, I DID NOT FULLY UNDERSTAND THAT OUR CIP IS A CONTINUATION IN AND OF ITSELF.
WITHOUT MONITORING THAT VERY CLOSELY, THOSE MONIES AND THOSE PROJECTS CAN EASILY END UP OFF BOOKS, OFF OF YOUR OUT OF SIGHT OUT OF MIND.
WE WANT TO MAKE SURE THAT WE'RE DOING A REALLY GOOD JOB WITH OUR FIDUCIARY DUTIES HERE, AND THAT WE ARE PUTTING ALL THIS TOGETHER AND BRINGING IT BACK TO YOU.
THEN, COUNCIL, I JUST WANT YOU TO GET EXCITED.
I THINK WE CAN GET MORE DONE THAN WE THOUGHT WE COULD GET DONE THIS YEAR, AND OVER THE NEXT COUPLE OF YEARS.
IF I'M WRONG, I WILL BE THE FIRST ONE TO DELIVER THE DISAPPOINTING NEWS TO YOU GUYS THAT, SORRY, THERE'S NO MONEY THERE.
BUT EVERYTHING THAT I'VE SEEN TELLS ME THAT THERE IS, AND I APPRECIATE STAFF FOR WALKING THIS OUT WITH ME ON IT. YOU HAVE ANYTHING ELSE, MISSING?
>> I WAS JUST GOING TO SAY THE MONEY'S DEFINITELY ON THE BOOKS.
THEY'RE NOT OFF BOOKS, BUT ABSOLUTELY GET YOUR POINT. CHOICE OF WORDS.
>> WELL, WE'RE TALKING ABOUT TRANSPARENCY AND TRUST AND REBUILDING THAT PUBLIC TRUST.
I WOULD SAY, I NEED YOU TO TRUST IN YOUR CHIEF BACK THERE AND IN YOUR POLICE DEPARTMENT.
AND YOU'VE HEARD ME SAY, I DON'T NEED YOU TO TRUST ME.
I NEED YOU TO KNOW THAT I CAN DELIVER A WORK PRODUCT TO YOU, AND I CAN SHOW YOU THAT IT'S BEEN VALIDATED, IT'S BEEN VERIFIED, AND THAT IT IS THERE.
BUT IN THE WAY IN WHICH THESE MONIES ARE NOT BEING TRACKED, THEY CAN EASILY FALL OFF THE RADAR.
>> COUNCIL, I APPRECIATE YOU CONSIDERING THAT AND GOING THROUGH THAT.
ANY QUESTIONS ON HOW THIS ONE'S FUNDED OUT OF A 23 CIP THAT YOU GUYS WEREN'T A PART OF, AND ALSO A 25?
>> I GUESS MY ONLY CONCERN IS, HOW DOES THAT HAPPEN? THE FUNDS WERE APPROPRIATED FOR THIS PROJECT AND FOR SPENDING.
BECAUSE WE'RE NOT TALKING LAST YEAR'S BUDGET, WE'RE TALKING THE YEAR BEFORE THAT.
IT'S A WHOLE TWO YEARS THAT FUNDS ARE JUST SITTING THERE THAT COULD HAVE BEEN USED.
ONE, HOW DOES THAT HAPPEN? TWO, HOW MANY OF THESE DO WE HAVE THAT ARE OUT THERE?
>> THAT PROBABLY GOES BACK TO MAYOR'S COMMENTS.
[02:15:02]
THERE ARE A NUMBER OF PROJECTS.IF YOU WANT A LITTLE MORE HISTORY OF MAYBE THE LAST COUPLE OF YEARS.
I KNOW JUST RECENTLY, WE'VE BID THIS OUT PRIOR TO THE CURRENT YEAR'S BUDGET, AND YOU CAN TELL IT'S ALMOST $400,000.
THERE WAS JUST NOT ENOUGH FUNDING TO DO A FULL PROJECT.
I THINK WAS A LARGE PART OF IT AND TRYING TO PRIORITIZE WHAT AW COULD SPEND ON TO GET THE BEST VALUE OF THOSE DOLLARS.
IT WAS JUST A MATTER OF TIMING, AND NOW WE'VE GOT MORE FUNDING THAT CAN BE ADDED TO THE POOL OF MONEY TO DO A GOOD SOLID PROJECT OUT THERE.
>> FROM THAT, WHEN THAT PROJECT'S NOT DONE.
THE PRACTICE HAS BEEN TO JUST LEAVE THE DOLLARS THERE.
>> PAST PRACTICE WAS ALSO TO MOVE IT TO ANOTHER PROJECT.
BUT THAT HAS CHANGED WITH THIS COUNCIL, AND NOW BEFORE IT GETS SHIFTED TO ANOTHER PROJECT, IT COMES BACK FOR COUNCIL APPROVAL.
>> I WILL ALSO COMMENT THAT I THINK THIS WAS ALWAYS PLANNED AS A MULTI STAGE PROJECT.
JERRY DANFORTH, I KNOW HE AND HIS TEAM HAVE WORKED DILIGENTLY ON THIS AND CAN PROBABLY GIVE A LITTLE BIT MORE EXPLANATION ON IT, BUT I DON'T THINK IT WAS EVER PLANNED TO DO THIS ALL AS ONE BIG PROJECT FOR MULTIPLE REASONS, AND JERRY, YOU MIGHT WANT TO WEIGH IN A LITTLE BIT ON THAT.
>> COUNCILMAN REED, THIS PROJECT ACTUALLY HAD MULTIPLE ISSUES WITH IT.
FIRST OF ALL, ADA WAS A BIG COMPONENT OF THIS DISCUSSION.
WE DID AN ASSESSMENT OF THE NEEDS AT ANIMAL MANAGEMENT AT THAT TIME.
AT THAT BUDGET PROCESS, THERE WAS ONLY CERTAIN AMOUNTS THAT WERE AVAILABLE.
WE SET IT UP AS A MULTI-PHASE PROJECT.
ADA CAME IN AND REVIEWED THE WALKWAYS AND THEY MADE A DETERMINATION THAT IF WE WERE TO DO THIS PROJECT, WE HAD TO BRING THE ENTIRE FACILITY UP TO ADA STANDARDS.
AT THAT POINT IN TIME, WE WERE LOOKING AT $2.5 MILLION WORTH OF WORK.
WE OBVIOUSLY COULDN'T DO THAT, BUT WE HAD CLEARLY IDENTIFIED THAT THAT PROBLEM EXISTED IN THE WALKWAYS, AND THE STATE VET HAS ACTUALLY PENALIZED US BECAUSE THAT'S A PLACE WHERE GERMS CAN COLLECT AND CRACK CONCRETE.
THE FIRST PHASE WAS THE ONE WALKWAY IN BETWEEN THE KENNELS ON THE SOUTH SIDE.
WE HAD TO GO THROUGH A REVIEW.
WE SENT AN APPEAL TO THE STATE OF TEXAS.
IT TOOK US EIGHT MONTHS TO GET A RESPONSE FROM THAT APPEAL.
WE WORKED WITH LOCAL ADA INSPECTOR, WE WORKED WITH LOCAL ENGINEERS, SUBMITTED THAT MULTIPLE TIMES AND LIKE I SAID, IT WAS EIGHT MONTHS LATER, WE GOT A RESPONSE TO THAT.
AT THAT POINT IN TIME, LOOKING AT THE PHASING, WE WERE ALREADY MOVING INTO THE NEXT BUDGET PROCESS.
THAT ALLOWED US TO ADDRESS ONCE WE GOT THE WAIVER FROM THE STATE TO ALLOW US TO DO THIS WORK.
NOW WE'RE LOOKING AT THE ADDITIONAL FUNDS THAT YOU GUYS WERE BRINGING FORWARD TO US.
NOW WE CAN DO PHASE 1 AND PHASE 2.
YOU SEE THE NUMBER GREW ACCORDINGLY.
NOW WE'LL BE ABLE TO DO PHASE 1 AND PHASE 2 AND LOOK AT THE ADDITIONAL NEEDS GOING FORWARD.
ALL OF THIS IS PART OF A COMPREHENSIVE PLAN TO LOOK AT THE TOTAL NEEDS OF THAT FACILITY, AND WE LOOK AT EACH STRUCTURE IN THAT LIGHT WHEN WE LOOK AT IT.
THAT WAS REALLY THE REASON FOR THE PUSHBACK AND THE DELAY.
THE RESPONSE FROM THE STATE BEING EXTREMELY SLOW, AND THEN THE TIMELINE CHANGING AND THEN THE NEXT BUDGET PROCESS.
YOU CAN SEE HOW WE ENDED UP A YEAR AND A HALF LATER.
NOW WE'RE READY TO MOVE FORWARD WITH THE ADDITIONAL FUNDING THAT YOU APPROVED IN THE CIP THIS YEAR.
WE CAN ADD IT TO THAT AND DO PHASE 1 AND PHASE 2 AND POTENTIALLY LOOK AT ADDITIONAL WORK ON THE KENNELS WITH THE ADDITIONAL BALANCE.
BUT THAT WOULD COME BACK TO YOU AS BASICALLY A SEPARATE PROJECT, NOT AS A PHASE ONE OR PHASE TWO PROJECT.
>> THANK YOU, SIR. THAT'S A SITUATION SOMETIMES.
MOST OF OUR PROJECTS CAN GET DONE RATHER QUICKLY, BUT THERE ARE SOME ON OCCASION THAT FOR WHATEVER MATTERS, WHETHER IT IS WAITING FOR APPROVAL FROM THE STATE OR JUST WE ENDED UP REALIZING THAT THERE WAS AN ISSUE WITH DESIGN TO GO BACK TO THE DRAWING BOARD OR WE HAD OTHER PRIORITIES.
THINGS CAME UP THAT WE TOOK OUR ATTENTION ON.
ON OCCASION, SOME PROJECTS DO GO TO THE BACK BURNER, AND SO WE TRIED TO GET TO THEM EVENTUALLY.
>> I THINK AS OTHER PRIORITIES COME UP, THIS COUNCIL UNDERSTANDING THERE NEED TO REAPPROPRIATE THE MONEY THAT WAY, AND I APPRECIATE THE NEW FINANCIAL POLICY.
THIS WILL BE ONE MORE LEVER, ONE MORE MECHANISM THAT REALLY KEEPS US TRUED UP AS WE WALK THIS OUT.
NOT ONLY DO WE HAVE PROJECTS WE HADN'T GOT TO, BUT WE HAVE PROJECTS WE'VE FINISHED.
THEY JUST HADN'T BEEN CLOSED OUT, AND THERE'S MONIES REMAINING.
RATHER THAN LEAVING THOSE MONEY SITTING OUT THERE, BEING ABLE TO PULL THOSE BACK TOGETHER, EVEN IF IT'S CONSIDERED A SMALLER AMOUNT OF MONEY,
[02:20:01]
THIS COUNCIL STILL HAS THE OPPORTUNITY TO REAPPROPRIATE THOSE MONIES MOVING FORWARD FOR THE GOOD OF THE COMMUNITY.I ONLY SAY ALL THAT JUST BECAUSE, I HAD A LITTLE CONCERN ABOUT HOW DOES THIS GET PRESENTED TO A COMMUNITY WHERE YOU HEAR IT THE RIGHT WAY.
I DON'T EVER WANT TO TARNISH THE CITY OF AMARILLO OR THE STAFF THAT'S WORKING ON THIS.
I WANT US TO MAINTAIN THE PERSPECTIVE THAT THIS IS A REALLY GOOD THING.
NOW, I DON'T AGREE WITH THE BOOKKEEPING EFFORTS OR METHODS, BUT I DEFINITELY AGREE THAT THIS IS A GOOD THING, ANYTIME YOU'VE GOT A MAYOR, COUNCIL, AND STAFF THAT CAN GO AND FIND AND LOCATE EXISTING FUNDING.
MAN WHO DID YOU ELECT AND ARE WE DOING THAT JOB? THAT'S EXACTLY WHAT WE HOPE.
THERE'S LOTS OF THINGS OUT THERE THAT WE NEED TO GET TO.
WE LOOK FORWARD TO GETTING THAT REPORT BACK.
COUNCIL, I GOT ONE ITEM LEFT HERE BEFORE WE TAKE A RECESS.
>> I WOULD JUST ADD ONE THING TO THAT IS.
BUT I THINK ONE THING WE NEED TO KEEP IN MIND, THESE CIPS, IF THERE IS MONEY TO BE FOUND, AND WE FIND IT, AND WE REALIZE THAT WE DON'T NEED THE PREVIOUS PROJECT THAT IT WAS APPROVED FOR.
WE CAN OBVIOUSLY BUT THIS IS ONE TIME SPENDING.
THE POT OF GOLD DISCUSSION WAS ON THE OPERATIONAL PART.
IT WASN'T THAT WE WERE LOOKING FOR A POT OF GOLD ON CIP.
IT WAS MORE THE OPERATIONAL THINGS THAT WE NEED TO CONTINUE GOING IS WHERE IT CONTINUES TO GET SHRINKS.
I THINK AND I APPRECIATE IT, IF WE FIND THINGS THAT WE CAN REALLOCATE AND PROJECTS THAT A PREVIOUS COUNCIL APPROVED, WE DON'T NEED TO DO ANYMORE.
THAT'D BE GREAT, OR TO MAKE SURE THAT THEY'VE GOT DONE.
BUT ON THE OTHER FLIP SIDE, I DON'T WANT PEOPLE TO THINK WE'VE GOT ALL THIS MONEY IN THE OPERATIONAL BUDGET BECAUSE THAT'S CONTINUING TO SEE PRESSURE.
>> I THINK I THINK THAT'S WELL SAID.
RIGHT NOW, IT'S A UNIQUE SET OF CIRCUMSTANCES TO STRUGGLE TO ADD A POSITION HERE OR THERE OR TO COVER OVERTIME OR WHATNOT.
AS THE DEPARTMENTS WORK DILIGENTLY TO MAKE SURE THEY MAINTAIN THEIR BALANCED BUDGET WE ARE TRYING TO IDENTIFY MONIES THAT HAVE PROJECTS THAT ARE CLOSED, THAT HAVE SAVINGS TIED TO THEM SO THAT WE CAN GO AND GET TO THE NEXT SET OF PRIORITIES.
THEN WE'LL CONTINUE TO LOOK FOR WAYS TO FUND THAT ONGOING BUDGET IN A GOOD WAY, WHICH YOU'VE SEEN THIS COUNCIL AND PREVIOUS COUNCIL DO.
THANK YOU, COUNCIL MEMBER SIMPSON FOR THAT.
IF ANYBODY WANTS TO GIVE A MOTION FOR 8R, OR WE CAN DO FURTHER DISCUSSION.
>> I MOVE TO APPROVE 8R AS PRESENTED.
>> MOTION AND A SECOND. ALL IN FAVOR. PLEASE SAY AYE.
WITH THAT, WE'LL TAKE A 15 MINUTE RECESS AND BE RIGHT BACK FOR DISCUSSION. THANK YOU.
WE'RE LIVE AGAIN. WE'RE GOING TO GET EVERYBODY HEADING BACK UP HERE AND GET OURSELVES CALLED BACK TO ORDER.
MAKING PROGRESS, MOVING INTO OUR DISCUSSION ITEMS.
[9.A. Wastewater Treatment Plant Project Update]
LET'S SEE WHAT WE GOT FIRST.IS WASTEWATER TREATMENT PLANT UPDATE, MR. HOOPER?
>> THANK YOU SO MUCH. I'M GOING TO SEE IF I CAN FORWARD THROUGH, THERE WE GO.
SIR, ON THIS GIVE WANTED TO GIVE YOU AN UPDATE.
WE TOLD YOU WE WOULD COME BACK TO YOU IN NOVEMBER BRING AN UPDATE ON WHERE WE'RE AT.
WE'VE HAD A LOT OF THINGS THAT HAVE OCCURRED SINCE THE LAST TIME WE GAVE YOU AN UPDATE ON THE WASTEWATER TREATMENT PLANT PROJECT.
WE'RE LOOKING AT 20: 31, 20: 32, BEFORE WE'RE FINISHED WITH THIS ENTIRE PROCESS.
IT IS GOING TO BE A MARATHON. NOT A SPRINT.
WE'RE GOING TO CONTINUE TO UPDATE THE COUNCIL AND THE PUBLIC AS OFTEN AS WE NEED TO TO KEEP YOU UPDATED WITH WHO WE'RE AT.
THE FIRST THING I WANT TO UPDATE YOU ON, MAYOR, YOU HAD SUGGESTED THAT WE CREATE A COMMITTEE, A SUBCOMMITTEE.
WE DID THAT. WE COMPLETED OUR FIRST MEETING LAST WEEK.
IT WAS A VERY SUCCESSFUL MEETING.
I FELT LIKE, AND I WANT TO GO OVER BRIEFLY WHAT WE TALKED ABOUT IN THAT MEETING.
NOW, THERE WERE A LOT MORE DETAILS THAT WE TALKED ABOUT IN THE MEETING.
I'M GOING TO KEEP IT A LITTLE BIT MORE BRIEF WHEN WE TALK ABOUT THE BIOS OF THE PEOPLE THAT ARE WORKING ON THIS PROJECT.
BUT I DO WANT TO GO THROUGH AND SHOW YOU WHAT WE TALKED ABOUT IN THAT MEETING.
FIRST OF ALL, EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE, WE WANTED TO COME UP WITH A PURPOSE FOR THAT.
THE PURPOSE REALLY IS JUST TO SERVE AS A CENTRAL FORUM FOR INFORMATION SHARING.
I THINK THAT'S THE SIMPLEST WAY TO PUT WHAT THE PURPOSE OF THAT COMMITTEE IS THAT WE CAN GET TOGETHER, SHARE INFORMATION, MAKE SURE THAT EVERYBODY'S ON THE SAME PAGE SO THAT WHEN WE'RE OUT IN THE COMMUNITY, AND WE'RE UP HERE AT THESE COUNCIL MEETINGS, OR WE'RE RECEIVING QUESTIONS, OR YOU AS COUNCIL MEMBERS ARE RECEIVING QUESTIONS, YOU HAVE A SOURCE THAT YOU CAN GO TO, AND EVERYONE HAS THE SAME MESSAGE AND THE SAME CONTENT THEY'RE GOING TO BE TALKING TO YOU ABOUT.
ANOTHER THING WAS TO ENSURE THAT MEMBERS ARE WELL INFORMED.
KEEP THEM UP TO DATE ON THE PROJECT SCOPE, THE PROGRESS, THE KEY MILESTONES, PROVIDE FEEDBACK ON OUR PROJECT DEVELOPMENT, COMMUNITY IMPACTS, THE PUBLIC MESSAGING, AND THEN ALSO 360 DEGREE COORDINATION UNDERSTANDING AMONG THE CITY LEADERS, CONSULTANTS AND STAFF.
THE LAST THING WE WANT TO DO IS NOT EQUIP YOU AS COUNCIL MEMBERS WITH THE CORRECT INFORMATION.
WHEN YOU'RE OUT TALKING THE PUBLIC, THAT YOU'LL HAVE SOME MISINFORMATION THAT YOU PUT OUT THERE.
[02:25:01]
THIS IS A GREAT WAY TO DO THAT.EQUIP THE MEMBERS OF THE COMMITTEE TO COMMUNICATE EFFECTIVELY WITH COMMUNITY STAKEHOLDERS, OTHER COUNCIL MEMBERS, FOSTER TRANSPARENCY, AS WE ALWAYS TALK ABOUT IN TRUST BY MAINTAINING AN OPEN COMMUNICATION THROUGHOUT THE ENTIRE PROJECT AND ALL THE PHASES OF THE PROJECT FOR THAT MATTER.
THEN ALSO ENCOURAGE COLLABORATION, COLLECTIVE OWNERSHIP, PROJECT GOALS AND OUTCOMES, AND THEN ACT AS ADVOCATES FOR THE PROJECT, HELPING BUILD PUBLIC AWARENESS AND SUPPORT FOR THIS PROJECT.
BECAUSE, AS I SAID, WE'RE GOING TO NEED THIS FOR A LONG PERIOD OF TIME.
THIS IS THE EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE THAT WE ASSEMBLED, AND THERE'S A REASON WHY WE PUT IT TOGETHER THIS WAY.
YOU'LL SEE THAT COUNCILMAN PRESCOTT IS THE ONE ON THE TOP OF THE LIST THERE THAT YOU WANTED HIM TO BE A PART OF THIS COMMITTEE.
WE'RE GLAD TO HAVE HIM AND HIS EXPERTISE AND KNOWLEDGE IN THOSE MEETINGS.
OF COURSE, THE CITY MANAGER, DEPUTY CITY MANAGER, MYSELF, RICH, AS WELL, THE OTHER SISTER CITY MANAGER, LAURA STORES, THE CFO, WHICH WILL BE A PART OF THIS GROUP UNTIL THERE'S A TRANSITION FOR HER RETIREMENT, AND THEN WE'LL REPLACE HER WITH KATRINA.
STEPHANIE, WE HAVE HER THERE TO KEEP US ORGANIZED, AND ALSO TO MAKE SURE THAT WE'RE PUTTING THE AGENDAS OUT.
WE'RE SHARING ALL THE INFORMATION THAT WAS IN THOSE MEETINGS WITH EVERYONE THAT IS ON THE COMMITTEE, SHANNON TALISON, WHO'S THE INTERIM DIRECTOR OF UTILITIES.
SHE'S ONE OF CO-INTERIM DIRECTORS OF UTILITIES FOR THE REGULATORY SIDE, FOR THOSE CONVERSATIONS, WILLIAM JOHNSON, WHO'S THE OTHER INTERIM DIRECTOR OF UTILITIES ON THE OPERATIONAL SIDE.
THEN SHARI KENDALL, WHO HAS BEEN HANDLING SHE'S IN OUR PLANNING DEPARTMENT, BUT SHE'S BEEN HANDLING A LOT OF ITEMS WHEN IT COMES TO GRANTS AND FUNDING OPPORTUNITIES.
THEN WE'LL HAVE ONE KIMBERLY HORN REPRESENTATIVE AS WELL AT ALL THESE MEETINGS.
NOW, ON THIS VERY FIRST MEETING, WE HAD OUR ENTIRE EXTERNAL TEAM AND OUR ENTIRE INTERNAL TEAM IN THAT MEETING, BECAUSE I WANTED MR. PRESCOTT, FOR ONE TO BE ABLE TO SEE THE FACES, HEAR THE BIOS OF EACH PERSON THAT'S INVOLVED IN THIS PROJECT, BOTH INTERNALLY AND EXTERNALLY.
THE REASON FOR DOING THAT IS BECAUSE I THINK THAT THERE'S A CONCEPTION OUT THERE THAT IT'S ME AND JERRY.
WE'RE HAD A FEW CONVERSATIONS WITH A COUPLE OF PEOPLE, AND WE DECIDED TO BUILD A WASTEWATER TREATMENT PLANT.
IT'S MUCH MORE COMPLEX THAN THAT.
I WANT TO SHOW YOU THE DESIGN AND CONSTRUCTION PROJECT TEAM AND TALK SPECIFICALLY ABOUT WHAT EACH PERSON IS DOING ON THIS PROJECT.
ALSO JUST A BRIEF PIECE ABOUT THEM.
NOW, WE SHARED FULL BIOS WITH THE FULL COMMITTEE ABOUT THEIR EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE, AND ALL THAT.
I THINK WE'LL JUST WE'LL FOREGO THAT. I HAVE THOSE DOCUMENTS.
I'LL SHARE THAT WITH COUNSEL IF YOU'D LIKE TO SEE THOSE.
THIS IS THE INTERNAL PROJECT TEAM.
I'M THE PROJECT LEAD FOR THIS, 29 YEARS OF EXPERIENCE, I HAVE REBUILT A WASTEWATER TREATMENT PLANT BEFORE I'VE REBUILT A WATER TREATMENT PLANT, MANY PROJECTS IN MY PEDIGREE OVER THE YEARS.
ALL OF MY CAREER HAS BEEN PRETTY MUCH IN INFRASTRUCTURE.
JERRY DANFORTH, WE ALL KNOW HIS HISTORY, 36 YEARS OF EXPERIENCE FOR JERRY.
JERRY IS HANDLING THE PLANNING AND CONSTRUCTION LEAD ROLES INTERNALLY FOR US.
ANYTHING WHEN IT COMES TO CONSTRUCTABILITY.
JERRY'S THE ONE THAT'S HAVING THOSE CONVERSATIONS, BOTH WITH OUR EXTERNAL CONSULTANTS AND EVERYTHING THAT WE'RE WORKING ON INTERNALLY.
JACKSON SAHARA IS OVER IN OUR CAPITAL PROJECTS AND DEVELOPMENT ENGINEERING DEPARTMENT, CPNDE, AS WE CALL IT.
JACKSON HAS 23 YEARS OF EXPERIENCE, AND JACKSON IS MOST ALL OF HIS PROJECTS ARE MOSTLY ALL INFRASTRUCTURE RELATED AS WELL, INCLUDING WATER AND WASTEWATER.
WILLIAM JOHNSON, WHO IS HERE WITH US TODAY, OPERATIONS INTEGRATION LEAD, WILLIAM HAS 20 YEARS OF EXPERIENCE, AND WILLIAM IS AN OPERATOR BY TRAINING.
HE UNDERSTANDS HOW WATER PLANTS OPERATE.
HE UNDERSTANDS HOW WASTEWATER TREATMENT PLANTS OPERATE.
SHANNON TALISON, WHO IS, BY THE WAY, CELEBRATING HER 18TH ANNIVERSARY TODAY.
WE SAID, GO CELEBRATE YOUR ANNIVERSARY. WE GOT THIS.
SHE IS HANDLING ALL OF OUR PERMITTING REGULATORY ISSUES ON THIS SIDE OF THAT.
SHE'S GOT 15 YEARS OF EXPERIENCE, BUT SHANNON ALSO HAS AN OPERATOR SIDE TO HER AS WELL.
SHE'S ALSO OPERATED A WASTEWATER TREATMENT PLANT.
SHE UNDERSTANDS IT TO THE NTH DEGREE.
ALSO, IN OUR AUDIENCE TODAY, AND I WANTED THEM TO BE HERE TO SEE THE PRESENTATION, WE HAVE OUR TWO OPERATORS THAT OPERATE THE HOLLYWOOD PLANT AND THE RIVER ROAD PLANT.
JACOB SMITH, WHO IS THE OPERATIONS SUPPORT ROLE ON THIS PROJECT FOR THE WASTEWATER TREATMENT PLANT.
BUT HIS TITLE IS ACTUALLY THE SUPERINTENDENT OF THE HOLLYWOOD WASTEWATER TREATMENT PLANT.
TEN YEARS OF EXPERIENCE FOR HIM.
IF YOU EVER WANT TO GO HAVE A CONVERSATION WITH SOMEONE THAT KNOWS EVERYTHING ABOUT OPERATIONS OF WASTEWATER, HE'S THE GUY.
HE DOES A FANTASTIC JOB, AND EVERY TIME I'VE SAT DOWN WITH HIM, I'VE BEEN SUPER IMPRESSED.
GEORGE VASQUEZ IS ALSO HERE AS WELL.
HE HAS 23 YEARS OF EXPERIENCE.
AT THE CITY OF AMARILLO, I'VE BEEN HERE A LONG TIME.
HE RUNS OUR RIVER ROAD WASTEWATER TREATMENT PLANT.
BOTH OF THESE GUYS ARE MCGYVERS.
THEY CAN MAKE THINGS HAPPEN IN A PLANT THAT IS TWO PLANTS THAT ARE EXTREMELY OLD AND HAVE A LOT OF ISSUES ASSOCIATED WITH THEM, AND THEY KEEP THEM RUNNING.
I WANTED YOU TO SEE THEM, AND THEY'RE RIGHT OUT HERE IN THE AUDIENCE.
RAISE YOUR HAND OUT THERE SO EVERYBODY CAN SEE YOU.
[02:30:02]
>> DANNY, CAN I JUST REITERATE SOME REAL QUICK?
>> JACOB, AND GEORGE, CAN YOU GUYS STAND UP, PLEASE, REAL QUICK.
DURING THE ELECTION, THERE WAS A LOT OF RHETORIC AND POLITICAL NONSENSE ABOUT DUCT TAPE AND BAILING WIRE. I WAS PART OF THAT.
I WANT TO APOLOGIZE TO YOU, YOU TWO MEN, BECAUSE YOU KEEP THE CITY RUNNING.
AS WE GO THROUGH THE COMPLEXITIES OF THESE PROJECTS, AND WHAT YOU GUYS ARE DOING AT 2:00 AM OR 4:00 AM.
WHEN PARTS BREAK DOWN, KEEPING ANTIQUATED TOOLING AND THINGS RUNNING.
YOU'RE TRUE HEROES IN THE CITY, AND PEOPLE DON'T REALIZE THAT.
FOR ME, I APOLOGIZE FOR THOSE COMMENTS ABOUT DUCT TAPE AND BALING WIRE.
I GIVE YOU FULL SUPPORT, AND I'M SO EXCITED, DANNY ABOUT THE TEAM THAT WE HAVE.
BUT PLEASE ACCEPT MY APOLOGY FOR THAT CALLOUS REMARK.
I LOOK FORWARD TO THE DAY WHEN WE HAVE MORE THAN ENOUGH TOOLS AND AMPLE SUPPLIES TO MAKE THIS HAPPEN.
BUT I THINK EVERYBODY IN THIS ROOM OUGHT TO GIVE YOU GUYS A ROUND OF APPLAUSE FOR WHAT YOU DO.
>> THANK YOU, DONNY, AND A FANTASTIC TEAM THAT YOU'VE GOT, THE YEARS OF EXPERIENCE IN KIMLEY-HORN.
I KNOW THERE'S A FEW MORE FOLKS.
EVERYONE ON HERE IS MAKING THIS AN ANTIQUATED SYSTEM FUNCTION DAY TO DAY, AND I'M EXCITED ABOUT WHAT THE FUTURE HOLDS FOR THIS CITY.
>> THANK YOU. I APPRECIATE YOU INJECTING THOSE COMMENTS.
ONE OF THE THINGS WE MENTIONED IN THE ROOM BACK THERE, AMONGST US AS A GROUP, WE MADE A PACK THAT WE WERE NOT GOING TO USE THE WORD SUCH AS NEGLECT, BALING WIRE.
ALL THOSE THINGS BECAUSE THE WORK THAT THEY DO, THEY HEAR THOSE COMMENTS, THEY HEAR IT.
THEY MAKE THINGS HAPPEN OUT OF NOTHING.
THESE ARE PLANTS THAT ARE EXTREMELY OLD.
THE OTHER DAY, I GOT A CALL, HEY, WE HAVE BLOWERS DOWN OUT AT THE HOLLYWOOD PLANT.
I JUST FELT GOOD KNOWING THAT WE WERE GOING TO HAVE A SOLUTION TO THAT, AND WE WERE GOING TO KEEP ON GOING.
IT HAPPENS BEHIND THE SCENES, AND YOU NEVER SEE IT GOING ON.
CONTINUE WITH THE LIST, LAURA STORRS, 20 YEARS, WE ALL KNOW.
I TOLD HER THAT AT LEAST FOR THE LAST COUPLE OF MONTHS HERE, WE'RE GOING TO GET EVERYTHING WE CAN OUT OF HER ON THIS PROJECT BECAUSE SHE'S SO KNOWLEDGEABLE ON HOW WE CAN, $557 MILLION BUDGET, $267 MILLION, IN GETTING BONDED PROJECTS AND THINGS LIKE THAT.
HER VALUE TO THIS TEAM IS GREAT.
SHE'S ALSO DOING A VERY GOOD JOB IN PREPARING KATRENA AND HER ROLE ON THIS COMMITTEE AS WELL. WE HAVE SHARI KENDALL.
WE TALKED ABOUT HER FUNDING AND GRANTS LEADS.
SHE'S GOT NINE YEARS OF EXPERIENCE DOING THAT.
WE GAVE HER A PROJECT A COUPLE OF WEEKS AGO ON TEXAS WATER DEVELOPMENT BOARD GRANTS. TWO OF THEM.
WE'RE GOING TO TALK ABOUT THEM JUST A MOMENT.
SHE HIT THE GROUND RUNNING WITH THAT, AND SHE JUMPED IN THE POOL WITHOUT A LIFE PRESERVER AND IS DOING SOME AMAZING THINGS.
SHE'S ASSEMBLED A TEAM THAT TAKES CARE OF ALL OF THE FUNDING AND GRANT LEADS, AND WE'RE JUST REALLY PROUD TO HAVE HER RUN.
THEN WE'VE GOT KRISTEN, WHO, OF COURSE, HAS NINE YEARS IN COMMUNICATION, AND KRISTEN IS GOING TO BE HANDLING ALL OF OUR EXTERNAL COMMUNICATION WITH THE PUBLIC.
I TOLD THE GROUP THAT HER ROLE HAS BEEN PRETTY SILENT TO THIS POINT IN TIME BECAUSE WE'RE STILL IN THE EARLY EARLY PLANNING PHASES OF ALL THIS, NOT IN DESIGN YET.
ONCE WE GET TO THE POINT THAT WE GET INTO DESIGN, HER LIFE IS GOING TO GET REALLY BUSY BECAUSE WE WANT TO MAKE SURE THAT THE PUBLIC IS UNDERSTANDING EVERYTHING THAT'S GOING ON.
THIS IS THE KIMLEY-HORN TEAM THAT WE WORK WITH.
JEFF JAMES IS THE PRINCIPAL IN CHARGE, 32 YEARS FOR HIM.
I MIGHT MENTION THAT MOST OF THESE PEOPLE ON THIS LIST HAVE WORKED WITH THE CITY OF AMARILLO TO SOME CAPACITY, WHETHER IT'S ON A WATER PROJECT OR A WASTEWATER INFRASTRUCTURE PROJECT. THEY'VE ALL DONE THIS.
HE'S THE PROJECT MANAGER FOR KIMLEY-HORN.
THEN YOU HAVE RYAN SOLUM, WHO'S THE QC/QA MANAGER.
HE'S GOT A LOT OF EXPERIENCE IN THESE TYPE OF PROJECTS.
KENNY FRIAR, I'VE BEEN WORKING WITH KENNY FRIAR FOR NOW FOR ALMOST 20 YEARS.
HE'S 19 YEARS, AND I THINK THE FIRST YEAR THAT HE WAS A PE, I WORKED WITH KENNY ON A SEPARATE PROJECT.
HE'S JERRY'S BUDDY ON THIS PROJECT BECAUSE HE'S A CONSTRUCTION SPECIALIST.
TANYA MIRO IS A FUNDING SPECIALIST.
SHE HAS 30 YEARS OF EXPERIENCE IN FUNDING IN ANY QUESTION THAT WE HAVE ON OUR END WHEN IT COMES TO TEXAS WATER DEVELOPMENT BOARD GRANTS.
ANYTHING HAVING TO DO WITH ANY TYPE OF GRANT OR FUNDING SOURCE, SHE'S ALWAYS GOT AN ANSWER, AND SHE IS REALLY TEAMING UP WITH SHARI, AND THEY'RE WORKING TOGETHER ON THIS AS WELL.
LANCE PHILLIPS IS A A WASTEWATER OPERATOR, 30 YEARS OF EXPERIENCE FOR HIM.
HE HAS OPERATED SOME MASSIVE WASTEWATER TREATMENT PLANTS IN HIS CAREER.
MUCH BIGGER THAN WHAT WE HAVE HERE IN AMARILLO.
DARBY ADAMS, TREATMENT DESIGN, PERMITTING LEAD, SIX YEARS OF EXPERIENCE FOR HER AND TAYLOR TOWNES WASTEWATER MASTER LEAD WAS SEVEN YEARS.
[02:35:03]
NOW, THOSE ARE TWO OF THE LEAST EXPERIENCED AS FAR AS YEARS ARE CONCERNED, BUT THEY ARE BRILLIANT PEOPLE.THIS GROUP HERE, JUST SO YOU KNOW, OUR INTERNAL TEAM MEETS WITH THEM ON A WEEKLY BASIS.
STRATEGIZING, PLANNING, WE'RE WORKING ON FLOWS, WE'RE WORKING ON WHATEVER IT MAY BE.
THIS IS THE TEAM THAT WE MEET WITH, AND THE INTERNAL TEAM YOU SAW ON THE PREVIOUS SLIDE WAS THE TEAM THAT WE MEET WITH HERE.
THE QUICK HISTORY OF THE PROJECT, GO BACK TO THE NEED FOR UPGRADING, EXPANDING OUR WASTEWATER TREATMENT FACILITIES WAS NUMBER ONE, CAPACITY CHALLENGES.
WE DO HAVE IMMEDIATE CHALLENGES WITH PERMITTING, ESPECIALLY AT HOLLYWOOD.
WE HAVE GROWTH RELATED CHALLENGES AS WELL, AND WE'LL WALK THROUGH ALL THAT HERE IN JUST A MOMENT.
OUR AGING FACILITIES THAT TALK ABOUT 60 YEARS FOR HOLLYWOOD.
THE LAST MAJOR UPGRADE WAS DONE IN 1995, AND AMARILLO HAD A POPULATION OF ABOUT 165,000.
RIVER ROAD, SAME THING. IT'S OVER 100-YEARS-OLD.
THE LAST MAJOR UPGRADE THERE WAS IN 2002, AND THE POPULATION OF AMARILLO IS AROUND 170,000.
WE'VE HAD A LOT OF THINGS HAPPEN SINCE THEN.
TECHNOLOGY HAS CHANGED SINCE THEN, SO THAT'S THE NEED.
THE ORIGINAL CONCEPT THAT WE BROUGHT TO YOU WAS TO BUILD A CENTRALIZED WASTEWATER TREATMENT PLANT THAT WOULD HANDLE ALL THE WASTEWATER IN AMARILLO AT ONE CENTRAL LOCATION.
FACILITY WOULD BE DESIGNED FOR 25 YEARS OF PROJECTED GROWTH.
THEN THE RIVER ROAD WASTEWATER TREATMENT PLANT WAS GOING TO BE CONVERTED TO A LARGE LIFT STATION THAT WOULD BRING EVERYTHING BACK TO THAT CENTRALIZED PLANT.
CONSTRUCTION OF AN INTERCEPTOR PIPELINE WILL GO FROM RIVER ROAD TO HOLLYWOOD TO GET THAT WASTE LIFTED FROM RIVER ROAD BACK OVER TO HOLLYWOOD.
WE EVALUATED THAT APPROACH, AND JERRY AND I GOT TOGETHER AND STARTED SAYING, WE DON'T LIKE THIS APPROACH.
WE WANT TO GO A DIFFERENT DIRECTION ON THIS.
WE EVALUATED THE CONCEPT OF GOING BACK TO TWO PLANTS VERSUS A SINGLE CENTRALIZED PLANT.
WE EVALUATED THE NEED OR THE ABILITY TO REHAB OR REPURPOSE PORTIONS OF THE HOLLYWOOD PLANT, AT THE SAME TIME IN CONJUNCTION WITH CONSTRUCTING A SMALLER NEW FACILITY, IT WOULD HAVE A CAPACITY OF ABOUT 10-15 YEARS.
INSTEAD OF THAT 25 YEAR LOOK, BACK IT UP TO 10-15, MORE AFFORDABLE.
AGAIN, AS WE TALKED ABOUT TAXPAYERS TODAY PAYING FOR TODAY'S RATES.
WE EVALUATED EXPANDING AND UPGRADING THE RIVER ROAD PLANT INSTEAD OF CONVERTING IT TO A LIFT STATION.
SEE WHAT THAT WOULD LOOK LIKE? WE ALSO EVALUATED LANDLOCK THE RIVER ROAD PLANT, AND WE EVALUATED THE FLOOD CONTROL FLOODPLAIN ISSUES THAT ARE GOING ON AT HOLLYWOOD.
THEY'RE STILL ONGOING. NOTHING'S CHANGED OUT THERE.
IT'S STILL THE SAME FLOODPLAIN ISSUES WE'VE BEEN FACING ALL ALONG.
THEN WE ALSO EVALUATED THE 25 YEAR DESIGN VERSUS A 10-15 YEAR DESIGN TO SEE WHAT THAT WOULD LOOK LIKE.
THERE WAS A LOT OF WORK THAT WENT INTO THAT.
THE CONCLUSION WAS THAT WE DID HAVE THE ABILITY TO REHAB OR REPURPOSE PORTIONS OF THE HOLLYWOOD PLANT IN CONJUNCTION WITH CONSTRUCTING A SMALLER NEW FACILITY THAT WOULD PROVIDE CAPACITY FOR 10-15 YEARS INSTEAD OF 25 YEARS.
TODAY'S RATEPAYERS PAYING FOR TODAY'S UPGRADES.
AGAIN, KEEP IN MIND, THAT'S BUILDING A NEW FACILITY AT HOLLYWOOD, BUT MUCH SMALLER THAN THE CENTRALIZED FACILITY WAS GOING TO BE.
RIVER ROAD PLANT ASSESSMENT TOOK PLACE, AND I'LL SHOW YOU THE RESULTS OF THAT IN JUST A MOMENT, DETERMINED THAT WE CAN HAVE THE SAME APPROACH THERE FOR THAT FACILITY.
RIVER ROAD IS NOT LANDLOCKED OUTSIDE OF ITS EXISTING PROPERTY LINES, AND WE DO HAVE SOME AVAILABLE ACREAGE ON THE SITE ITSELF TO DO EXPANSION WORK.
WE FEEL PRETTY CONFIDENT THAT IT FIT THE NEED TO GO WITH THIS PIVOT THAT WE'VE BEEN TALKING ABOUT.
FLOOD CONTROL, FLOODPLAIN ISSUES AT HOLLYWOOD CAN BE RESOLVED.
WE HAVE OTHER MEANS AND METHODS THAT WE CAN TAKE CARE OF THAT RATHER THAN MOVING THE PLANT COMPLETELY OUT OF THE FLOOD ZONE.
HERE'S THE PROJECT RIGHT NOW CURRENTLY AT A 50,000 FOOT LOOK TO DESIGN AND CONSTRUCT TWO NEW SMALLER WASTEWATER TREATMENT PLANTS SIMULTANEOUSLY.
THEY'D BOTH BE BUILT AT THE SAME TIME, RIVER ROAD AND HOLLYWOOD.
DESIGN AND CONSTRUCT A NEW INTERCEPTOR TO COLLECT NEW INDUSTRIAL LOADS FROM THE SOUTH BASIN.
I'VE GOT SOME SLIDES I'LL SHOW IN A MINUTE ABOUT THOSE BASINS, BECAUSE WE SAY THAT WORD, AND IT'S COMMON TALK FOR US.
I WANT YOU TO BE ABLE TO SEE WHAT WE'RE TALKING ABOUT WITH THOSE BASINS.
REPLACE CRITICAL INFRASTRUCTURE AT BOTH EXISTING PLANTS TO ENSURE FUNCTIONALITY DURING CONSTRUCTION.
THIS IS GOING TO BE A CRITICAL PIECE OF THE PROJECT.
IN OTHER WORDS, WE'RE GOING TO HAVE TO TAKE A LOOK AT IT AND SAY, WHAT'S GOING TO GET US IN THE NEXT FIVE YEARS WHILE WE'RE BUILDING? WHAT DO WE HAVE TO DO TO MAINTAIN THE PLANTS? BECAUSE WE CAN'T TAKE THEM DOWN.
THEY HAVE TO CONTINUE TO ACCEPT WASTE.
DESIGN PIPING FOR NEW PLANTS SO THAT BOTH THE OLD AND NEW PLANTS CAN BE UTILIZED.
WHAT THAT MEANS IS WHEN WE GET FINISHED WITH THIS PROJECT, WE WANT TO BE ABLE TO USE THE CAPACITY OF BOTH OF THOSE PLANTS, HAVE A DIVERTER, WHERE WE CAN USE THE NEW WHILE WE MAKE NEW IMPROVEMENTS TO THE OLD, AND THEN WE CAN USE THEM BOTH.
NOW, THIS IS THE PROJECT 2, WOULD BE TO EVALUATE THOSE.
WE'RE NOT SO SURE THAT'S GOING TO HAPPEN AFTER WE FINISH PHASE 1, BUT WE WILL HEAD INTO PROJECT 2 AND IMMEDIATELY UPON COMPLETION OF CURRENT PROJECT CONSTRUCTION.
WE'RE TALKING ABOUT 2032 FOR PROJECT NUMBER 2.
BUT WE GOT TO START THINKING AHEAD.
SOME OTHER THINGS, DECISIONS ON ADDITIONAL EXPANSIONS VERSUS REHABILITATION OF EXISTING FACILITIES THAT CAN ONLY BE DETERMINED AT THE COMPLETION OF THE CURRENT PROJECT, AND THEN WE WILL ALSO HAVE AN OPPORTUNITY TO LOOK AT NEW GROWTH ANALYSIS.
[02:40:02]
OVER THE NEXT FIVE YEARS, WE CAN USE THESE ANALYSIS ALL WE WANT AND SAY, WE'RE GOING TO GROW TO THIS POPULATION, AND YOU'LL SEE THAT IN A MOMENT.BUT WE MAY NOT. WE MAY EXCEED IT.
WE DON'T KNOW. I THINK IT'S BETTER IN FIVE YEARS THAT WE CAN RE EXAMINE THAT AND SEE WHAT OUR TRUE GROWTH IS NOW AND RECALIBRATE IT, IF YOU WILL.
WE WILL BE ISSUING PERMITS AT BOTH EXISTING FACILITIES.
WE'LL RENEW THOSE, AND WE'LL ALSO GET NEW PERMITS STARTED FOR THE BEING APPLIED TO ADDRESS THE NEW PLANTS, CAPACITY, ADDITIONAL DISCHARGE POINTS, ETC.
ALSO INDUSTRIAL PRE-TREATMENT PROGRAM IS A NEED.
WE'RE GOING TO HAVE TO ENHANCE THAT PROGRAM.
WE HAVE ONE NOW, BUT IT NEEDS TO BE ENHANCED SO THAT WHENEVER WE'RE BRINGING IN BIG INDUSTRY THAT HAS A BOD LEVEL THAT IS DIFFICULT FOR US TO TREAT AT THESE FACILITIES, THAT IT'S IN CONTROL, AND THEY'RE BRINGING US A PRODUCT THAT WE CAN TREAT WITH THE RETENTION TIME REDUCED AS MUCH AS IT CAN BE.
THE RIVER ROAD ASSESSMENT WAS A PRETTY BIG PROJECT THAT WE DID.
WE COMPLETED IN AUGUST OF THIS YEAR, AND THIS WAS SOMETHING THAT COUNCIL APPROVED FOR US TO GO AND DO.
WE HAD A TEAM FROM KIMLEY-HORN, A TEAM FROM CITY OF AMARILLO THAT STARTED THAT ASSESSMENT.
THERE WERE ABOUT 24 PEOPLE THAT WERE ON THE GROUND OUT THERE, ALL WITH SPECIALTIES.
SOME ARE SPECIALIZED IN MECHANICAL, SOME SPECIALIZED IN ELECTRICAL, SOME IN STRUCTURAL, AND EVERYONE HAD A ROLE IN DOING THIS COMPLETE INVENTORY AND ASSESSMENT AT THE PLANT.
WE IDENTIFIED AND EVALUATED OVER 660 ASSETS AT THAT FACILITY.
AGAIN, AS I MENTIONED, ELECTRICAL, MECHANICAL, AND STRUCTURAL.
WE WENT WITH WHAT'S CALLED WE CALL IT A GREEN, YELLOW RED APPROACH.
WHAT WE WANTED TO DO IS WHEN WE GET THOSE RESULTS BACK IN, WE WANTED TO SAY, IS THIS GREEN? IS IT GOOD? IS IT YELLOW? MIGHT BE GOOD FOR A LITTLE WHILE OR IS IT READ? SOMETHING'S GOT TO HAPPEN HERE? NOW, YOU CAN GO LOOK AT THE SPREADSHEETS THAT WE HAVE BUILT OVER THIS PROJECT? THEY'RE MASSIVE.
IT'S MASSIVE PAGES OF EACH OF THOSE 660 ITEMS AND THEIR CONDITIONS AND ALL THAT.
WE WANTED ALL THAT COMPILED INTO A COMPLETE REPORT THAT WE COULD SEE.
I'M NOT GOING TO SHOW YOU THE WHOLE REPORT, BUT I'LL SHOW YOU VISUALLY WHAT THAT LOOKS LIKE.
THEN CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PROJECTS WERE IDENTIFIED BASED ON THAT LIST, TWO REASONS.
ONE TO KEEP IT MOVING AND ALIVE THROUGH THAT FIVE YEAR PERIOD DURING THE BUILD.
THEN TWO, WHAT ARE WE GOING TO DO WHEN WE GET PAST THAT POINT? IS THIS SOMETHING THAT WE CAN IMPROVE NOW THAT WILL HELP US LATER? THIS IS WHAT THAT ASSESSMENT LOOKS LIKE COLOR WISE.
IF YOU LOOK AT THE ELECTRICAL, THIS IS JUST THE ELECTRICAL ASSESSMENT, AND YOU CAN SEE A LOT OF GREEN ON THERE.
OF COURSE, YOU SEE THOSE BASINS AT THE BOTTOM RIGHT.
OBVIOUSLY, THEY'RE GOING TO BE GREEN BECAUSE THERE'S A LOT OF CONCRETE AND STRUCTURAL ON THOSE.
BUT WE DO HAVE SOME ISSUES, BUT THIS WAS ACTUALLY A LOT BETTER THAN WHAT WE THOUGHT IT WAS GOING TO BE ON THE ELECTRICAL.
THE ELECTRICAL, IT COVERS SO MANY ITEMS. YOU'RE LOOKING AT, ALL OF THE INCOMING POWER.
THERE'S A LOT OF HIGH VOLTAGE OUT THERE AND A LOT OF COMPONENTS THAT ARE ELECTRICAL THAT WERE ASSESSED THERE IN THIS.
HERE'S THE MECHANICAL ASSESSMENT, TO LOOK FOR IT.
THE MECHANICAL INCLUDES ALL THE MAJOR MECHANICAL SYSTEMS, INCLUDING THE PUMPING, CONVEYANCE, AERATION, MIXING, ANCILLARY MECHANICAL ITEMS AS WELL OUT THERE.
A LOT THAT GOES INTO THIS, AS WELL, BARSCREENS, RAKES, CLARIFIERS, HEADWORKS, SKIMMER, BLOWERS, VALVES, MONORAILS, ETC, ALL OF THAT EVALUATED AS WE GO THROUGH THIS.
THEN YOU LOOK AT THE STRUCTURAL ASSESSMENT, AND THOSE STRUCTURAL DEALS WITH A LOT OF CONCRETE OUT THERE.
IT'S GOING TO DEAL WITH GRIT CHAMBERS.
IT'S GOING TO DEAL WITH BUILDINGS, ACCESS, LADDERS, COLUMNS, CONCRETE TANKS, RETAINING WALLS, ETC.
THAT'S WHAT THAT ASSESSMENT LOOKS LIKE.
YOU CAN SEE THOSE THREE BASINS THAT ARE ALL READ THERE.
THEY'VE BEEN THERE FOR A WHILE, AND THEY'RE GOING TO HAVE SOME ISSUES IN THERE.
WE THINK THAT MOST OF THOSE CAN BE REPAIRED AS FAR AS CONCRETE IS CONCERNED.
IN FACT, ONE OF THEM WAS REPAIRED HERE RECENTLY FOR SOME CRACKS THAT ADD IN THAT.
THEN WE TOOK ALL THAT DATA AND WE COMPILED IT INTO ONE MASTER SHEET THAT BASICALLY SAYS, THIS IS ALL THE DATA COMBINED INTO ONE BIG MAP, SO WE CAN GET AN IDEA OF WHAT, AGAIN, THERE'S AN ASSESSMENT WE USE MORE OF THE DATA THAT WE HAVE RATHER THAN JUST MAP, BUT THIS GIVES YOU A GOOD VISUAL OF WHAT THAT LOOKS LIKE.
WE FEEL LIKE WE'RE IN A REALLY GOOD SPOT WITH RIVER ROAD TO CONTINUE OPERATING THROUGH THE NEXT FIVE YEARS WHILE WE GET THE NEW PLANT BUILT AND MOVE ON TO THE NEXT PROJECT.
I WANT TO TOUCH ON THE TCEQ 75/90 RULE FOR WASTEWATER TREATMENT PLANTS BECAUSE THIS IS SOMETHING THAT CONTINUES TO KEEP COMING UP.
I WANT TO MAKE SURE THAT WE'RE DOING A GOOD JOB OF EDUCATING THE PUBLIC ON WHAT THIS IS AND WHY WE'RE INVOLVED IN THIS.
THIS IS STRAIGHT OUT OF THE 30 TAC RULES FROM TCEQ.
IT SAYS BASICALLY, WHENEVER THE FLOW OF MEASUREMENTS FOR ANY SEWAGE PLANT, REACHES 75% OF THE KEYWORD IS PERMITTED AVERAGE DAILY OR ANNUAL AVERAGE FLOW FOR THE THREE CONSECUTIVE MONTHS.
THE PERMITTED MUST INITIATE ENGINEERING AND FINANCIAL PLANNING FOR EXPANSION.
WE'VE REACHED THAT AT HOLLYWOOD.
[02:45:02]
WE'RE HAVING TO DO THAT THERE.WHENEVER THE AVERAGE DAILY REACHES 90%, THEN WE HAVE TO START CONSTRUCTION.
WE HAVE TO PRESENT DOCUMENTS TO TCEQ TO START THE CONSTRUCTION.
I MIGHT MENTION ALSO THAT WE'RE IN CONTACT WITH TCEQ A LOT.
IN FACT, WE HAVE A PRESENTATION COMING UP WITH THEM.
I THINK IT'S IMPORTANT THAT WE KEEP THAT RELATIONSHIP HEALTHY BETWEEN US AND TCEQ.
WHEN I REBUILT A WASTEWATER TREATMENT PLANT IN THE PREVIOUS CITY I WAS AT.
WE KEPT CONTINUAL CONVERSATIONS WITH TCEQ, AND IT WORKED OUT REALLY WELL FOR US BECAUSE THEY KNEW EVERY STEP OF THE WAY WHERE WE WERE AT, AND THEY KNOW THAT THEY APPRECIATED THAT RELATIONSHIP AS WELL.
IF YOU LOOK AT BOTH OF OUR PLANTS, THIS IS HOW THE 75/90 RULE APPLIES.
YOU HAVE HOLLYWOOD THAT'S PERMITTED AT 12 MGD.
THAT MEANS YOUR 75% IS GOING TO BE 9.
RIVER ROAD, YOU CAN SEE, IT'S PERMITTED AT 16.
YOUR 75 THRESHOLD IS 12 MGD, AND THEN 14.4 WOULD BE 90.
LET'S TAKE A LOOK AT WHAT THAT LOOKS LIKE ON A GRAPH.
I ASKED THE PLANT JUST GIVE ME YOUR RAW DATA OF YOUR INFLOW ALL THE WAY BACK TO JANUARY OF 2023, AND WE PLOTTED IT SO THAT YOU COULD SEE THAT.
I WANT TO POINT OUT THAT HIGH SPIKE IN THERE, THAT WAS THE FLOODS OF '23 THAT PUT US UP AT THAT HIGH NUMBER UP CLOSE TO TEN.
THE REASON THAT'S IMPORTANT IS BECAUSE TCEQ ACTUALLY HAS SOME LENIENCY.
IF YOU HIT THAT MARK AND YOU GO OVER 75 AND YOU DO IT ONE TIME, AND YOU CAN SHOW THEM THAT YOUR AVERAGE FLOW BELOW THAT CONSECUTIVELY FOR A LONG PERIOD OF TIME IS BELOW THE 75% MARK, THEN THEY'RE GOING TO GRANT YOU A VARIANCE TO NOT HAVE TO GO THROUGH THE 75% RULE.
BUT AS YOU CAN SEE, AS WE'VE GONE THROUGH THIS, THAT'S THE TREND.
I JUST STUCK ON THERE JUST SHOWING THE GROWTH FROM 23 TO NOW OF HOW THAT LOAD HAS CHANGED.
YOU SEE THAT WE HIT IT ONCE THERE.
THERE'S THREE TIMES IN A ROW, ONCE THERE, THREE TIMES IN A ROW, ONCE THERE, THREE TIMES IN A ROW, AS WELL.
ONCE YOU GET TO THAT POINT, THERE'S NO GOING BACK.
WE HAD TO START PLANNING, WE HAVE TO START DOING WHAT WE'RE DOING RIGHT NOW FOR THAT FACILITY OUT THERE.
AGAIN, THAT'S HOLLYWOOD. RIVER ROAD IS A DIFFERENT STORY.
RIVER ROAD RIGHT NOW IS 56% OF ITS PERMITTED CAPACITY.
>> THERE'S SOME THINGS YOU NEED TO UNDERSTAND ABOUT RIVER ROAD.
THEY'RE A LITTLE BIT DIFFERENT THAN IT IS AT HOLLYWOOD.
THAT IS THAT MOST OF OUR EFFLUENT THERE GOES TO EXCEL ENERGY, AND WE HAVE A CONTRACT WITH THEM.
THAT CONTRACT HAS SPECIFIC REQUIREMENTS OF WHAT WE CAN SEND THEM.
THE PRODUCT THAT WE CAN SEND OUT TO THEM HAS TO MEET CERTAIN CRITERIA, LESS STRINGENT THAN WHAT WOULD HAVE TO GO INTO THE CREEK IF WE WERE JUST DISCHARGING TO THE CREEK.
WE'RE UNDER THAT CONTRACT WITH THEM.
IF YOU LOOK AT WHAT WE CAN DO DAILY.
THIS IS THE ABILITY TO TREAT WHAT OUR FACILITY IS CAPABLE OF TREATING ON A DAILY BASIS.
IT IS RIGHT THERE. IT'S JUST ABOVE NINE.
THAT'S ABOUT WHAT WE CAN DO ON A DAILY BASIS.
THE REASON FOR THAT IS BECAUSE OF THE AMOUNT OF RETENTION TIME THAT THAT WATER HAS TO SET IN THOSE BASINS TO GET THE AMOUNT OF TREATMENT THAT NEEDS TO BE DONE TO SEND IT TO THAT EXCEL CONTRACT THAT WE'RE HONORING.
IF WE WERE NOT IN THAT CONTRACT WITH THEM, OUR PLANT RIGHT NOW DUE TO ITS AGE AND DUE TO YOU SAW IN THE SLIDES EARLIER ABOUT ITS CONDITION, WE COULD ONLY DO ABOUT 13 RIGHT NOW.
THAT CAME FROM THE RIVER ROAD ASSESSMENT.
THAT NUMBER RIGHT THERE CAME FROM THE RIVER ROAD ASSESSMENT.
AGAIN, WE'RE PERMITTED FOR 16.
WE'RE ONLY CAPABLE OF DOING 13, BUT REALLY WHAT WE CAN DO ON A DAILY BASIS IS JUST AROUND NINE.
WHEN WE START THINKING ABOUT GROWTH AND WHAT THAT DOES TO US, IF YOU JUST ADDED FOUR MGD TO THIS BASED ON MULTIPLE EDC PROJECTS THAT ARE ALREADY IDENTIFIED, COMMERCIAL GROWTH, RESIDENTIAL GROWTH.
AGAIN, THIS IS A HYPOTHETICAL THING, BUT I JUST WANT TO SHOW YOU IF YOU ADD THE FOUR MGD HYPOTHETICALLY TO WHAT WE TAKE IN NOW, NOT ONLY ARE WE AT THE 75, BUT WE REALLY CAN'T EVEN DO IT BECAUSE IT'S ABOVE THE NINE.
THAT'S THE CHALLENGE WE HAVE AT RIVER ROAD, THAT'S DIFFERENT THAN IT IS AT HOLLYWOOD IS JUST OUR ABILITY TO TREAT THE WASTE OUT THERE. I KNOW THAT.
>> CAN I ASK A QUICK QUESTION JUST TO GIVE SOME GOOD AVERAGES BEFORE WE MOVE ON TO PROJECTIONS? SAFE TO SAY HOLLYWOOD ROAD RIGHT NOW, AVERAGES 9 MGD?
>> YOU GO BACK AND LOOK AT THE SLIDE AND SEE THAT THAT'S YOUR AVERAGE [OVERLAPPING].
>> I HADN'T RUN THE NUMBERS FOR AN AVERAGE ON THERE, BUT I WOULD SAY IT'S PROBABLY FAIR YEAH.
>> THEN RIVER ROAD AVERAGES EIGHT?
>> WELL, THEY'RE CLOSE TO NINE AS WELL.
>> THEY'RE CLOSE TO NINE AS WELL.
WILL THAT INCREASE THE AMOUNT OF CAPACITY BECAUSE OF WHAT IT MOVES?
>> NO. IT WON'T. NO. I CAN TALK ABOUT THAT IN A MOMENT.
THAT NORTHEAST INTERCEPTOR IS A WAY TO GET MORE WASTE OUT TO THE RIVER ROAD PLANT.
IT'S A WAY TO DELIVER IT FROM AREAS OF GROWTH THAT WE DON'T HAVE A WAY TO DO THAT.
[02:50:03]
WE TALKED ABOUT THIS EARLIER, I BELIEVE.THERE WAS A CONVERSATION, SOMEBODY I WAS TALKING TO ON COUNCIL ABOUT THAT SOME OF THESE PROJECTS THAT WE HAVE COMING INTO TOWN AND EDC CAN TELL YOU THIS AS WELL.
WHERE THEY'RE WANTING TO PUT THOSE, WE HAVE NO WAY TO GET THAT WASTE TO A PLANT WITHOUT BUILDING SOME INFRASTRUCTURE.
THE NORTHEAST INTERCEPTOR IS A WAY TO GET THAT FROM THOSE INDUSTRIAL AREAS OUT TO OUR PLANT.
BUT IT DOES NOT INCREASE WHAT WE CAN TREAT AT THE PLANT.
IN FACT, DEPENDING ON WHAT THAT INDUSTRIAL LOAD IS, IT COULD ALSO HAMPER US AS WELL.
>> I'M SORRY, GO AHEAD GO AHEAD.
>> DANNY, CAN YOU GO BACK TO THAT ONE THE RIVER ROAD GRAPH? WHAT I HEARD AND WHAT I LEARNED IS IS THAT WE REALLY AT 9 MGD, WHEN WE HAVE TO SLOW DOWN THE TREATMENT, THAT IS TO MEET THAT REQUIREMENT.
>> IN ALL ESSENCE, WE HAVE A NINE NOT A 16 OR A 13 MGD.
WE REALLY HAVE A NINE TO MEET THE AND SO THAT WHEN I THINK THAT THE PUBLIC GETS CONFUSED BECAUSE WE'RE SEEING THAT, HEY, THIS IS A NINE TO A 16, THAT WOULD GIVE A 7 MGD.
THAT'S NOT THE CASE BECAUSE OF THE TREATMENT SPECIFICATIONS GOING INTO EXCEL AND THAT I MEAN, IT JUST TAKES LONGER, AND IT'S AN OLD PLANT TO GET TO THAT LEVEL TO GET THE NITRATES DOWN.
>> THAT'S GOOD WAY TO EXPLAIN AND IT IS NITRATES. THAT'S THE ISSUE.
WE HAVE THIS CONVERSATION A LOT, ESPECIALLY WITH OUR CONSULTANTS.
WE ALWAYS HAVE TWO CONVERSATIONS THAT TAKE PLACE WHEN WE'RE TALKING ABOUT.
RIGHT NOW, THAT'S ONE OF THE THINGS WE'RE WORKING ON IS FLOWS.
WHAT FLOW DO WE HAVE TO HAVE AT EACH OF THESE PLANTS TO MAKE THIS WORK? THAT'S A CONVERSATION THAT HAS TWO COMPONENTS TO IT.
ONE OF IT IS OUR PERMITTED CAPACITY. I MEAN, WE COULD PERMIT.
THIS ONE RIGHT NOW, WE COULD BUILD A 75 MGD PLANT OUT THERE, AND IT'S STILL NINE, BECAUSE THAT'S THE FUNCTIONAL CAPACITY OF THE PLANT IS THAT NINE.
THAT'S WHERE IT GETS A LITTLE BIT CONFUSING.
I'M GLAD WE'RE HAVING THIS CONVERSATION BECAUSE IT IS DIFFICULT TO UNDERSTAND.
EVEN ON OUR END SOME OF THE INTERNAL CONVERSATIONS FUNCTIONALITY VERSUS PERMITTED CAPACITY CREATES A LOT OF CONVERSATION IN OUR GROUP.
YOU'VE GOT THE ENGINEERS SIDE THAT WHAT THEY'RE WORRIED ABOUT IS THAT FUNCTIONAL CAPACITY.
I'M WORRIED ABOUT PERMITTED CAPACITY, AND WHAT ARE WE GOING TO BE ABLE TO DO? WHAT DO WE NEED TO BUILD IT TO, INDUSTRY GROWTH AND ALL THOSE THINGS. THAT'S EXACTLY RIGHT.
>> SAYING ON THE RIVER ROAD INFLOW DATA.
OUR CONTRACT WITH EXCEL SAYS THEY CAN GET UP TO 99 A DAY.
>> THE CONTRACT ACTUALLY IS, AND I DON'T HAVE THAT NUMBER WITH ME LESS, BUT I COULD GO BACK AND I WASN'T PREPARED TO ANSWER THAT QUESTION. I APOLOGIZE.
BUT THAT'S WHAT WE DELIVERED TO THEM.
THE NUMBER FOR THAT IS AN ANNUAL NUMBER.
WE ALSO DO SEND STUFF FROM HOLLYWOOD AS WELL.
>> CAUSE I REMEMBER WHEN WE WERE LOOKING AT HISTORY, LIKE, THE LAST TWO YEARS PRIOR TO THIS.
I WAS LIKE SIX OR SEVEN WAS AVERAGING.
BUT THERE WAS THE DROUGHT YEAR 2022.
IT WAS LIKE 16. BUT SO REALLY, I MEAN, IS THIS THE RIVER ROAD INFLOW FACILITY OR IS IT THE EXCEL FACILITY? BECAUSE THEY'RE REALLY USING THE BULK OF WHAT WE'RE TAKING IN AND GENERATING THE?
>> I MEAN, WHAT RATES DO WE CHARGE THEM FOR THAT?
>> I'D HAVE TO GO DIG THAT CONTRACT OUT AND GET THAT NUMBER FOR YOU BECAUSE I JUST WASN'T PREPARED TO TALK ABOUT THAT TODAY, BUT I COULD GET IT FOR YOU.
>> WELL, I JUST WHEN I LOOK AT IT, I MEAN, THE VAST MAJORITY, I KNOW IT'S TAKING WASTE FROM OUR COMMUNITY, BUT WE COULD ACTUALLY PROCESS A WHOLE LOT MORE WASTE FROM OUR COMMUNITY IF IT WERE NOT FOR EXCEL.
>> IF WE HAD POWER TO PRODUCE IT.
>> AGAIN, I JUST LOOK AT IT AS GOES BACK TO EARLIER THE VALUE OF THAT.
I MEAN, WE NEED TO BE GET PARTNERS WITH EXCEL, BUT I DON'T KNOW IF THEY COULD GET IT FROM ANYWHERE ELSE OR WHERE THAT MAY BE, BUT IT SEEMED WE HAVE A GOOD RELATIONSHIP WITH THEM, BUT I JUST THINK, THEY'RE USING A GOOD CHUNK OF THAT, AND ALSO THEY'RE DIMINISHING OUR ABILITY TO TAKE MORE INTO THIS FACILITY.
>> I THINK THAT'S PROBABLY ACCURATELY.
>> A LOT OF IT, IT IS WHAT IT IS FOR US.
I MEAN, WE'RE IN A CONTRACT, SO WE HAVE TO TREAT IT TO THEIR SPECIFICATIONS TO GET IT TO THEM.
>> I THINK IT GOES TO SHOW NOT ONLY DOES OUR REGULAR WATER HAVE VALUE, BUT THIS HAS VALUE AS WELL.
>> I WANT TO BE GOOD PARTNERS WITH EXCEL.
BUT AGAIN, WE GOT A LOT TO PAY FOR IN THIS FACILITY OF WHICH THEY'RE A MAJOR USER OF AND TRYING TO DO THIS.
MIGHT BE SOMETHING WE WANT TO THINK ABOUT IN THE FUTURE.
I DON'T KNOW IF HOW WE SELL EXCEL IF IT'S REGULATED, BUT WE'RE GOING TO HAVE TO FAIL OUT MANY WAYS TO GENERATE DIFFERENT SOURCES OF REVENUE TO DO ALL THIS.
TO ME, PARTICULARLY THE HIGH USERS MAY BE AN AREA TO BE ABLE TO LOOK AT THAT.
[02:55:02]
THIS WAS A WHILE BACK ON THE CONCLUSION TO PIVOT, SAID IT'S GOING TO TAKE, THIS WILL PROVIDE US 10-15 YEARS INSTEAD OF 25 YEARS.IS THAT AFTER THE FIVE YEAR CONSTRUCTION PERIOD OR IS THAT IMMEDIATELY?
>> THE 10-15 YEAR LOOK IS STARTING NOW.
TEN TO 15 YEARS FROM NOW, HOW DO WE GET THERE?
>> IF WE REHAB OR REPURPOSE PORTIONS OF HOLLYWOOD PLANT IN CONJUNCTION WITH CONSTRUCTION, WHAT YOU'RE SAYING IS THAT BUYS US 10-15 YEARS?
>> DURING THE CONSTRUCTION OF THE NEW PLANT?
>> WELL, WE'RE GOING TO HAVE A 5-6 YEAR CONSTRUCTION PERIOD.
WE'VE GOT THAT'S ACTUALLY 4.5 YEARS.
I'LL SHOW YOU IN A TIMELINE WHERE WE'RE AT.
IN JUST A MOMENT AND SEE THE WHOLE THING LAID OUT, AND I THINK THAT WOULD BETTER EXPLAIN.
>> JUST FOR MY BRAIN, FOR THAT 10-15 YEARS.
WE TAKE FIVE, 5.5 YEARS OFF THAT FOR CONSTRUCTION.
>> WELL, LET ME TELL YOU WHAT THE 10-15 YEARS IS VERSUS THE 25.
WHAT WE WERE LOOKING AT IS 25 YEARS WORTH OF GROWTH, AND SAYING, WHAT DO WE THINK WE'RE GOING TO HAVE TO TREAT IN 25 YEARS BECAUSE WE WANT TO BUILD TO THAT BECAUSE WE DON'T WANT TO DO IT AGAIN.
WELL, WE BACKED IT UP TO SAY, WELL, IF WE UTILIZE BOTH THE EXISTING PLANTS THAT WE HAVE NOW PLUS THE NEW COMPONENTS OF THE NEW PLANTS, WE CAN BUILD TO A 10-15 YEAR LOOK AT GROWTH.
DOES THAT MAKE MORE SENSE? I MEAN, WE'RE REALLY LOOKING AT GROWTH TO CREATE A PLANT THAT WILL SERVICE THE GROWTH FOR THE NEXT 10-15 YEARS.
WE'RE BUILDING TO 10-15 YEARS WORTH OF PROJECTED GROWTH.
>> IN 15 YEARS, WE'RE LOOKING AT DOING SOMETHING ELSE? YES.
>> CORRECT, BUT YOU'RE ALSO LOOKING AT DOING SOMETHING ELSE AS SOON AS WE FINISHED WITH THIS PROJECT TO CONTINUE WITH THAT, BECAUSE NOW YOU'RE GOING TO HAVE ANOTHER FOUR OR FIVE YEAR PERIOD THAT YOU'RE LOOKING AT PLANNING.
YOU'RE STILL, AND IF YOU REMEMBER BACK, THERE WAS A PRESENTATION I DID WHERE I SAID, WE CAN TAKE THE 25 YEARS AND WE'LL BACK IT UP TO THE 10-15, BUT WE STILL GOT TO DO THE 25.
WE'RE JUST GOING TO TAKE IT IN CHUNKS AT A TIME.
I DON'T THINK THE PROJECT IS GOING TO STOP, AND WE'RE GOING TO BE DONE AND SAY, THAT'S IT.
WE'RE DONE FOR THE NEXT 10 YEARS.
NO, WE'LL HAVE TO START DOING SOMETHING AS SOON AS WE FINISH.
WE COULD CHARGE THE CURRENT RATE PAYERS AT 25 OR GREATER EXPENSE, OR WE CAN CHARGE IN THE 15, WHEN WE ACTUALLY NEED 25, THE RATE PAYERS AT THAT POINT CAN THEN TAKE IT FROM THERE.
THERE'S A PRETTY BIG DELTA WHEN IT COMES TO 25 YEAR VERSUS 10-15 YEAR, AND HOW MUCH CAN THE CURRENT RATE PAYERS SUSTAIN NOW VERSUS OVER TIME? SOMETHING ELSE WE THOUGHT OF, TOO, IS THAT, IF YOU LOOK AT TECHNOLOGY AND HOW IT EVOLVES ESPECIALLY NOW, WHAT'S GOING TO BE AVAILABLE TO US IN 10 YEARS THAT'S NOT AVAILABLE TO US NOW THAT MAYBE IS MORE EFFICIENT.
WE BUILD THAT 25 YEAR LOOK, WE MAY MISS THAT WINDOW TO DO SOMETHING THAT WE COULD HAVE SEEN SOME EFFICIENCY ON IN 10-15 YEARS.
>> THANK YOU. I JUST LIKE TO SAY WE CAN'T CONTINUE TO REPEAT THE SINS OF THE PAST.
WE NEED TO CONTINUALLY OPERATE AND CONTINUALLY GROW THESE PLANTS, AND WE CAN'T EVER HAVE A RECESS.
I MEAN, THAT'S WHAT'S GOTTEN IN THIS POSITION TODAY IS TAKING TIME OFF AND NOT INVESTING AS WE NEED TO, JUST A CONSTANT CATCH UP.
I REALLY LIKE THAT. I MEAN, WE'RE LOOKING AT A 10-15 YEAR PAYOUT OR FOR THIS FIRST PROJECT THAT GETS US WITH IN COMPLIANCE.
BUT EACH GENERATION ACCEPTS THEIR POSITION AS A A CITIZEN OF THE CITY AND PAYS FOR THOSE ADDITIONAL UPGRADES, REGARDLESS OF WHAT THE POPULATION IS. THAT'S A GREAT PLAN.
>> WELL, THANK YOU. THAT'S A GOOD POINT, TOO, BECAUSE IF YOU THINK IT'S BEEN 23 YEARS SINCE WE'VE DONE SOMETHING AT RIVER ROAD. THAT'S WHY WE'RE IN THE SHAPE WE'RE.
THIS WAS THAT SLIDE JUST SHOWING ME WHAT A HYPOTHETICAL 4 MGD WOULD DO TO US DUE TO GROWTH.
WE KNOW OF PROJECTS THAT ARE COMING THAT ARE GOING TO HAVE HIGHER USAGE.
WE WANT TO BE ABLE TO UTILIZE THE NORTHEAST INTERCEPTOR TO GET THE WASTE TO RIVER ROAD, SO WE KNOW THAT WE'RE GOING TO BE PUTTING MORE IN THERE.
THAT'S JUST SHOWING YOU WHAT THAT WOULD LOOK LIKE IF WE ADDED 4 MGD.
HERE'S THE GROWTH CHART FOR YOU.
THIS WAS SOMETHING THE PLANNING DEPARTMENT PUT TOGETHER FOR US, JUST SHOWING WHAT THEIR PROJECTED GROWTH WAS, LOOKING AT ABOUT 2027, I THINK IT WAS 2008, '12, AND IT'S BASED ON THE COMPREHENSIVE PLAN.
IT'S BASED ON NON INCOMING DEVELOPMENTS AND PROPOSED TARGET INDUSTRIES THAT ARE COMING.
THEN IF YOU LOOK BACK ALL THE WAY OUT TO 2050, THE 253836.
ORIGINALLY, WE WERE LOOKING AT, WHAT DO WE HAVE TO BUILD FOR THAT 253836? WE BACK THAT UP AND WE START SAYING, WHAT WE GOT TO BUILD THE 210 OR WHATEVER THAT NUMBER IS FOR GROWTH IN THERE.
DOES THAT MAYBE ANSWER YOUR QUESTION A LITTLE BIT BETTER, COUNCILMAN TIPS, THAT YOU HAD EARLIER ON GROWTH? I WANT TO SHOW YOU THIS BECAUSE THIS IS IMPORTANT.
YOU HEAR US SAY THAT WORD A LOT.
YOU SEE EVERYTHING THAT'S IN BLUE FLOWS TO THE HOLLYWOOD WASTEWATER TREATMENT PLANT.
[03:00:04]
EVERYTHING IN PINK FLOWS TO THE RIVER ROAD WASTEWATER TREATMENT PLANT.SOME OF THAT IS DONE VIA LIFT STATIONS.
THERE'S 54 LIFT STATIONS IN OUR SYSTEM. SOME OF IT IS DONE.
YOU WANT TO UTILIZE GRAVITY AS MUCH AS YOU CAN.
THAT BLUE BASIN, GRAVITY FEEDS FOR THE MOST PART.
I MEAN, YOU'RE GOING TO HAVE UPS AND DOWNS AND HILLS THAT YOU'RE GOING TO HAVE TO LIFT WASTEWATER.
BUT MOST OF THAT FLOWS TO HOLLYWOOD.
MOST OF THE PINK FLOWS TO RIVER ROAD.
THAT'S THAT DIVIDING LINE THAT WE SEE THAT RUNS THROUGH AMARILLO, AND YOU CAN SEE IT IN THE TOPOGRAPHY, JUST DRIVE DOWN WESTERN FROM ONE END OF THE OTHER AND SEE THE HILL, BOTH SIDES OF THAT.
WE HAVE TO LIFT SOME OF THAT UP.
SOME OF IT WE DON'T. BUT I WANT TO SEE THAT BECAUSE HERE'S WHY IT'S IMPORTANT.
THIS IS JUST A MAP THAT I HAD GIS CREATE BECAUSE I WANT TO SHOW YOU THE RED.
THAT'S THE NORTHEAST INTERCEPTOR.
THAT IS JUST OUT NORTH OF THE AIRPORT AREA THERE.
THEN YOU SEE THE GREEN LINES IN THERE.
THEY'RE BIG SEWER MAINS, AND ANYTHING THEY'RE 18 " AND ABOVE ARE SHOWN ON THIS MAP.
WE CANNOT CHANGE THE DIRECTION THAT THOSE FLOW.
THE ONES THAT ARE GREEN THAT ARE GOING TO RIVER ROAD.
THE ONES THAT ARE GREEN THAT ARE GOING TO HOLLYWOOD, THAT'S THE WAY THEY GO.
YOU WOULD HAVE TO GO IN AND CHANGE EVERYTHING IN OUR SYSTEM TO MAKE THOSE FLOW TO A DIFFERENT AREA.
I KNOW THERE WAS A COMMENT MADE THAT 50% OF IT WILL GO TO RIVER ROAD, 50% OF IT WILL GO TO HOLLYWOOD.
IT'S WHAT IS EXISTING THAT'S THERE, IS GOING TO FLOW THERE.
NOW, WE'RE GOING TO MOVE SOME OF THE NEW WAYS TO THE NORTHEAST INTERCEPTOR TO GET IT TO RIVER ROAD, TO GET IT OUT OF THE HOLLYWOOD BASIN JUST ABOVE THE AIRPORT THERE AT CENTER PORT AND SOME OF THOSE AREAS.
BUT THAT'S THE VALUE OF HAVING IT, THAT INTERCEPTOR THAT YOU HAD ASKED ABOUT EARLIER.
IF YOU ZOOM IN ON THIS, THIS IS WHAT ELSE YOU'D HAVE TO CHANGE.
YOU ZOOM IN TO WHERE THOSE DIVIDING LINES ARE.
THESE ARE JUST THE DISTRIBUTION OR THE COLLECTION LINES THAT ARE IN THE ALLEYS.
WE CAN'T GO AND CHANGE THE FLOW OF THAT. WE CAN.
I MEAN, IT'S POSSIBLE, BUT YOU WOULD SPEND BILLIONS AND BILLIONS OF DOLLARS TO CHANGE THE TOPOGRAPHY OF AMARO TO MOVE ALL THAT.
SO I JUST KIND OF WANTED TO CLEAR THAT UP A LITTLE BIT THAT THE SYSTEM IS ALREADY BUILT.
WHAT WE'RE BUILDING IS ACCEPTING THE STUFF THAT'S ALREADY COMING TO IT. THAT MAKES ANY SENSE.
TEXAS WATER DEVELOPMENT BOARD GENERAL REVENUE GRANT.
THIS IS ONE THAT'S SPONSORED BY CAROLINE FAIRLEY.
THIS IS A FANTASTIC OPPORTUNITY FOR US.
THIS IS $20 MILLION. IT DOESN'T HAVE ANY STRINGS ATTACHED TO IT.
THIS IS MONEY FOR US TO USE ON DESIGN.
THE FIRST DEADLINE FOR THAT WAS NOVEMBER 3.
WE HAD A LETTER OF APPLICATIONS FILED ON OCTOBER 13.
THE NEXT DEADLINE IS DECEMBER 4.
WE ARE IN THE PROCESS RIGHT NOW.
IN FACT, I THINK WE'VE ALREADY SUBMITTED ALL THE DOCUMENTATION NECESSARY FOR THIS ONE, FOR THAT BOARD MEETING THAT TEXAS WATER DEVELOPMENT WILL HAVE IN DECEMBER.
WE SHOULD BE FINDING OUT THE FINAL RESULTS OF THAT SOON.
I THINK THIS IS PRETTY MUCH A DONE DEAL FOR US.
WE JUST HAVE TO WAIT ON BOARD APPROVAL TO GET THE FINAL WORD ON THAT, BUT THAT WILL BE $20 MILLION THAT WE HAVE COMING TO US.
THE NEXT IS A CLEAN WATER STATE REVOLVING FUND.
THROUGH TEXAS WATER DEVELOPMENT BOARD.
THIS IS A $60 MILLION LOW INTEREST LOAN FIRST DEADLINE, NOVEMBER 3.
INTENT TO APPLY WAS FILED ON THE 13TH, SAME THING, NEXT DEADLINE, DECEMBER 4.
THIS IS THE ONE WE'VE BEEN WORKING ON.
THE APPLICATION PROCESS FOR THESE IS MASSIVE.
>> SHARI HAS DONE AN AMAZING JOB ASSEMBLING HER TEAM TO APPLY FOR THESE AND TO MAKE SURE THAT ALL OF THE PAPERWORK IS DONE CORRECTLY.
IF YOU GET A COUPLE OF THINGS OUT OF ORDER ON THERE, YOU'RE KICKED OFF THE LIST, AND YOU HAVE TO WAIT FOR THE NEXT ROUND.
WE'RE TRYING TO MAKE SURE WE GET THIS RIGHT AND MAKE SURE THAT WE HAVE THE OPPORTUNITY TO GET 60 MILLION THAT WE COULD PUT TOWARD DESIGN OF THIS PROJECT AS WELL.
WE HAVE A THIRD FUNDING MECHANISM WE'RE LOOKING AT, AND THAT'S THE ARMY CORPS OF ENGINEERS FOR 38 MILLION.
I KNOW THAT RECENTLY THEY WERE FURLOUGHED, SO OUR CONVERSATION STOPPED WITH THE ARMY CORPS OF ENGINEERS, AND NOW THEY'RE PROBABLY BACK TO WORK, WE HOPE, SO WE CAN RESUME OUR CONVERSATIONS WITH THEM.
OUR NEXT STEPS WITH THIS ONE IS TO BE SURE AND FIND OUT THE RESTRICTIONS ASSOCIATED WITH IT.
A LOT OF THE CORPS OF ENGINEERS GRANTS HAVE RESTRICTIONS ASSOCIATED WITH THEM, AND WE WANT TO MAKE SURE THAT WE'RE NOT GETTING OURSELVES INTO POSITION WHERE IT'S GOING TO EITHER RESTRICT US BY TIME OR THINGS LIKE THAT.
BUT WE DO HAVE A PROJECT IDENTIFIED THAT I THINK IS GOING TO BE PERFECT FOR THIS, AND IT HAS TO DO WITH FLOOD MITIGATION AT HOLLYWOOD, AND IT'S SOMETHING THAT'S RIGHT UP THE ALLEY OF WHAT ARMY CORPS OF ENGINEERS DOES SO I THINK WE HAVE A VERY SPECIFIC PURPOSE THAT WE'RE GOING TO BE TALKING TO THEM ABOUT, AND HOPEFULLY WE'LL BE ABLE TO RECEIVE THAT.
WE WILL CONTINUE TO EXPLORE ANY AND EVERY OPPORTUNITY THAT WE HAVE TO GET FUNDING FOR THIS PROJECT.
WE'RE NOT DONE. THESE ARE JUST THE ONES THAT WE'RE WORKING ON RIGHT NOW.
NEXT STEPS, I CREATED THIS AT THE REQUEST OF COUNCILMAN PRESCOTT, AND HE SAID, HEY, WHEN WE GET TO THAT MEETING, WHEN YOU PRESENT EVERYTHING, ONE THING THAT WE DIDN'T HAVE IS A FULL TIMELINE, AND I DON'T HAVE GLASSES TO READ TO UP THERE.
I'M GOING TO PULL MY SHEET OUT AND LOOK AT IT UP CLOSER RIGHT HERE SO I CAN GET IT RIGHT.
I WILL SAY THAT 10 TIMES, DRAFT.
[03:05:03]
A LOT OF THESE THINGS ARE STILL UNKNOWN AS FAR AS THE TIMELINE IS CONCERNED.WE KNOW THAT RIGHT NOW, WHERE WE ARE AT IS RIGHT THERE.
WE ARE AT THE PRELIMINARY ENGINEERING AND MASTER STUDY.
WE SHOULD HAVE THAT COMPLETED IN THE NEXT COUPLE OF MONTHS.
WE'RE ALSO WORKING ON FUNDING ASSISTANCE.
THE NEXT THINGS THAT ARE COMING ARE PERMITTING. WE HAVE TO START THAT.
THAT'S ABOUT AN 18-MONTH PROCESS.
THAT'LL BE FOR THE NEW PERMITS FOR THE NEW PLANTS, HIRING OUR CMAR AND THEN WE WILL BEGIN ALSO HOLLYWOOD FLOOD MITIGATION PROJECTS FOR DESIGN AND CONSTRUCTION, BECAUSE THAT IS SOMETHING TCQ IS REQUIRING US TO DO.
WE HAVE TO TAKE CARE OF THE FLOODING ISSUE OUT THERE, AND THAT BEING NEXT TO THAT PLY. AFTER 100-YEAR FLOOD.
THEN WE'LL BEGIN OUR DESIGN PHASE, AND THE BEAUTY OF A CMAR YOU SEE THAT DURING THE DESIGN PHASE, WE WILL START CONSTRUCTION IN THE MIDDLE OF THAT.
GENERALLY, IF YOU DON'T USE A CONSTRUCTION MANAGER A RISK CONTRACT, YOU'LL HAVE TO WAIT TILL THE COMPLETE DESIGN IS DONE, THEN YOU HAVE TO GO OUT FOR YOUR BIDS, AND THERE'S TIME ASSOCIATED WITH THAT SO WE WOULD BE LOOKING AT MID-28 BEFORE WE COULD EVEN START ON THIS.
BUT WITH THE CMAR, WE SHOULD BE ABLE TO START, WE BELIEVE, CONSTRUCTION IN SOME PHASES OF GUARANTEED MAXIMUM PRICES OF THE GMPS, AS WE CALL THEM ON THIS PROJECT, IN 2027.
THAT JUST GIVES YOU AN OVERALL LOOK AT WHERE WE'RE AT AND THEN YOU SEE AT THE VERY END, WHEN WE GET TO THAT PART RIGHT AFTER 2031.
AGAIN, THESE NUMBERS ARE GOING TO CHANGE SO DON'T TAKE THIS TO HEART.
I JUST WANT TO GIVE YOU A HIGH-LEVEL LOOK AT WHERE WE'RE AT.
BUT ONCE WE GET TO THE END OF MID-2031, WE'LL IMMEDIATELY BEGIN TAKING THOSE PLANTS DOWN TO START DOING ANALYSIS ON THEM TO SEE WHAT IS SALVAGEABLE, SEE WHAT WE'RE GOING TO HAVE TO DO TO MAKE THEM BE A PART OF THAT MORE FUNCTIONAL, LARGER TWO COMBINED PLANTS.
NOW, THERE'S A POSSIBILITY THAT WE MAY LOOK AT THAT AND SAY, IT'S ACTUALLY CHEAPER TO ADD A NEW TRAIN TO THE NEW FACILITY, IF WE WANT TO EXPAND.
IT MAY BE CHEAPER TO DO IT THE OTHER WAY.
WE DON'T KNOW YET, AND WE WON'T KNOW UNTIL THEN, BECAUSE YOU GOT TO REMEMBER, YOU CANNOT TAKE EITHER ONE OF THESE PLANTS DOWN UNTIL WE HAVE SOMETHING IN ITS PLACE.
WITH THAT SAID, JUST REMIND YOU OF THIS.
I KNOW THAT EVERYBODY ALWAYS WANTS A PRICE.
MY RESOLVE NOW ON THAT IS, I'M NOT GOING TO GIVE YOU ONE BECAUSE THE LAST TIME WE EVEN UTTERED SOMETHING OUT THERE, IT BECAME THE BIBLE.
IT WAS GOING TO COST THIS MUCH.
WE JUST DON'T KNOW, AND WE'RE NOT GOING TO KNOW UNTIL WE GET THAT OPINION OF PROBABLE COST.
THAT'S THE FIRST TIME WE'RE GOING TO HAVE ANYTHING EVEN CLOSE TO WHAT THIS IS GOING TO COST.
WE'RE IN THE MIDDLE OF THE PER NOW, AND I THINK WE'LL HAVE A BETTER IDEA.
BUT I REALLY THINK UNTIL WE GET TO THE OPCC, IT'S REALLY DIFFICULT TO GIVE YOU A PRICE ON THIS.
I WILL TELL YOU WHAT OUR GOAL IS.
ORIGINALLY, WE WERE LOOKING AT 2-3 BILLION, QUITE A DELTA BETWEEN THOSE TWO NUMBERS, BUT THE GOAL IS, WE'RE TRYING TO GET THIS THING UNDER A BILLION IF WE CAN.
BUT I THINK WORKING THROUGH THE CMAR HELPS.
I THINK BEING ABLE TO UTILIZE EXISTING FACILITIES AS THEY ARE IS GOING TO HELP.
WE'RE DOING EVERYTHING WE CAN TO VALUE ENGINEER THIS.
EVEN PRE-DESIGN, SO THAT WHEN WE GET IN DESIGN, WE REALLY ALREADY AHEAD OF THE CURVE ON THAT.
I THINK THE TEAM HAS DONE A GREAT JOB ON ALL THAT.
WITH THAT SAID, I KNOW THAT WAS LONG, BUT I REALLY WANT THE PUBLIC.
I WANT YOU TO BE TOTALLY INFORMED OF EVERYTHING WE'RE WORKING ON AND WHAT WE'RE DOING.
IF YOU HAVE ANY QUESTIONS, I'LL BE GLAD TO TRY TO ANSWER THOSE.
>> THANK YOU FOR PUTTING THE PRESENTATION TOGETHER, GETTING THE COMMITTEE, AND I THINK YOU HAVE A WORLD-CLASS TEAM.
I'M SO EXCITED THE TEAM THAT YOU PUT TOGETHER AND THE DIRECTION WE'RE GOING.
>> THANK YOU. I APPRECIATE THAT.
>> I'VE GOT ONE QUESTION. ALTHOUGH WE DON'T KNOW HOW MUCH IS GOING TO COST, WE KNOW WE'RE GOING TO HAVE TO PAY FOR IT.
WHERE ARE WE ON THE RATE STUDY? OR DO WE KNOW WHEN THAT'S GOING TO COME BACK TO TAKE A LOOK AT?
>> I HAVEN'T SPOKEN WITH A CONSULTANT LAST MONTH OR SO, BUT I KNOW WE SHOULD BE GETTING IT HERE SOON, AND SO DONNY.
>> WELL, IN FACT, THERE WAS AN EMAIL THAT CAME THIS MORNING THAT THEY WERE WANTING TO GET A MEETING SCHEDULED FOR NEXT WEEK SO WE COULD AT LEAST HAVE A DISCUSSION ABOUT SOME THINGS.
>> GOT THAT FAR YET. WE'LL CIRCLE BACK WITH THEM QUICK SOON.
>> GOOD. WELL, I THINK THAT'S A DISCUSSION WE ALSO NEED TO START HAVING.
>> IT'S NOT DIRECTLY RELATED BECAUSE WE DON'T KNOW HOW MUCH IT COSTS, BUT WHEN YOU START TO DO THE MATH, AT A BILLION DOLLARS, IT'S A LOT OF MONEY SO I THINK THE EARLIER WE START WORKING AT THAT, THE LESS PEOPLE ARE GOING TO GET STICKER SHOCK ALL AT ONE TIME.
>> WELL, COUNSELMAN SIMPSON, THAT'S A GOOD POINT.
ONE THING WE WORKED ON DURING THE BUDGET THIS YEAR WAS TO GO AHEAD AND START, AND IT WAS WHAT LAURA WANTED TO MAKE SURE THAT EVERYONE UNDERSTOOD THAT WE'VE GOT TO START THOSE RATE INCREASES NOW.
WE DID THIS YEAR, AND WE'LL CONTINUE TO DO THAT UNTIL THIS HAPPENS TO EASE INTO THAT SO I THINK THAT'S A PRETTY GOOD PLAN MOVING FORWARD, BUT YOU'RE RIGHT.
THAT'S GOING TO BE A CRITICAL PIECE FOR US TO TALK ABOUT.
>> WELL, IF WE DO THAT, ARE WE EARMARKING THAT MONEY IN A SPECIFIC FUND THAT IS LIKE A NO-TOUCH FUND THAT IS GOING TO BE FOR WHATEVER PHASE OF THE WASTEWATER TREATMENT PLANT? BECAUSE WE DON'T NEED IT TO GO TO ANY OTHER PROJECTS NECESSARILY.
>> LET ME TELL YOU, SO THIS WILL BE A GREAT SEGUE BACK INTO
[03:10:02]
THE CONVERSATION Y'ALL HAD BEFORE WE TOOK THE BREAK ABOUT CIP PROJECTS.I THINK THE RATE INCREASE WAS APPROVED 11 MILLION.
IS THAT WHAT IT WAS? TOTAL FOR CIP AND THE RATE INCREASE WAS 5%.
I THINK THE NUMBER THAT WE HAD FOR CIP PROJECTS AND UTILITIES ARE RIGHT AT 11 MILLION.
WE HAVE IDENTIFIED $200 MILLION WORTH OF CIP PROJECTS AND UTILITIES, NOT JUST NOW.
THESE ARE PROJECTS THAT ARE THERE.
WE NEVER HAVE ENOUGH CIP TO CREATE THE PROJECTS THAT WE'VE IDENTIFIED.
WHAT I HAVE INSTRUCTED UTILITIES TO DO WITH THAT.
START WORKING TOWARD THESE TWO FACILITIES IF YOU CAN.
I KNOW THERE'S OTHER CIPS THAT WE HAVE IN MAKING THEM FUNCTIONAL SO THAT WE CAN GET THROUGH THE NEXT FIVE YEARS.
THAT'S WHAT THEY'RE GOING TOWARD.
IN ESSENCE, IT IS GOING TOWARD THE PROJECT, IF YOU WILL. DOES THAT MAKE SENSE?
>> WE'VE TAKEN RATE INCREASE TO THE PAYERS, BUT THAT'S JUST TO STAY AFLOAT.
WE'RE NOT TAKING A RATE INCREASE IN PREPARATION FOR THIS.
>> WELL, THOSE ARE ONE-TIME EXPENSES.
>> IF I CAN ADD TO THAT, SO THE PLAN WOULD BE THE ESSENTIALLY FIVE MILLION THAT'S CREATED BY THE 5% RATE INCREASE THIS YEAR, WILL GO TO FUND FIVE MILLION DOLLARS OF ONE-TIME SPENDING TOWARDS CAPITAL PROJECTS.
THAT SAME FIVE MILLION WILL BE IN PLACE THE NEXT YEAR, IN THE YEAR AFTER THAT, AND THE YEAR AFTER THAT AND AT SOME POINT, WE WILL NEED TO ISSUE DEBT, AND WE WILL HAVE ONGOING ANNUAL DEBT SERVICE.
THIS RATE INCREASE THAT WILL CONTINUE TO BE IN PLACE, CAN BE CAPTURED TO HELP OFFSET SOME OF THAT ANNUAL DEBT SERVICE THAT WE KNOW IS COMING IN THE NEXT FEW YEARS.
I'M JUST SAYING HYPOTHETICALLY, MAYBE IN A COUPLE OF YEARS, WHEN WE HAVE TO START ISSUING DEBT FOR THESE PROJECTS, INSTEAD OF HAVING TO DO A 10% RATE INCREASE ALL AT ONCE, WE MAY ONLY HAVE TO DO A 5% BECAUSE WE CAN CAPTURE THIS 5% THAT WE JUST USE ONE TIME SPENDING ON IN PRIOR YEARS.
>> I GUESS. I'M JUST SAYING, SO WE'RE CAPTURING FIVE MILLION ADDITIONAL DOLLAR A YEAR, WHICH I KNOW WE COULD USE FOR DEBT SERVICE, BUT WE HAVE $200 MILLION WORTH OF PROJECTS.
IF WE'RE GOING CIP VERSUS DEBT FUNDING THAT'S A DIFFERENT STORY SO IF WE'RE TAKING THIS FIVE MILLION, WE'RE JUST PUTTING IT TOWARDS.
>> WE'RE GOING TO PUT THE FIVE MILLION TOWARDS PART OF THE 200 MILLION, BUT THEN IN FUTURE YEARS, WE MAY NOT BE ABLE TO DO MORE OF THAT 200 MILLION.
>> WHAT WE'RE TRYING TO FOCUS ON, COUNCILMAN TIPS, IS THE PROJECTS THAT WOULD BE ASSOCIATED WITH THIS PROJECT.
NOW, THERE'S EVERYTHING THAT WE NEED TO DO.
WE'RE GOING TO DO IT NOW. WE'RE GOING TO DO IT NEXT YEAR.
WE'RE GOING TO DO THE YEAR AFTER. WE'VE GOT TO START GETTING THOSE THINGS IN ORDER BECAUSE THIS HAS GOT TO HAPPEN.
>> BUT ALL THE WHILE, YOU HAVE 200 MILLION WORTH OF OTHER PROJECTS.
>> THAT'S NOTHING NEW TO ANY OF US.
THIS IS THE WORLD WE LIVE IN EVERY YEAR.
IN FACT, I'VE NEVER HAD A CIP THAT FUNDED ALL THE CIPS THAT WE HAVE THAT WE NEED TO DO THAT WE'VE IDENTIFIED, IF THAT MAKES SENSE?
>> I GET IT, BUT I GUESS EACH BUDGET SESSION, WE'RE GOING TO BE BANGING AGAINST THIS DOOR THE SAME WAY.
WELL, WE GOT TO PREP FOR THIS. HEY, THIS IS COMING.
WE GOT TO SAY FOR THIS, AND HEY, SO WE CAN'T REALLY SAY THAT THIS LAST INCREASE WAS FABULOUS.
>> I THINK WE'RE GOING TO BE SEEING, WE MAY HAVE TO STAIR STEP IT UP, TO PAY THIS DEBT OFF.
THERE COULD BE INCREASES EVERY SIX MONTHS.
>> I THINK IT'S A BETTER WAY TO DO IT THAN WAITING TO SAY, HOW MUCH IS IT GOING TO COST AND THEN RAISING EVERYBODY'S RATES.
BUT YOU'RE GOING TO GET THAT CONTINUED, AND I THINK THAT'S WHY LOOKING AT THE FUNDING SOONER RATHER THAN LATER, AND MAPPING THIS OUT, AND WHAT THE ROADMAP LOOKS LIKE.
I JUST GO BACK I THINK BUSINESS RATES ARE SOMETHING THAT WE REALLY NEED TO LOOK AT.
I'D LIKE THIS PLAN TO HELP BE AS SOFT ON RESIDENTS AS POSSIBLE, BUT EVERYBODY IS GOING TO HAVE TO PITCH INTO.
WE JUST HAVE TO BE CAREFUL IN THE MESSAGING OF THE REASON FOR IT.
WE'VE GOT TO STEP IT OUT BY AGREE, AND THE SOONER, THE BETTER, BUT WHAT IS IT FOR? WE'RE JUST PREPPING FOR THIS.
>> WELL, JERRY BROUGHT UP A GOOD POINT.
YOU REMEMBER THE MAPS THAT WE HAD UP OF THE RIVER ROAD ASSESSMENT THAT WE'RE UP THERE? THOSE ARE ITEMS WE'RE IDENTIFYING NOW THAT WE'RE GOING TO GO AHEAD AND MOVE FORWARD WITH BECAUSE WE KNOW WE'VE GOT TO KEEP THAT PLANT ALIVE. DOES THAT MAKE SENSE?
>> WE COULD HAVE TAKEN THE 5% AND JUST SET IT ASIDE, BUT THE THOUGHT PROCESS WAS, WHY SET IT ASIDE? WE'VE GOT A LOT OF EXPENSES WE CAN BE DOING NOW WITH THAT MONEY.
THEN A FUTURE COUNCIL CAN SAY, WHEN IT COMES TIME TO DOING THE ISSUING THE DEBT, YOU CAN EITHER KEEP THE 5% WE HAVE NOW TO GO TOWARDS CIPS, OR YOU COULD PUT IT TOWARDS THE DEBT.
THAT'S THE DECISION THE FUTURE COUNCIL WILL MAKE, BUT WE'RE STARTING TO STAIR STEP OUR WAY INTO THAT, TO GIVE THE FUTURE COUNCIL SOME OPTIONS INSTEAD OF CLIFF CLIMBING AT THAT POINT.
IT'S GOING TO BE A PRETTY BIG INCREASE IF WE WAIT TILL THEN.
>> I WANT TO CLARIFY SOMETHING, TOO.
THAT'S JUST A ROUNDABOUT NUMBER,
[03:15:01]
BUT I HAVE A LIST, BUT THAT'S ALL UTILITIES.THAT'S DISTRIBUTION, THAT'S EVERYTHING.
>> WE APPRECIATE THE COMMITTEE.
GOOD STRONG COMMITTEE GOT A LOT OF PROGRESS.
THERE'S A LOT BEING DONE THAT WE'RE GETTING AN UPDATE, AND IT TOOK A MINUTE TO GET THROUGH THE UPDATE, BUT YOU GUYS ARE MAKING MASSIVE STRIDES.
>> THANK YOU. I APPRECIATE IT.
>> THANK YOU. ANY FURTHER QUESTIONS ON THIS ITEM? THANK YOU, MR. HOOPER.
[9.B. Fire truck purchase presentation]
CHIEF MAYS, IF YOU WANT TO TELL US A LITTLE BIT ABOUT THESE FIRE ENGINES AND WHAT GOOD YOU'RE GETTING DONE OVER THERE AT THE FIRE DEPARTMENT.>> YES, SIR. I APPRECIATE Y'ALL'S TIME TODAY THIS EVENING.
WHAT WE WANT TO DO IS GIVE AN UPDATE OVER THE FIRE DEPARTMENT APPARATUS REPLACEMENT PLAN.
ESSENTIALLY, THIS 12-SLIDE PRESENTATIONS, THE GOAL IS TO PRESENT OR REVIEW, OUTLINE WHERE WE'VE BEEN, WHAT BROUGHT US HERE TODAY, WHERE WE ARE, AND WHERE WE HOPE TO GO TO ENSURE THAT OUR FIREFIGHTERS HAVE THE TRUCKS THAT THEY NEED TO MEET OUR MISSION.
THIS IS A REVIEW FOR MOST OF COUNSEL HAS SEEN THIS DISCUSSION, AND JUST THIS ORIENTATION, REAL QUICK, DOWN AND DIRTY OF THE DIFFERENT TRUCKS THAT WE HAVE TO PROVIDE OUR SERVICES.
ESSENTIALLY, HOW WE HAVE THIS SETUP IS WE HAVE TRUCKS THAT ARE STAFFED 24/7.
THAT'S OUR ENGINES, OUR LADDERS, OUR COMMAND VEHICLES.
THE ONLY TRUCKS THAT ARE SHOWED ON THE SCREEN IS OUR GRASS RIGS THERE IN THE MIDDLE, AND THAT'S CROSS STAFF.
AS THE CALLS COME IN FOR WILDLAND INCIDENTS.
OUR UPPER LEFT IS OUR WORKFORCE, THAT'S OUR ENGINE TRUCKS.
WE HAVE 13 OF THOSE STRATEGICALLY ARRANGED AROUND THE CITY.
WE HAVE FOUR LADDER TRUCKS, WHICH IS A UPPER RIGHT, WHICH PROVIDES EVERYTHING THAT THE ENGINE HAS, PLUS A LITTLE BIT MORE EQUIPMENT, AS WELL AS THE AERIAL COMPONENT ON TOP.
THEN LOWER LEFT IS OUR PLATFORM.
WE EXPECT THAT AROUND THE TIME THAT FIRE STATION 14 WILL BE BUILT, HOPEFULLY BY THE END OF NEXT YEAR, THE LATEST, HOPEFULLY JANUARY OF 2027, BUT FINGERS CROSSED ON THAT.
THAT PLATFORM TRUCK WILL BE LADDER 14.
ESSENTIALLY, WHAT GOT US HERE WHEN WE BROUGHT THIS PLAN FORWARD, CHIEF KOUBA, MY DEPUTY OF SUPPORT, WAS LOOKING AT THE DATA AND TRYING TO ANALYZE WHERE OUR REPAIR COSTS ARE REALLY STARTING TO PEAK AND GO UP, AND JUST TO GIVE SOME OPTION AND A PLAN GOING FORWARD FOR MAYOR AND COUNCIL TO CONSIDER AND FOR OUR CITY LEADERSHIP TO HAVE AN IDEA OF OUR NEED IN THAT AREA.
ESSENTIALLY, WE HAD AN AGING FLEET, AND WE WERE NOTICING A MARKED INCREASE IN COST AND REPAIRS, AND DOWNTIME.
WE LOOKED AT A OPTION THAT HAD A SEVEN-YEAR PLAN REPLACEMENT PLAN, A 10-YEAR REPLACEMENT PLAN AND I DON'T RECALL IF IT WAS A 12 OR A 15-YEAR REPLACEMENT PLAN FOR EACH TRUCK, BUT WE ENDED UP GOING WITH THE 10, WHICH IS A COMPROMISE OF THE PLANS THAT WERE AVAILABLE.
>> THANKS TO MAYOR COUNCIL AND CITY MANAGEMENT SUPPORT, WE WERE ABLE TO FUND AND ORDER EIGHT NEW FIRE TRUCKS, WHICH WERE SIX ENGINES AND TWO LADDER TRUCKS.
THAT WAS AT A COST OF 13.3 MILLION.
OUR EXPECTED ARRIVAL OF THOSE VEHICLES WILL BE HOPEFULLY FEBRUARY 20, 28TH.
I'LL EXPLAIN SOME OF THE HOPEFULLY AND THE VAGUE TERMS THAT I'M USING AS WE GO.
WE ARE IN YEAR TWO OF THAT PLAN, WHICH IS TO ORDER THREE ENGINES, AND WE'LL COVER A LITTLE BIT MORE ON THAT A LITTLE BIT LATER.
OUR PLAN IF WE COULD PROGRESS WITH THIS, AND OF COURSE, WE HAVE TO LAY IT OUT IN INCREMENTS LIKE THIS BECAUSE WE CAN'T TIE THE HANDS OF FUTURE COUNSEL, WE HAVE TO BE VERY CAREFUL HOW WE GO ABOUT THAT.
BUT IN 2031, OUR HOPE IS TO REMOVE TWO OF OUR RESERVE APPARATUS FROM OUR FLEET JUST SO THAT WE'RE NOT ALWAYS EVER INCREASING THAT NUMBER OF THE TRUCKS THAT WE HAVE IN OUR FLEET.
BY 2039, ALL OF OUR TRUCKS, ALL OF OUR ENGINES, WILL BE ON A 10-YEAR REPLACEMENT SCHEDULE.
AGAIN, THAT'S WHERE WE HOPE TO GO.
THE MANUFACTURER ENGINE ONE, AFTER EVALUATING WHERE WE WERE, WE DIDN'T WANT TO JUST ASSUME THAT WE WERE GETTING THE BEST DEAL OR BEST PRICES.
WHAT WE LEARNED IS IT'S EXPENSIVE ANYWHERE YOU GO TO ORDER FIRE TRUCKS.
BUT WE WENT WITH ENGINE ONE AFTER VISITING THEIR FACILITY, AND WE NOTED A STURDIER BUILD, A STURDIER DESIGN, A LOT OF WAYS THAT THEY'VE INTEGRATED TECHNOLOGY AND HOW THEY'VE DESIGNED OUR FIRE TRUCKS.
WE'VE NOTICED FROM THAT MANUFACTURER AS WELL AS THE VENDOR THAT I'LL DISCUSS A LITTLE BIT
[03:20:02]
LATER THAT THEY'RE A LOT MORE RESPONSIVE ANYTIME THAT WE COME TO THEM AND SAY, WE NEED TO IMPLEMENT THESE CHANGES AS FAR AS HOW OUR EQUIPMENT IS GOING TO BE CONFIGURED ON THE TRUCK OR ALL THE DIFFERENT AREAS LIKE THAT.THEY'VE BEEN VERY RESPONSIVE, SO WE'VE BEEN HAPPY WITH THAT CUSTOMER SUPPORT FROM THAT END.
AGAIN, THE COST IS HIGH, WITH EVERY MANUFACTURER, HOWEVER, THE QUALITY TRUCK THAT WE'RE GETTING, PLUS THE SERVICE THAT WE'LL GET TO KEEP THAT GOING, WE NOTICED THAT WE'RE GETTING MORE TRUCK FOR THE SAME PRICE.
SAFE INDUSTRIES IS OUR VENDOR.
WE WERE WITH THE GROUP, THE TITLE AT THAT TIME WAS LONE STAR EMERGENCY GROUP.
THEY WERE ACQUIRED BY SAFE INDUSTRIES.
THEY'VE BEEN AWESOME TO WORK WITH AS WELL.
THEY'VE BEEN VERY RESPONSIVE AT EACH STAGE OF OUR DEALINGS WITH THE FIRE TRUCKS, FROM THE BUILD TO THE DELIVERY INTO THE WARRANTY WORK.
ONE OF THE THINGS THAT WE WILL BE ABLE TO WORK IN IS THE TRADE-IN OPTIONS FOR OUR CURRENT FLEET, WHICH ISN'T VERY MUCH BASED ON THE AGE OF OUR CURRENT FLEET.
IF WE WERE TO TURN IN SIX OR ACTUALLY EIGHT TRUCKS, WE'VE GOT A PRICE FOR 77.5 THOUSAND JUST TO TURN IN EIGHT FIRE TRUCKS.
YOU DON'T HAVE A LOT OF THAT VALUE WHEN YOU'RE NEARING THE 20-YEAR MARK FOR THE TRADE ENDS.
I DO HAVE A HANDOUT, IF YOU ALL NEEDED TO BREAKDOWN OF WHAT THAT ESTIMATED SNAPSHOT OF WHAT THAT QUOTE WOULD BE IF WE TURNED IN OUR EIGHT OF OUR OLDEST TRUCKS RIGHT NOW.
WITH US TONIGHT IS MR. KEITH GOLD FROM SAFE INDUSTRIES.
IF THERE'S ANY TECHNICAL QUESTIONS RELATED TO MANUFACTURING OR TO THE VENDOR ITSELF, HE'S HERE ON HAND TO ANSWER ANY OF YOUR QUESTIONS OR HOPEFULLY MOST OF YOUR QUESTIONS THERE.
WHEN WE PUT IN THE ORDER OF THE TRUCK, WE HAVE A BILL TIME AND WAIT TIME, AND WE'RE WAITING IN LINE.
WHEN THEY START THE ACTUAL BUILD, IT'S THREE YEARS, WHICH IS TERRIBLE.
BUT WHEN YOU'RE WANTING TO ORDER SOMETHING AND PAY FOR IT, YOU WANT IT AS QUICK AS YOU CAN GET IT.
BUT WE UNDERSTAND EVER SINCE COVID, THAT SEEMS LIKE THAT'S JUST BEEN THE WAY OF EVERYTHING FOR SOME REASON.
BUT WE'RE HOPEFUL THAT THEY ARE FORECASTED IMPROVEMENTS WITH THAT AS THEY'VE RAMPED UP THEIR PRODUCTION AND DIFFERENT PROCESSES IN HOW THEY'RE BUILDING THEM, AND AS WELL AS STAFFING UP WITH MORE PERSONNEL.
WE'VE HEARD EARLY HOPES FROM 36 MONTHS TO 2.5 YEARS INSTEAD.
AGAIN, THAT'S NOT GREAT WHEN I GOT ON, IT WAS AROUND A YEAR, AND YOU THOUGHT THAT WAS TERRIBLE TO WAIT A YEAR FOR A TRUCK.
AT LEAST WE'RE MOVING IN THE RIGHT DIRECTION.
WE NOTICED WITH THIS YEAR, CHIEF COVID DID A GREAT JOB OF PROJECTING WHERE HE ANTICIPATED THE PRICE INCREASE TO GO UP.
HE HAD IT AT FIVE IN OUR PROJECTION, AND IT DID COME IN AT 4.5, WHICH IS NEAR 40,000 IN SAVINGS THERE.
WE DON'T LIKE TO SEE ANY INCREASE.
NOBODY LIKES PAYING MORE FOR ANYTHING, BUT IT SURE BEATS THE 30 - 40% MARKUPS THAT WE WERE HAVING IN RECENT YEARS AFTER COVID.
JUST A FEW OF OUR CURRENT FIRE ENGINE STATS, AND THIS WE'VE BROKEN DOWN INTO OUR FRONT-LINE ENGINES.
AGAIN, THERE'S 13 OF THOSE ONLINE, AND THEN WE HAVE A NUMBER OF RESERVE TRUCKS, I BELIEVE NINE RESERVE TRUCKS THAT ARE OUT THERE.
OUR AVERAGE AGE OF OUR FRONT-LINE ENGINES RIGHT NOW IS RIGHT AT EIGHT YEARS WITH 95,000 MILES.
WITH OUR OLDEST BEING AT 12 YEARS, RESERVE ENGINES, CLOCK IN AT 18 YEARS, 140,000 AVERAGE MILES IN OUR OLDEST RESERVE TRUCK IS 22 YEARS OLD.
WE'VE GOT A COUPLE OF SLIDES HERE WITH JUST SOME GRAPHICS TO ILLUSTRATE THE CURRENT AGE.
ON THE DARK BLUE ON THE LEFT HAND COLUMN, YOU'LL NOTICE THE DARK BLUE.
THAT'S ALL OF OUR FRONT-LINE TRUCKS.
AGAIN, THAT'S OUR AGES FOR EACH OF THOSE TRUCKS, AND THE LIGHTER BLUE IS OUR RESERVE ENGINES.
NEXT SLIDE. AS OUR CURRENT MILEAGE FOR EACH OF THE ENGINES, AND AGAIN, DARK BLUE ON THE LEFT, LIGHT BLUE OR OUR RESERVE ENGINES ON THE RIGHT.
OUR FLEET MANAGER, DUSTIN DORMAN, DOES AN EXCELLENT JOB KEEPING US ROLLING AND KEEPING US IN SERVICE ON THE STREETS.
HE'S VERY CAREFUL TO MONITOR THE MILEAGE AND THE ENGINE HOURS, AND HE GETS WITH OUR PERSONNEL ON THE OPERATIONAL SIDE TO RECOMMEND ANYTIME WE NEED TO MAKE SOME CHANGES AS FAR AS SWAPPING RESERVES WITH CURRENT ENGINES.
FOR INSTANCE, ENGINE FIVE, IF YOU'LL NOTICE ON THERE, WE'RE PEAKING AND MILEAGE IT ALONG WITH ENGINE 11, AND WE DO HAVE A PLAN UNDERWAY TO SWAP ENGINE FIVE WITH OUR RESERVE ENGINE 49, WHICH IS 13 YEARS OLD.
ENGINE FIVE IS 11 YEARS OLD, BUT THE MILEAGE WILL BUY US A LITTLE BIT MORE TIME.
AGAIN, I NOTED ON THERE THAT ENGINE 11 IT IS UP THERE MATCHING ENGINE FIVE AS FAR AS MILEAGE, BUT IT IS AT A SLOWER STATION.
WE DO TRY TO DO OUR BEST TO MAKE SURE THAT WE'RE MONITORING THE MILEAGE THAT'S GOING
[03:25:04]
UP AND PUTTING THOSE ROTATING NOS TO SOME OF OUR SLOWER DISTRICTS AS FAR AS CALL VOLUME.WHERE WE'RE AT TODAY, AND WHAT WILL BE PRESENTED LATER ON IN THE NON-CONSENT ITEM 10G, IS TO REQUEST COUNCIL APPROVAL TO MOVE FORWARD WITH THE PLAN OF PURCHASING THREE MORE FIRE ENGINES.
THIS WOULD BE TO A TUNE OF JUST UNDER 4.7 MILLION OR 1.6 MILLION.
THIS PURCHASE WOULD INCLUDE ALL THE EQUIPMENT MINUS THE SCBA OR THE BACKPACKS THAT WE WEAR WITH OUR AIR SUPPLY.
THEY WOULD COME WITH A 10-YEAR WARRANTY AND A GUARANTEE BUYBACK.
SAFE INDUSTRIES OFFERS A BUYBACK A FLOOR OF 300,000 ON ANY TRUCK.
WITH THAT, WE CAN TAKE THAT OFFER AND TAKE THAT MONEY OR THAT VALUE.
WE CAN DO OUR OWN LEGWORK AND SELL IT.
THERE'S VARIOUS VENDORS AROUND WHERE WE COULD WORK WITH PURCHASING AND WHOEVER ELSE WE NEED TO SEE IF MAYBE WE COULD GET A LITTLE BIT MORE IN RETURN FOR THAT TRADE-IN, OR WE CAN OUTRIGHT BUY THAT, FOR INSTANCE.
FOR SOME REASON, WE DECIDED WE WANTED TO ACQUIRE A TRUCK AND JUST OWN IT AND MAYBE MOVE IT TO TRAINING JUST TO BE A TRAINING APPARATUS, THAT WOULD BE AN OPTION FOR THAT.
AGAIN, WE'RE HERE TODAY TO SEEK YOUR APPROVAL FOR THE PURCHASE OF THREE FIRE ENGINES.
AGAIN, THAT WOULD BE PART OF OUR YEAR TWO OF THE CURRENT REPLACEMENT PLAN.
DECEMBER 9, THE NEXT COUNCIL MEETING, THE CITY WOULD CONDUCT THE COMPETITIVE SALE AND AWARD TO DEBT FINANCING.
LAURA, PLEASE LET ME KNOW. I FEEL LIKE I'M GETTING [OVERLAPPING].
>> NOPE, IT'S OKAY. ACTUALLY, IF I CAN JUMP IN HERE.
OUR TIMELINE IS JUST SLIGHTLY DIFFERENT FROM THIS.
BUT ON DECEMBER 9, WELL, FIRST OF ALL, WE'RE BRINGING THIS FOR APPROVAL TODAY BECAUSE WE WORKED WITH THE MANUFACTURER, AND THEY DO HAVE ANTICIPATED PRICE INCREASES COMING IN THE NEXT MONTH, OR ACTUALLY EARLIER THIS MONTH, I BELIEVE.
BUT THEY'VE BEEN WILLING TO LOCK IN THE PRICE AS IS, I THINK THEY'RE LEAVING IT IN PLACE FOR US FOR 60 DAYS.
HOW WE'RE GOING TO WORK THROUGH THAT.
THE PRICE INCREASE WOULD BE JUST SHY OF 210,000.
WHAT WE'RE LOOKING IS ON DECEMBER 9, WE WOULD ACTUALLY BRING A REIMBURSEMENT RESOLUTION.
WHAT THAT WOULD DO IS ALLOW THE CITY TO GO AHEAD AND PAY THE MANUFACTURER FOR THE UPFRONT PRE-ORDERING OF THESE THREE FIRE ENGINES.
THEN WE WOULD PROCEED WITH A COMPETITIVE SALE FOR PPFCO, DEBT ON FEBRUARY 10, AND THEN WE WOULD RECEIVE THE FUNDING FROM THE DEBT ISSUANCE ON MARCH 10.
AS SOON AS THE FUNDING CAME IN, WE WOULD REIMBURSE OURSELVES FROM THE DEBT ISSUANCE.
ONE THING THAT WE'VE BEEN VERY PLEASED WITH WORKING WITH THIS MANUFACTURER IS THEY HAVE AGREED THAT WE CAN PLACE THE ORDER, AND WITH THE APPROVAL OF COUNSEL TODAY, WE COULD GO AHEAD AND PLACE THE ORDER.
BUT IF, FOR SOME REASON, THE FUNDING DOESN'T COME THROUGH, THE DEBT ISSUANCE ISN'T DONE, THEY WOULD BE WILLING TO CANCEL THE ORDER FOR US.
AGAIN, THIS YEAR, IT'S GOING TO BE A MULTI-STEP PROCESS.
TODAY WOULD BE APPROVAL OF PURCHASING THE VEHICLES.
THEN ON DECEMBER 9, WE WOULD BRING BACK A REIMBURSEMENT RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING US TO GO AHEAD AND FULFILL THE PRE-ORDERING OF THOSE THREE ENGINES.
THEN ON FEBRUARY 10, WE WOULD BRING BACK THE COMPETITIVE SALE FOR THE DEBT, AND THEN WE WOULD GET THE MONEY IN THE BANK ON MARCH 10.
>> WELL SAID. IT'S A LOT BETTER NOW TO EXPLAIN.
>> I APOLOGIZE. IT'S JUST A LITTLE BIT OF A COMPLICATED PROCESS, BUT THIS IS HOW WE'RE HOPING TO ACHIEVE ORDERING THESE TRUCKS BEFORE THERE'S ANOTHER PRICE INCREASE THAT GOES IN.
>> HEY, LAURA, WHAT IS THE PREPAID DISCOUNT?
>> THE PREPAID DISCOUNT? WELL, ALL THAT IT DOES IS IT PUTS YOUR PLACE IN LINE TO START BUILDING IT, AND WE'LL GET IT IN APPROXIMATELY THREE YEARS.
BUT IF WE WAIT AND DON'T PUT OUR PRE-ORDER IN, LET'S SAY FOR A FEW MORE MONTHS, WE CALCULATED IT WOULD BE ABOUT $210,000 MORE ON TOP OF THIS.
>> WE'RE OUTSIDE THE CASH FOR THREE YEARS?
>> THEN YOU SAID RESALE OF EIGHT UNITS AT 775.
IS THAT A TRADE-IN WITH THIS GROUP WE'RE BUYING, OR WHERE IS THE 775 COME FROM?
>> THE 77,000 THAT WAS A QUOTE PUT TO US.
WE TOOK OUR EIGHT OLDEST TRUCKS.
[03:30:01]
SIX OF THOSE WERE ENGINES.I DON'T KNOW TO WHAT LENGTH THAT THEY DID TO ASSESS THE VALUE ON THEM.
BUT LOOKED AT MILEAGE, I WOULD IMAGINE, POSSIBLY THE ENGINE HOURS AND THAT'S HOW THEY COME UP WITH THAT QUOTE FOR US.
>> IS IT STANDARD? I MEAN, THESE ARE LARGE DIESEL ENGINES, AND I'M NOT GETTING IN YOUR BUSINESS BECAUSE I KNOW NOTHING ABOUT THE FIRE TRUCKS, BUT I'M JUST CURIOUS.
THE MILEAGE SEEMS RATHER LOW FOR THE CALIBER OF ENGINES, LARGE DIESEL ENGINES.
IS THAT A STANDARD IN FIREFIGHTING? WE CUT THEM OFF AT 150 OR 800 OR 80,000.
>> I'M GUESSING IT, A LOT OF THAT REALLY DEPENDS ON THE JURISDICTION AND WHAT KIND OF MILES.
A LOT OF IT IT'S I'M NOT GOING TO SAY 0 - 60 BECAUSE THAT WOULD PROBABLY GET SOMEBODY IN TROUBLE IF THEY'RE GOING TOO FAST, BUT I MEAN, YOU IMAGINE IT'S A COLD START.
YOU'RE RUSHING OUT DOWN THE ROAD.
A LOT OF THE BUMPS YOU'RE TRYING TO ACCELERATE AND GET TO THE EMERGENCY AS QUICK AS YOU CAN.
BUT DIFFERENT AREAS ARE GOING TO BE A LITTLE ROUGHER THAN OTHERS, AND IT'S JUST A LOT OF HARD HOURS.
THEN YOU'VE GOT THE PUMP, AND I DO HAVE MY FLEET MECHANIC HERE TOO.
YOU COULD DEFINITELY ANSWER THOSE.
>> DO WE HAVE A LOT OF MAINTENANCE ON ENGINES? ARE WE LOSING A LOT OF ENGINES AND TRANSFER CASES, AND TRANSMISSIONS?
>> I DON'T KNOW IF IT WAS ENGINE SIX WAS OUR LAST TRUCK THAT WE HAD GO DOWN WITH THE TRANSMISSION.
THEY DO A FANTASTIC JOB OF KEEPING US WE'RE AT.
THIS ISN'T BY ANY MEANS LIKE A CALL FOR MAYDAY, WE'RE HURTING FOR TRUCKS.
WE GOT TO FIGURE SOMETHING OUT.
IT'S JUST ONE OF THOSE WE CAN SEE WHERE WE'RE HEADED.
WE CAN SEE WHERE THE COSTS WERE REALLY PEAKING AROUND JUST OVER THAT SEVEN-YEAR MARK AS FAR AS MAINTENANCE COST, AND WHEN WE WERE RUNNING INTO MORE OF OUR BIGGER TICKET ISSUES WITH THE TRUCKS.
THIS WAS OUR WAY BACK THEN TO TRY TO GET AHEAD OF THAT.
AS FAR AS THE MEANS TO SECURE THE FUNDING, OF COURSE, WE'RE AT THE MERCY OF OUR EXPERTS TO TRY TO FIGURE OUT A ROUTE TO MAKE ALL THAT HAPPEN.
>> I JUST NOTICED THERE WERE NO MOON TRUCKS.
DO YOU KNOW WHAT A MOON TRUCK IS?
THAT'S HOW FAR IT IS TO THE MOON.
I JUST DIDN'T SEE ANY THAT HAD THAT DESIGNATION YET.
>> WELL, THE MORE MOON TRUCKS WE HAVE, SOMETIMES THE BETTER ON SPIN.
AT TALEN, WE HAVE A LOT OF MOON TRUCKS, WHICH IS PROBABLY NOT THE BEST PLACE TO BE.
>> THE MILEAGE ON THOSE TRUCKS DOESN'T TELL THE STORY.
BECAUSE THE RUN TIME IS A LOT MORE.
THAT ENGINE IS RUNNING MORE THAN 150,000 MILES.
>> YOU POSSIBLY DROVE FOUR MILES TO GET TO THE SCENE FOUR MILES BACK, BUT THEN THAT TRUCK MAY BE ODDLING FOR HOWEVER LONG THE SCENE OF YOUR INCIDENT.
SOMETIMES IT'S 45 MINUTES TO 12 HOURS OF OPERATION ON THAT APPARATUS.
>> ANY OTHER QUESTIONS? OTHER THAN, IF COUNCILMAN PRESCOTT IS ON A FLAT EARTH MODEL OR MORE OF A HELIOCENTRIC SPHERICAL MODEL? YOU'RE NOT GOING TO GO THERE. HEY, CHIEF, AS ALWAYS, WE APPRECIATE YOU, AND IT'S A LOT OF GOOD HARD WORK, AND I KNOW IT'S NEEDED.
WE'RE BUILDING FOR THE FUTURE.
WE'RE ALSO LOOKING PREVIOUSLY, WITH MR. HOOPER'S GROWTH CHART.
YOU'RE TALKING ABOUT GOING FROM ABOUT 205,000 PEOPLE TO 250,000 PEOPLE.
>> I KNOW THAT SOME COUNSELS DOWN THE ROAD WILL THANK US FOR PUTTING SOME GOOD BUSINESS PRACTICES IN HERE THAT ARE BUILDING FOR THE FUTURE GROWTH AND PUTTING YOU IN A CYCLICAL METHOD SO THAT IT'LL BE FUNDED APPROPRIATELY AS WE GO FORWARD. THANK YOU.
>> THANK YOU. APPRECIATE EVERYBODY SUPPORTING THIS EFFORT.
>> ANYTHING FURTHER FOR THE CHIEF?
>> WE'RE GOING TO MOVE INTO ITEM 9C,
[9.C. Pirates of the Park event recap]
PIRATES OF THE PARK, MR. KASHUBA.>> MAYOR AND COUNCIL, MICHAEL KASHUBA, DIRECTOR OF PARKS AND REC.
JUST WANTED TO GIVE YOU A QUICK RECAP OF THE PIRATES OF THE PARK EVENT, SO ONE OF THE THINGS AS A DEPARTMENT WE'VE BEEN TRYING TO DO IS REALLY FOCUS ON BIGGER COMMUNITY EVENTS, PROBABLY QUARTERLY.
THE 5TH OF JULY WAS THE FIRST ONE THAT WE ROLLED OUT.
THE NEXT ONE OBVIOUSLY IS THE PIRATES OF THE PARK.
THIS ACTUALLY STARTED LAST YEAR WHERE OUR STAFF APPROACHED CHRIS JONES, WHO WAS PIRATES OF THE CANYON, AND OUR MONSTER PARK EVENT, WE ACTUALLY HAD A HOT AIR BALLOON THAT WE STARTED GIVING CANDY OUT OF.
THIS YEAR, WE EXPANDED THE EVENT, HAD 21 BALLOONS, AND I'M GOING TO TALK THROUGH IT FAIRLY QUICKLY, BUT JUST WANTED TO SHOW YOU SOME PICTURES OF WHAT THAT EVENT ACTUALLY LOOKED LIKE.
AGAIN, THIS WAS A MULTI DAY EVENT.
SOME OF IT WAS DONE IN THE CANYON.
BUT THERE WAS REALLY A TWO PART EVENT,
[03:35:02]
SO THE MEDIA DAY THE DAY BEFORE.THEN WE WERE SCHEDULED TO DO A MORNING LIFT OFF, BUT WAS CANCELED DUE TO WEATHER, AND THEN WE HAD THE EVENING EVENT, WHICH REALLY WAS OUR TRICK OR TREAT EVENT WHERE PEOPLE COULD ACTUALLY GO UP TO THOSE BALLOONS, GET CANDY FROM THE BALLOONS, BUT THEN ALSO STAY AROUND FOR THE BALLOON GLOW.
AGAIN, WE HAD 21 BALLOONS THAT WERE THERE FOR THAT EVENT.
ATTENDANCE. THIS IS FOR A FIRST TIME EVENT, WE WERE VERY IMPRESSED WITH THE RESULTS, SO WE HAD JUST OVER 13,000 PEOPLE SHOW UP FOR THE EVENT.
AGAIN, THE AVERAGE DWELL TIME WAS ABOUT 60 MINUTES.
I KNOW WHEN WE HAD PRESENTED THE 5TH OF JULY, WE HAD SOME VERY SHAKY NUMBERS.
WE DIDN'T HAVE A LOT OF INFORMATION.
WE ACTUALLY WENT BACK AND PULLED THOSE NUMBERS FOR COMPARISON.
YOU CAN SEE THAT THE 5TH OF JULY WE AVERAGED JUST UNDER 28,000 PEOPLE FOR THAT WITH THE AVERAGE DWELL TIME OF 128 MINUTES.
AGAIN, FOR A FIRST TIME EVENT, VERY WELL ATTENDED, JUST UNDER HALF OF WHAT THE 5TH OF JULY WAS.
AGAIN, MENTIONED OUR PARTNERS, PIRATES OF THE CANYON.
CHRIS JONES REALLY DID A GREAT JOB BRINGING ALL OF THOSE BALLOONISTS TOGETHER.
AGAIN, WHEN IT'S A CITY EVENT, THERE'S A LOT OF INTERNAL DEPARTMENTS THAT WORK TOGETHER, YOU CAN SEE THE LIST OF THAT THERE.
THEN WE ALSO HAD SOME VENDORS AND SOME VOLUNTEERS TO HELP MAKE THIS EVENT SUCCESSFUL.
THERE WERE SOME SPONSORS FOR THIS EVENT, BUT THEY WERE REALLY MORE FOR PIRATES OF THE CANYON.
THAT WAY THEY COULD HELP FUND THOSE BALLOON CREWS AND PILOTS TO COME AND BE A PART OF THAT EVENT, SO HERE'S A LIST OF THEIR SPONSORS. FOOD TRUCKS.
I WASN'T SURE HOW BIG THIS EVENT WAS GOING TO BE.
AGAIN, LIKE 5TH OF JULY, THIS IS AN AREA THAT I THINK IN THE FUTURE, WE'RE GOING TO EXPAND UPON BECAUSE AGAIN, THERE WAS A LOT OF PEOPLE AND THE LINES WERE FAIRLY LONG.
AGAIN, WE HAD THE COSTUME CONTEST, WHERE WE HAD 37 DIFFERENT PARTICIPANTS IN THAT CONTEST.
WE HAD THE KIDS ZONE, WHICH INCLUDED THINGS FROM NERF GUN WARS TO THE KIDS AREA BOUNCE HOUSES, SO YOU CAN SEE SOME EXAMPLES OF THAT.
MARKETING, SO THIS WAS ACTUALLY REALLY SURPRISING TO US.
THE TOTAL FACEBOOK IMPRESSIONS FOR THIS WAS 1.2 MILLION PEOPLE.
OUR FACEBOOK PAGE GAINED OVER 1,000 PEOPLE IN THAT SIX DAY PERIOD.
NORMALLY, IT TAKES US SIX MONTHS TO GAIN THAT 1,000 PEOPLE.
THE FACEBOOK REEL HAD OVER 700,000 VIEWS, WHICH WAS THE LARGEST CITY POST OF THE YEAR, AND THE INSTAGRAM REEL HAD OVER 5,000 VIEWS, AND AGAIN, YOU CAN SEE SOME OF THE MEDIA THAT COVERED THE EVENT, THE PRINT, THE RADIO, THE OUTDOOR ADVERTISING THAT WENT INTO THIS EVENT.
WHAT DID IT COST US FOR THE DEPARTMENT? THE TOTAL COST WAS JUST UNDER 16,000 AND THAT WAS JUST PAID OUT OF OPERATIONS BETWEEN THE RECREATION BUDGET AND THE PARK MAINTENANCE BUDGET.
PIRATES OF THE CANYONS EXPENSES, IT WAS AGAIN, COVERED BY THOSE SPONSORSHIPS AND WAS JUST AROUND 17,000.
AS WE LOOK FORWARD, OBVIOUSLY, IF WE WANT TO GROW THE EVENT STAGE, CONCERT, DRONE SHOW, THOSE ARE THE THINGS THAT WOULD BE THE NEXT AD.
I THINK BECAUSE OF THE LARGE NUMBER OF PARTICIPANTS, OBVIOUSLY, MORE PORTA-POTTIES, I THINK ANOTHER THING IS GOING TO BE TRAFFIC CONTROL.
WE'RE GOING TO PROBABLY GO TO THE STANDARD LAYOUT THAT WE DID FOR 5TH OF JULY WHERE IT'S A LOOP IN AND OUT.
THERE WAS SOME TRAFFIC CONGESTION BECAUSE PRIMARILY THE LARGE UNDEVELOPED PARKING LOT WAS UNAVAILABLE BECAUSE OF THE RAIN.
THERE WAS A SPECIALTY BALLOON THAT WAS PROVIDED AS A PART OF THIS EVENT.
YOU SEE IT ON THE SIDE. IT'S A JACK-O-LANTERN.
THAT WOULD BE AN ADDITIONAL COST IN THE FUTURE.
AGAIN, TALKED ABOUT TRAFFIC, THE NEED TO ADD SHUTTLES, LIKE WE DO FOR THE 5TH OF JULY OR 4TH OF JULY, MOVING FORWARD, AND THEN POTENTIALLY A CANDY SPONSOR.
JUST WANTED TO PROVIDE A VERY QUICK RECAP FOR THE COUNCIL.
I'D BE HAPPY TO ANSWER ANY QUESTIONS.
BECKY DREYER ASSISTANT DIRECTOR AND HER TEAM DID A PHENOMENAL JOB WITH THIS, AND AGAIN, I THINK THIS IS AN EVENT WE WOULD CONTINUE TO GROW IN THE FUTURE.
>> IT'S FANTASTIC THE INCREASE ON FACEBOOK, JUST THAT SHORT AMOUNT OF TIME.
>> THE ONE OTHER THING I WANTED TO BRING TO YOUR ATTENTION IS WE ARE GOING TO BE DOING A CHRISTMAS TREE LIGHTING, SO AGAIN, WE TALKED ABOUT FOUR DIFFERENT EVENTS A YEAR.
WE'RE LOOKING AT THE JULY 4TH, PROBABLY A FALL EVENT, WHICH IS LIKE THE PIRATES OF THE PARK, AND THEN WE DO HAVE THE CHRISTMAS TREE LIGHTING, NOVEMBER 29TH AT 6:30, THAT WILL BE AT THE CIVIC CENTER.
WE'LL ALSO BE SHOWING POLAR EXPRESS AT 7:00 FOR ANYBODY THAT WANTS TO SHOW UP, SO THAT WOULD BE THE NEXT EVENT THAT WE'RE PUTTING ON.
>> WE APPRECIATE ALL THE HARD WORK.
PLEASE TELL YOUR TEAM THAT IT DEFINITELY DOESN'T GO UNNOTICED, AND WE LOVE THE EVENTS AND WANT TO CONTINUE TO SUPPORT YOUR GUESTS.
[03:40:04]
>> THANK YOU. COUNCIL, THAT COMPLETES DISCUSSION ITEMS, DO I HAVE ANY REQUESTS FOR FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS?
[9.D. Request future agenda items and reports from City Manager]
NOT AT THIS TIME? OKAY. LESS, DID YOU REQUEST A FUTURE AGENDA ITEM?>> YEAH. CAN YOU REMEMBER WHAT IT WAS? [LAUGHTER] I DON'T KNOW IF ANY OF US CAN REMEMBER.
THERE WAS A IS A TOWING CONTRACT?
>> [OVERLAPPING] WELL WE ASK IF I MEAN, I'M SURE THAT'S SOMETHING THAT WE WANT TO DISCUSS THE STAB THINGS THAT NEEDS TO BE BROUGHT TO US AT SOME POINT.
>> TOWING CONTRACT FOR DISCUSSION.
OKAY. GREAT. BUT NOTHING ELSE, COUNCIL.
WE'RE GOING TO MOVE INTO NON CONSENT ITEM 10A.
[10.A. CONSIDERATION OF ORDINANCE NO. 8225]
WE GOT OUR MARSHAL BACK THERE, MR. DIAZ, IF HE WANTS TO COME UP HERE AND TELL US A FEW THINGS THAT WE'RE UPDATING IN THE CODE?>> GOOD EVENING, MAYOR AND COUNCIL.
COUNCIL MEMBER SIMPSON, I'LL MAKE THIS AS QUICK AS POSSIBLE. [LAUGHTER]
>> THE PURPOSE OF THE CONDEMNATION APPEALS COMMISSION IS TO CONDUCT HEARINGS RELATED TO SUBSTANDARD OR DANGEROUS STRUCTURES IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE MUNICIPAL CODE.
THESE HEARINGS ARE TYPICALLY HELD MONTHLY, BUT MOVING FORWARD, THEY WILL BE HELD TWICE A MONTH TO ACCOMMODATE THE NEW INTERNAL DEMOLITION PROGRAM APPROVED IN THE RECENT BUDGET.
HISTORICALLY, THE CAC MEMBERS HAVE BEEN DIRECTLY APPOINTED FROM THE CONSTRUCTION ADVISORY AND APPEALS COMMISSION.
THIS PRACTICE HAS RESULTED IN LIMITED DIVERSITY AND HAS LED TO THE SAME GROUP OF VOLUNTEERS SERVING ON BOTH BOARDS.
THE GOAL OF THIS ORDINANCE IS TO AMEND THE CURRENT SELECTION PROCESS FOR BOARD MEMBERS SPECIFICALLY TO REMOVE THE REQUIREMENT THAT THEY BE APPOINTED DIRECTLY FROM THE CONSTRUCTION ADVISORY AND APPEALS COMMISSION.
THIS CHANGE WILL ACHIEVE SEVERAL OBJECTIVES.
IT WILL EXPAND THE SELECTION POOL BY BROADENING THE CABINET POOL.
WE'LL HAVE MORE OPTIONS TO CHOOSE FROM WHEN SELECTING BOARD MEMBERS.
EVEN THE MOST DEDICATED MEMBERS CAN EXPERIENCE FATIGUE, AND THIS CHANGE WILL HELP PREVENT OVER EXTENDING INDIVIDUALS.
MAINTAIN THE CURRENT NUMBER OF MEMBERS.
THE OVERALL SIZE OF THE COMMISSION WILL REMAIN UNCHANGED.
INTRODUCE STAGGERED TERMS. THIS ADJUSTMENT WILL ENSURE CONTINUITY AND AVOID A SCENARIO WHERE MULTIPLE MEMBERS LEAVE AT ONCE.
IN LASTLY PRESERVED SERVICE REQUIREMENTS, THE QUALIFICATIONS OR REQUIREMENTS TO SERVE ON THIS COMMISSION WILL REMAIN THE SAME.
THIS ORDINANCE WILL ALLOW THE CAC TO OPERATE MORE EFFECTIVELY AND WITH GREATER DIVERSITY WILL ALSO SUPPORT ITS LONG TERM STABILITY.
THANK YOU FOR YOUR TIME AND CONSIDERATION.
I'LL BE GLAD TO ANSWER ANY QUESTIONS.
>> MR. MARSHALL, THANK YOU FOR THE PRESENTATION, AND WE APPRECIATE THE EXPEDIENCY AS WELL.
THIS ONE MAKES A LOT OF SENSE IN BEING ABLE TO GET GOOD QUALITY INDIVIDUALS THAT CAN SERVE AND THEN NOT HAVING TO DO DOUBLE DUTY, SO ANYTHING THAT YOU AREN'T RECOMMENDING ABOUT THIS, ANYTHING THAT YOU WANT TO ADD?
>> NO, SIR. I RECOMMEND APPROVAL.
>> OKAY. COUNCIL, YOU HAVE ANY QUESTIONS FOR MR. MARSHALL? WOULD ENTERTAIN AN MOTION ON ITEM 10A?
>> I MOVE TO ADOPT ORDINANCE NUMBER 8225 AS PRESENTED.
>> WE HAVE A MOTION AND A SECOND.
>> ANY POST? ITEM 10A PASSES. THANK YOU, SIR.
[10.B. CONSIDERATION OF ORDINANCE NO. 8226 ]
YOU'RE GOING TO RUN THIS ONE FOR US?>> MAYOR AND COUNCIL. WE HAVE BEFORE YOU TODAY, ORDINANCE 8226.
THIS IS AN ORDINANCE TO DISCUSS SOME CHANGES TO THE CODE REGARDING BOARDS AND COMMISSIONS, AND SO WE VISITED WITH YOU BEFORE ABOUT BRINGING SOME CHANGES TO UPDATE THE CODE, TO CODIFY SOME BOARDS THAT HADN'T BEEN CODIFIED.
WE ARE LOOKING TO REMOVE SOME OBSOLETE BOARDS, AND THEN MAKING JUST A FEW CHANGES ON ATTENDANCE AND MEMBERSHIP.
WE'LL RUN THROUGH THAT VERY QUICKLY ON THESE SLIDES.
IF YOU HAVE A QUESTION, PLEASE STOP ME.
WE'VE HAD SEVERAL NEW BOARDS AND THEY ARE LISTED ON YOUR SCREEN.
THESE ARE BOARDS THAT HAVE BEEN ADDED PREVIOUSLY EITHER THROUGH RESOLUTION OR ORDINANCE, BUT NOT CODIFIED.
WE RECOMMEND BRINGING THESE INTO THE CODE.
THERE IS A DISCLAIMER IN THE CODE THAT INCLUDES BOARDS THAT ARE NOT CODIFIED AS WELL.
AS WE HAVE NEW BOARDS IN FUTURE YEARS, WE WILL BRING AN UPDATE IN THE FUTURE TO ADD THOSE.
BUT THIS ADDS IN THERE ARE A TOTAL OF SEVEN THERE INCLUDING THREE PIDS, TWO TIERS, AND THEN TWO OTHER BOARDS THAT WE WILL ADD IN.
WE ARE RECOMMENDING REMOVAL OF THE EMERGENCY CARE ADVISORY BOARD, THE COMPREHENSIVE PLAN ADVISORY BOARD, AND THE REDSTONE PID.
THE FIRST TWO ARE BOARDS THAT HAVE ACTUALLY SUNSET, AND THEN THE REDSTONE PID WAS DISSOLVED,
[03:45:02]
AND SO THOSE CAN COME OUT OF THE CODE.NEXT, WE'VE GOT AN ARTICLE 1, WE'VE ADDED SOME LANGUAGE THAT WOULD REQUIRE AN INDIVIDUAL TO APPLY TO SERVE ON A BOARD.
WE'VE KEPT THAT VERY OPEN, SO WE CAN WORK WITH COUNCIL ADMINISTRATIVELY ON WHAT THAT APPLICATION LOOKS LIKE AND WHAT INFORMATION WE'RE GATHERING TO HELP YOU IN DECIDING YOUR APPOINTMENTS FROM NEW YEAR.
WE'VE ALSO ADDED SOME LANGUAGE.
IF WE HAVE A MEMBER WHO MISSES THREE CONSECUTIVE REGULAR MEETINGS, THEY MAY BE REMOVED IN THAT APPOINTMENT BROUGHT TO COUNCIL AT A FUTURE MEETING.
THEN WE ALSO HAVE LANGUAGE IN THERE THAT TALKS ABOUT BOARDS THAT DON'T HAVE ANY BUSINESS TO CONDUCT DURING THE YEAR, WOULD STILL MEET ANNUALLY, AND WE'VE JUST CLEANED THAT UP A LITTLE BIT JUST TO CLARIFY THAT THEY WOULD MEET DURING A FISCAL YEAR BY OCTOBER.
THE CODE CURRENTLY REQUIRES THEM TO MEET IN THE MONTH OF OCTOBER.
FOR THE PARKS AND RECREATION BOARD, WE HAVE ONE CHANGE AND ON THE NEXT SLIDE, WE'LL TALK ABOUT BEAUTIFICATION AND PUBLIC ARTS.
THIS IS SOMETHING COUNCIL HAD RECOMMENDED TO US.
WE WILL CHANGE THIS TO BE 10 MEMBERS AT LARGE AND ONE MEMBER SELECTED FROM COUNCIL.
WE'D ASK ONE OF YOU TO SERVE ON THAT BOARD.
FOR BEAUTIFICATION AND PUBLIC ARTS, THAT ONE USED TO REQUIRE A COUNCIL MEMBER, WE'D RECOMMEND THAT WE MOVE THAT TO A CITIZEN AT LARGE.
ON THE LIBRARY ADVISORY BOARD, WE ARE RECOMMENDING THAT ALL MEMBERS SHALL BE AMARILLA PUBLIC LIBRARY CARDHOLDERS IN GOOD STANDING TO BE APPOINTED TO THAT BOARD AND CONTINUE THROUGH THEIR SERVICE.
WE'VE ALSO RECOMMENDED THAT ONE OF THE FIVE MEMBERS BE A MEMBER OF THE FRIENDS OF THE AMARILLA PUBLIC LIBRARY BOARD AS WELL, JUST TO MAKE SURE THAT THOSE TWO BOARDS HAVE VISIBILITY WITH EACH OTHER SINCE THEY WORK SO WELL TOGETHER.
THEN ON OUR CONVENTION AND VISITORS BUREAU, JUST A NOTE ON THIS ONE WE PREVIOUSLY HAD IT IN ITS OWN ARTICLE.
DUE TO SOME CHANGES WE HAD WHEN WE HAD ARTICLES OF INCORPORATION, AND IT BECAME ITS OWN ENTITY.
WE'VE REMOVED THAT ARTICLE AND WE'VE ADDED THEM UNDER OUR CORPORATE AND STATUTORY BOARDS, WHERE AEDC, THE FIREMAN'S RELIEF AND RETIREMENT FUND, AND THOSE BOARDS ARE LOCATED.
THEN ON MPO, WE JUST MADE SOME CHANGES TO UPDATE OUR LANGUAGE TO MATCH THE AMENDED BYLAWS OF MPO ON MEMBERSHIP TO MAKE SURE THAT WE'RE CURRENT WITH THEIR BYLAWS.
THAT'S ALL I'VE GOT. DO YOU HAVE ANY QUESTIONS?
>> NOW QUESTIONS FOR MS. CITY SECRETARY.
>> SO ON THE LIBRARY ADVISORY BOARD, WERE FOUR MEMBERS AT LARGE AND ONE MEMBER OF THE FRIENDS OF THE AMLA PUBLIC LIBRARY BOARD.
WILL COUNCIL STILL PICK THE FRIENDS PERSON, OR DOES THE FRIENDS OF AMER BOARD PICK THEIR PERSON, OR HOW DOES THAT WORK?
>> COUNSEL WILL STILL APPOINT THAT PERSON.
ANY OF THE MEMBERS ON THE FRIENDS BOARD THAT WISH TO APPLY WOULD PUT THEIR APPLICATION IN, AND THEN WE'D BE SURE THAT YOU HAVE THE INFORMATION TO KNOW WHICH APPLICANTS FIT THAT CRITERIA.
>> OKAY. ALL GOOD CHANGES ON ITEM 10B.
DO WE HAVE ANY FURTHER DISCUSSION? WE ASK FOR A MOTION, COUNCIL.
>> MOTION IN A SECOND ON ITEM 10B.
>> ANY OPPOSED? MOTION PASSES.
MS. STORES, I BELIEVE YOU'RE BRINGING ITEM 10C. CORNFAY TO HER.
[10.C. CONSIDERATION OF RESOLUTION NO. 11-18-25-1 ]
>> YES, SIR. I AM PLEASED TO INTRODUCE ERIC KOHLER, WHO IS PART OF THAT TEAM THAT IS BRINGING THIS TO OUR AREA, AND SO I'LL HAVE ERIC COME UP AND INTRODUCE ITEM, GIVE A LITTLE INFORMATION ABOUT IT.
I THINK WE ALSO HAVE A VERY SHORT VIDEO CLIP, AND THEN I'LL GO INTO THE INFORMATION RELATED TO THIS RESOLUTION.
>> THANK YOU, COUNCIL MEMBERS FOR HEARING ME OUT.
JUST WANTED TO LET YOU ALL KNOW THE PGA TOUR SCHEDULE FOR THE 2026 SEASON HAS OFFICIALLY BEEN ANNOUNCED TODAY, AND IT'S OFFICIAL THAT THEY ARE BRINGING THE KORN FERRY TOUR GOLF BACK TO AMARILLO FOR THE FIRST TIME IN 36 YEARS.
THE EVENT WILL BE PLAYED AT THE TASCOSA GOLF CLUB, ON THE LA PALMA GOLF COURSE.
THE TEAM AT TASCOSA HAS ALREADY MADE AMAZING IMPROVEMENTS ARE WORKING WITH BOTH THE COURSE ARCHITECT AND THE PGA TOUR.
THE EVENT, WE'LL SEE 156 WORLD CLASS PROFESSIONAL GOLFERS AROUND THE WORLD COME TO AMARILLO THE WEEK OF JUNE 8TH TO 14TH.
THE EVENT WE'LL SEE SPECTATORS AND VOLUNTEERS FROM ALL OVER COME TO THAT EVENT.
THE ACU CLASSIC JUST RECENTLY ANNOUNCED AMARO NATIONAL BANK AS THE PRESENTING SPONSOR.
THE NEW NAME OF THE EVENT WILL BE ACU CLASSIC PRESENTED BY AMARO NATIONAL BANK MOVING FORWARD.
WITH MORE THAN 700 PGA TOUR TITLES, 35 MAJOR CHAMPIONSHIPS AND EIGHT FEDEX CUP CHAMPIONS, KORN FERRY TOUR ALUMNI MAKEUP, 82% OF THE PGA TOURS CURRENT MEMBERSHIP.
WE'RE EXCITED TO BE IN AMARO AND SHOWCASE THIS GREAT COMMUNITY TO THE GOLFING WORLD IN 2026.
AND IF YOU WILL, YOU CAN PLAY THAT SHORT VIDEO.
[03:50:07]
>> MAKING IT ON THE CORN FERRY TOUR MEANS THEY CAN MAKE IT ON THE PGA TOUR.
THIS THIRD VICTORY THIS SEASON.
MEET THE NEWEST PGA TOUR WINNER, MATT MCCARTHY.
TO LEARN MORE AND GET INVOLVED, PLEASE VISIT OCCUNETCLASSIC.COM.
WE LOOK FORWARD TO SEEING YOU IN THE CORN FERRY TOUR AT DISCOSA GOLF CLUB, JUNE 8TH THROUGH 14TH, 2026.
>> THANK YOU SERVE ON THE CORN FERRY TOUR.
MEANS THEY CAN MAKE IT ON THE KEY.
>> WE APPRECIATE THE UPDATE, THE PRESENTATION.
WE'RE EXCITED, THANKFUL TO HAVE THE PGA TOUR BACK IN THE BIG CITY OF AMARILLO.
IT'S GOING TO BE AT A GREAT TIME WITH ALL THINGS THAT ARE HAPPENING WITHIN THE TOWN AND THE COUNTRY, BIRTHDAYS AND SUCH ON ROUTE 66.
THANK YOU FOR THE PRESENTATION. WE LOOK FORWARD TO IT.
>> THANK YOU VERY MUCH FOR ME.
>> THIS ITEM IS CONSIDERATION OF A RESOLUTION, AND WHAT IT IT DOES IS IT AUTHORIZES THE CITY TO SEEK AND DISTRIBUTE STATE FUNDS PURSUANT TO ARTICLE 5190.14 SECTION 5C OF THE TEXAS REVISED CIVIL STATUTES FOR THIS EVENT FOR THE 2026 CORNFERY TOUR.
WE DO THIS FOR A FEW OTHER EVENTS HERE LOCALLY, ONE OF THOSE BEING THE WRCA EVENT THAT WAS JUST HELD.
WHAT THE STATE OF TEXAS DOES IS THEY HAVE AN EVENT TRUST FUND.
THAT IS USED TO HELP RECRUIT EVENTS THAT COULD GO TO OTHER STATES ACROSS THE NATION.
IF YOU HAVE AN EVENT THAT CHOOSES TO COME HERE TO TEXAS, IF THEY MEET CERTAIN QUALIFICATIONS, THEY CAN WORK WITH THE LOCAL MUNICIPALITY TO APPLY FOR FUNDS THROUGH THE STATE EVENT TRUST FUND.
IT'S A LONG PROCESS, BUT IT STARTS WITH THIS RESOLUTION THAT THE CITY IS AUTHORIZING US TO GO START WORKING ON THIS STATE APPLICATION.
ESSENTIALLY WHAT IT DOES IS IT LOOKS AT ALL OF THE SALES TAX OR THE ESTIMATED SALES TAX THAT IS GENERATED BY AN EVENT LIKE THIS BASED ON THE NUMBER OF PARTICIPANTS AND THE NUMBER OF PEOPLE COMING INTO OUR COMMUNITY.
WHAT THE STATE DOES IS THEN IT REQUIRES THE CITY OF AMARILLO TO PUT OUR LOCAL PORTION IN THIS EVENT TRUST FUND, AND THEN THE STATE, ONCE EVERYTHING'S APPROVED, WILL GIVE BACK THE STATE'S PIECE OF THE SALES TAX ALONG WITH THE LOCAL PIECE OF THE SALES TAX.
THEN WHAT THE CITY OF AMARILLO WOULD DO IS PASS THE STATE'S PORTION OF THE SALES TAX ONTO THE EVENT DEVELOPERS.
IT'S AN INCENTIVE TO HELP RECRUIT SOME OF THESE BIG EVENTS INTO THE STATE OF TEXAS, AND IT'S WORKED REALLY, REALLY WELL.
WE'VE DONE IT FOR YEARS WITH WRCA.
I KNOW THEY'RE VERY APPRECIATIVE OF US.
WE FEEL THAT THIS KORN FERRY TOUR WILL BE A REALLY GOOD APPLICANT INTO THE STATE FUND AS WELL.
ONE OTHER ITEM RELATED TO THIS IS WE WORK WITH AN ECONOMIST THAT DOES ALL THE STATS FOR US AND HELPS US WITH THE APPLICATION, AND THE GROUP WITH THE KORN FERRY TOUR HAS AGREED TO PAY THOSE COSTS SO IT WON'T BE COMING OUT OF CITY TAXPAYER DOLLARS.
ARE THERE ANY QUESTIONS THAT I CAN ANSWER FOR YOU?
>> THAT'S GREAT. YOU HAVE ANY QUESTIONS, COUNSELMAN SIMPSON?
>> HOW'S THE DETERMINATION OF HOW MUCH MONEY THEY CAN GET? IS IT BASED ON.
>> WHEN YOU DO AN APPLICATION, YOU DO AN ESTIMATED ATTENDANCE FOR THE EVENT, AND THEN THERE'S ALL THE ECONOMIC FACTORS OF HOW MUCH SALES TAX THAT WOULD GENERATE.
THEN ONCE THE EVENT OCCURS, WE COLLECT STATS ASSOCIATED WITH THE ATTENDANCE, AND WE TURN ALL THAT OVER TO THE STATE, AND THEY RUN IT THROUGH THEIR ECONOMIC ANALYSIS, AND THEN THAT COMES UP WITH WHAT THE ESTIMATED SALES TAX WAS RELATED TO THE EVENT.
THE OTHER GREAT THING IS, ON AN EVENT LIKE THIS, I WOULD IMAGINE THE CITY OF AMARILLO WILL ALSO BE RECEIVING ADDITIONAL HOTEL OCCUPANCY TAXES, AND THAT DOESN'T FACTOR INTO ANY OF THAT.
THAT WOULD JUST BE STAYING HERE WITH THE CITY.
>> THE TOURNAMENT ORGANIZERS GET PAID THAT AFTER THE EVENT?
USUALLY THERE'S QUITE A BIT OF A LAG.
IT TAKES A LITTLE BIT OF TIME JUST BECAUSE WORKING THROUGH GOVERNMENT PROCESSES.
WE WON'T MENTION THE OTHER STATE, BUT THERE WAS ANOTHER STATE THAT THE PGA ONLY PUTS ON SO MANY OF
[03:55:01]
THESE PER YEAR ON THE KORN FERRY TOURS OF TEXAS, AND THE CITY OF AMARILLO IS AWARDED SOMETHING INSTEAD OF ANOTHER CITY THAT THEY COULD HAVE CHOSEN TO GO TO.IT SAYS A LOT. YOUR SPONSORS, I BELIEVE, HAVE GIVEN A FIVE YEAR COMMITMENT, WHICH ALSO SPEAKS TO A REALLY GOOD LOCAL ECONOMY AND SOME STAKEHOLDERS THAT BELIEVE IN FAMILY EVENTS, GOLF, THE COMMUNITY, AND THE PGAS THE BEST THING YOU CAN HAVE AT A LOCAL GOLF COURSE.
THE CITY STAFF IS ALREADY WORKING REALLY WELL.
THEY ARE PUTTING TOGETHER TRANSIT.
THERE'S PUBLIC SAFETY CONSIDERATIONS.
THERE'S ALL DIFFERENT THINGS THAT CAN HAPPEN, AND THEY'LL PLAY A QUALIFIER TOURNAMENT.
I BELIEVE THAT ROSS ROGERS BEFOREHAND.
THEN I THINK 11 PLAYERS, IF YOU PLACE IN THE TOP 11 SPOTS, MAYBE YOU QUALIFIED TO THEN GET TO GO PLAY ON THIS TOUR WITH THE PROFESSIONAL GOLFERS.
WE LOVE HAVING IT HERE. I THINK IT'S GREAT.
THANK YOU FOR YOUR SERVICE AND HELPING TO GET THIS THROUGH.
I GUESS WE JUST ACT AS THE SPONSOR OR NOT THE FIDUCIARY, BUT THEY NEED US.
>> ABSOLUTELY. WE ESSENTIALLY FACILITATE THE PAPERWORK AND GET MAKE SURE EVERYTHING'S SIGNED IN THE APPLICATIONS FILLED OUT PROPERLY, AND THE MONEY GOES THROUGH US, ESSENTIALLY.
>> THAT'S GREAT. WE LOOK FOR A GREAT TURNOUT.
WE'LL HAVE A LOT OF LOCAL SUPPORT, AND THEN APPRECIATE THE CITY'S FULL ENDORSEMENT AND SUPPORT ON THIS, AS WELL.
IT'S A LOT OF WORK FOR US, BUT IT'LL BE A GOOD DEAL.
COUNSEL, ANYTHING FURTHER FROM MISSES STORES ON ADAM TENSE WOULD ASK FOR A MOTION?
>> I MOVE TO ADOPT RESOLUTION 11-18-25-1 AS PRESENTED. SECOND.
>> ANY OPPOSED? MOTION PASSES.
[10.D. CONSIDERATION OF RESOLUTION NO. 11-18-25-2 ]
THIS IS THE POTTER COUNTY APPRAISAL DISTRICT.>> THIS RESOLUTION IS FOR COUNSEL TO CAST VOTES FOR THE POTTER COUNTY APPRAISAL DISTRICT.
THE BALLOT THAT WE RECEIVED THAT'S IN YOUR PACKET HAS TWO CANDIDATES CHIP HUNT AND MITZY WADE.
THESE HAPPENED TO BE THE TWO CANDIDATES THAT COUNSEL NOMINATED.
YOU HAVE 322 VOTES THAT YOU CAN CAST FOR THE POTTER COUNTY BALLOT.
YOU CAN CAST THOSE EQUALLY, YOU CAN CAST THEM FOR ONE OF THE CANDIDATES.
JEFFREY DAGY, THE CHIEF APPRAISER FOR PRATT, DID UPDATE US.
BOTH CANDIDATES DO HAVE VOTES AT THIS POINT IN TIME.
THEY WILL BOTH BE APPOINTED ONTO THIS BOARD.
>> COUNSEL, TELL ME THIS, MISS CITY SECRETARIES, TYPICAL TO JUST SPLIT THE VOTES?
>> THAT'S WHAT COUNSELS HISTORICALLY HAVE DONE.
IT'S JUST SPLIT EVENLY BETWEEN THE NOMINATIONS THAT YOU MADE.
IN THAT CASE, THIS WOULD BE 161 VOTES FOR EACH OF THESE CANDIDATES.
>> GENTLEMEN, I THINK THAT'S A GOOD PRACTICE, AND I ALSO THINK MISSES COGGINS IS LETTING US KNOW THAT IT'S NOT NECESSARILY GOING TO WEIGH WHETHER THEY GET TO SERVE OR NOT WITH THE OTHER VOTES THAT THEY'VE ALREADY RECEIVED.
>> CORRECT. FOR THIS PARTICULAR BALLOT, THERE'S ONLY TWO, AND THERE'S TWO POSITIONS.
THESE TWO NOMINEES WOULD FILL THOSE POSITIONS.
>> WHAT LANGUAGE DO WE USE HERE BESIDES ADOPTING THE RESOLUTION?
>> YOU COULD JUST SAY ADOPT RESOLUTION WITH THE CITY'S VOTES SPLIT BETWEEN THE TWO CANDIDATES EVENLY.
>> I MOVE WE ADOPT RESOLUTION NUMBER 11-18-25-3 WITH VOTES SPLIT EVENLY BETWEEN CHIP HUNT AND MITZI WADE FOR 161 VOTES FOR EACH PERSON.
>> JUST SMALL CLARIFICATION, IT'S RESOLUTION NUMBER 2.
>> SECOND. GOT A MOTION AND A SECOND ON RESOLUTION 11-18-25-2.
MISS COGGINS, NOW WE'RE HEADING OVER TO RANDALL COUNTY.
[10.E. CONSIDERATION OF RESOLUTION NO. 11-18-25-3 ]
>> FOR RANDALL COUNTY, THERE WERE FOUR NOMINEES.
AS A REMINDER, THERE ARE TWO POSITIONS ON THIS BOARD.
COUNSEL NOMINATED BOTH TOM SHERLN AND GINGER WHITE ORIGINALLY.
IN YOUR RED FOLDERS, YOU HAVE AN ITEM MARKED 10E.
THIS IS THE CURRENT STATUS OF VOTES THAT JEFFREY DAGGLY PROVIDED US AS OF YESTERDAY.
ON THIS, CITY COUNCIL HAS 312 VOTES.
[04:00:01]
YOU COULD GIVE THOSE TO ONE PERSON OR YOU COULD SPLIT THEM BETWEEN UP TO TWO PEOPLE? TEN E. IT'S GOT AS OF NOVEMBER 17TH AND RED AT THE TOP OF IT.ON THIS ONE, IF YOU WANTED TO SPLIT THEM BETWEEN YOUR TWO NOMINEES, IT WOULD BE 156 VOTES EACH TO TOM SCHERLEN AND GINGER WHITE. DID YOU FIND IT?
>> COUNSEL, YOU HAVE A TOTAL OF 2000 VOTES THAT GET CAST, HALLEY HOLT AT 8:07, JACK KLAUS OR KLAUS 464, TOM SEHERLEN TWO, GINGER WHITE 175.
WE HAVE A TOTAL OF 312 THAT CAN GO TO ANY OF THESE, CORRECT, NOT JUST THE TWO THAT WE RECOMMENDED?
>> CORRECT. THEY CAN GO TO ANY.
YOU CAN ONLY CAST THEM FOR UP TO TWO INDIVIDUALS.
>> WE CAN SPLIT IT FOUR WAYS, WE CAN SPLIT IT TWO WAYS, OR WE COULD GIVE IT ALL TO ONE.
>> THEN TELL ME HOW MANY CAN SERVE ON THIS BOARD, THEY'RE FILLING TWO TERMS?
>> THEY'RE FILLING TWO POSITIONS. YES.
RIGHT NOW, HALLEY HOLT AND JACK LOSS HAVE THE MOST VOTES.
THERE ARE A TOTAL OF 552 VOTES LEFT TO BE CAST, 312 OF THOSE BELONGING TO US, 178 OF THOSE TO AMARILLO COLLEGE, AND THEN A FEW FOR A COUPLE SMALLER ENTITIES.
>> WE DON'T KNOW WHERE THE REST OF THE VOTES WILL GO.
>> WE DON'T, AMARILLO COLLEGE IS HOLDING THEIR MEETING RIGHT NOW, AND SO DON'T KNOW WHAT THEY'VE VOTED, BUT THEIRS WILL BE VOTED ON TONIGHT AS WELL.
>> COUNSEL, MY RECOMMENDATION WOULD BE TO PUT ALL OF OUR VOTES TO ONE CANDIDATE, DEPENDING ON WHO WE CHOOSE.
IT MAKES IT MOST LIKELY THAT THAT CANDIDATE WOULD AT LEAST HAVE AN OPPORTUNITY TO SERVE IN THAT POSITION, SEEING THAT YOU ALREADY HAVE STRONG SUPPORT FOR TWO OF THE FOUR CANDIDATES, AND WE DIDN'T RECOMMEND EITHER ONE OF THEM.
IF WE FEEL STRONGLY ABOUT ANY ONE CANDIDATE, I THINK IT MAKES SENSE TO PUT ALL OF OUR VOTES BEHIND ONE CANDIDATE IN THIS POSITION.
ISN'T IT A LITTLE UNUSUAL TO GET THE COUNTS OF WHO HAS THE VOTES?
>> IT'S REALLY NOT BECAUSE THOSE VOTES HAPPEN IN OPEN MEETINGS JUST LIKE THIS ONE.
I DID ASK JEFFREY THAT WHEN I TALKED TO HIM YESTERDAY.
I SAID, THIS QUESTION IS GOING TO COME UP WHEN I SHARE THIS INFORMATION, AND HE SAID IT'S PERFECTLY PUBLIC INFORMATION ANYBODY COULD ASK FOR IT.
>> CAN I SUGGEST WE DO THAT WITH THE NEXT CITY ELECTION? [LAUGHTER]
>> MIGHT MAKE IT. AS LONG AS THEY'RE CERTIFIED AND OPENED HERE IN THE MIDDLE OF THE CHAMBER.
I BELIEVE THAT'S THE KEY POINT THERE SILL.
COUNSEL, ANY DISCUSSION ON EITHER OF THE TWO OR IF YOU HAPPEN TO KNOW SOMETHING ABOUT ONE OF THE OTHER TWO THAT WE DIDN'T NOMINATE, BUT IF YOU WANT TO DIRECT THE CONVERSATION.
SINCE WE'RE GOING TO BE QUIET, I WOULD LIKE TO SEE US.
I THINK HE'S GOT A HEART FOR THE COMMUNITY AND ALWAYS WILLING TO SERVE AND WORK HARD.
I WOULD LIKE TO SEE US GIVE 312 VOTES TO MR. SCHERLEN.
>> JUST DISCUSSION. THE ONLY HESITATION I HAVE THERE IS WITH ON THE POTTER RANDO APPRAISAL DISTRICT BOARD.
I NOMINATED GINGER JUST SIMPLY BECAUSE THE REAL ESTATE KNOWLEDGE.
JUST JUST THROWING THAT OUT THERE.
>> I THINK THAT'S A GOOD DISCUSSION.
HOW LONG HAS MISSES WHITE SERVED IN THIS CAPACITY? DO WE KNOW?
>> I DON'T KNOW THAT FOR SURE.
I KNOW IT'S BEEN AT LEAST ABOUT FOUR YEARS OR SO.
>> I WOULD SAY FOUR OR SIX, BUT I DON'T KNOW FOR SURE, BUT LET'S SAY FOUR.
I KNOW SHE'S A STRONG CANDIDATE, AND SHE DEFINITELY CARRIES THAT REAL ESTATE BACKGROUND, SO DRIVEN IN A LOT OF GOOD DIRECTIVES FOR GROWTH IN AMARILLO AND AFFORDABILITY AND HOUSING AND WHATNOT.
COUNCILMAN SCHERLEN ALSO HAD THE PRIVILEGE OF SERVING ON THE COUNCIL.
IT'S NOT LIKE HE'S NOT GETTING STUFF DONE IN THE COMMUNITY, BUT BOTH ARE CONSIDERED AND PROBABLY NEED OTHER COMMENTS FROM COUNSEL ON WHERE YOU GUYS WANT TO GO.
>> I THINK I WOULD BE COMFORTABLE SPLITTING THE VOTES AND SUPPORTING BOTH OF THE PEOPLE THAT WE NOMINATED.
>> ALL I WOULD SAY IS IF WE GAVE THEM ALL TO TOM OR WE GAVE HALF AND HALF, IT'S STILL NOT GOING TO MOVE THE NEEDLE.
IF WE GAVE ALL OF THEM TO GINGER, IT WOULD MAYBE POSSIBLY MOVE THE NEEDLE DEPENDING ON WHAT AMARILLO OF COLLEGE DOES.
[04:05:01]
I DON'T WANT TO WASTE THE VOTES IF IT'S NOT GOING TO MOVE THE NEEDLE.>> LET'S DIG INTO THAT A LITTLE BIT.
DO YOU KNOW HOW MANY VOTES ARE REMAINING, I GUESS, THAT COULD GO TO ONE POTENTIAL.
ASSUMING COUNCILMAN SCHERLEN OR TOM SCHERLEN HAS THE LOWEST AND WE GAVE THE 312, IS HE NOT A VIABLE PARTICIPANT AT THIS POINT?
>> HE WOULD REQUIRE A MAJORITY OF THE REST OF THE VOTES.
AFTER CITY COUNCIL CASTS ITS VOTES, THERE'S 240 VOTES LEFT.
AMARILLO COLLEGE HOLDS 178 OF THOSE.
CITY OF CANYON HOLDS 40, BUSH LN HOLDS 20 AND HAPPY ISD HOLDS TWO.
>> WHILE I UNDERSTAND THE TYPICAL SPLIT, I THINK IT'D BE BETTER TO KEEP THE VOTES TOGETHER IF WE FEEL STRONGLY ABOUT ONE OF THE TWO NOMINEES THAT WE'VE MADE.
>> WELL, YOU'VE GOT 173 VOTES SEPARATING THE TWO RIGHT NOW.
>> I CAN TELL YOU I DID THE MATH AND KESHLL ASKED, IF YOU WERE TO GIVE ALL YOUR VOTES TO MR. SCHERLEN, HE WOULD HAVE 314 VOTES WITH 240 VOTES LEFT TO POTENTIALLY BE CAST.
IF YOU WERE TO GIVE YOUR VOTES TO MISS WHITE, SHE'D HAVE 487 VOTES.
>> WHICH WOULD PUT HER IN SECOND PLACE.
>> I'M NOT GETTING THE MATH THERE.
THERE'S A TOTAL VOTES OF 2,000 AND ONLY 14 AND 51 HAVE BEEN CAST.
>> I'M TAKING OUT THE 312 FOR CITY OF AMARILLO.
THERE'S 552 VOTES LEFT TO BE CAST, 312 OF THOSE BELONG TO YOU.
>> FANTASTICALLY SIMPLE PROCESS THAT WE HAVE HERE BEFORE US.
>> YES. COUNSEL, LET'S JUST DECIDE AS A BODY.
DO WE WANT TO KEEP OUR VOTES TOGETHER OR DO WE WANT TO SPLIT THEM? I'M THINKING KEEP THEM TOGETHER.
COUNCILMAN SIMPSON MAKES A GOOD POINT OF SPLITTING THEM.
OR CAN WE AT LEAST MAKE ONE STEP IN A DIRECTION BEFORE WE PICK WHO WE WANT TO PUT THEM ALL FOR?
>> WELL, TO PRESCOTT'S POINT, LOOKING AT THE NUMBERS, IF THESE TWO WERE IN THE LEAD, AND THESE TWO OR WHO WE DID, I'D SAY SPLIT THEM.
LIKE THAT MAKES PERFECT SENSE.
BUT IT DOESN'T MOVE THE NEEDLE.
I'M AFRAID WITH TOM, I DON'T KNOW THAT THAT GETS HIM THERE.
WITH GINGER, THAT GIVES HER A SHOT BECAUSE SHE'S IN SECOND PLACE WITH ALL THOSE VOTES.
MAN, I'M JUST WORKING THE NUMBERS HERE.
AGAIN, IF WE'RE SAYING, HEY, WE DON'T WANT TO WASTE THESE TO YOUR POINT, LIKE, WE DON'T WANT TO SPLIT THEM BECAUSE THAT DOESN'T MAKE ANY SENSE AT ALL.
WELL, WHO'S THE VIABLE CANDIDATE, GIVEN THAT WE ALREADY HAVE THE NUMBERS.
>> I'M ADVOCATING TO KEEP THEM TOGETHER, BUT NOT ADVOCATING FOR EITHER PERSON AT THIS POINT IN THE CONVERSATION.
>>I WOULD AGREE WITH KEEPING THEM TOGETHER.
JUST BY JUST WORKING THE MATH ON IT.
>> WELL, SINCE WE'RE ALL FINE WITH THAT, TOM OR GINGER.
>> I MAKE A MOTION THAT WE PUT ALL OF THE VOTES TO GINGER WHITE.
>> I HAVE A MOTION. DO I HAVE A SECOND.
>> ANY FURTHER DISCUSSION? YOU HAVE CLARITY ON THAT MOTION? DO YOU NEED ANYTHING FURTHER IN THIS PARTICULAR INSTANCE? MOTION IN A SECOND WITH NO FURTHER DISCUSSION.
>> VOTE PASSES WITH A 4-1 VOTE.
>> THANK YOU. MS. COGGINS, THANK YOU, MA'AM.
IS THAT YOUR LAST ONE FOR NOW? YOU GUYS GOOD TO DO A COUPLE MORE OR YOU NEED TO TAKE A RESTROOM BREAK, GET IT DONE.
[10.F. CONSIDERATION OF RESOLUTION NO. 11-18-25-4 ]
>> I'M REPRESENT.ONE, MAYOR AND COUNCIL.
MY NAME IS JIM HILLING I'M THE PLANNER FOR TRANSIT.
WE'RE DOING CONSIDERATION FOR RESOLUTION NUMBER 11-18-25-4.
IT'S THE FIRST READING FOR CONSIDER A RESOLUTION ADOPTING AN UPDATED TITLE 6 COMPLIANCE PROGRAM FOR THE CITY OF AMARILLO.
READ YOU ALL A LITTLE OVERVIEW.
THE PURPOSE OF THE PROGRAM TO ENSURE AMARILLO CITY TRANSIT OR ACT COMPLIES WITH ALL APPLICABLE TITLE 6 REGULATIONS ISSUED BY THE US DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION DOT.
IN ACCORDANCE WITH FEDERAL REQUIREMENTS, THE PROGRAM MUST REVIEWED, UPDATED, AND SUBMITTED TO THE CITY COUNCIL FOR ADOPTION EVERY THREE YEARS.
TITLE 6 PROVIDES A FRAMEWORK THROUGH WHICH ACT DELIVERS PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION SERVICES IN A FAIR AND NON-DISCRIMINATORY MANNER.
THROUGH THE IMITATION OF THIS PROGRAM, ACT AFFIRMS ITS COMMITMENT TO ENSURE
[04:10:01]
EQUITABLE ACCESS TO ALL SERVICES AND DECISION MAKING PROCESSES, REGARDLESS OF RACE, COLOR, OR NATIONAL ORIGIN.ADDITIONALLY, ACT WILL MAINTAIN ITS PROCEDURES TO PROVIDE INDIVIDUALS WITH LIMITED ENGLISH PROFICIENCY OR LEP, MEANINGFUL ACCESS TO TRANSIT PROGRAMS AND SERVICES AND ACTIVITIES.
WE'RE JUST ASKING IF YOU GUYS WOULD ADOPT THAT RESOLUTION.
>> JIM, WE APPRECIATE THE PRESENTATION.
DO WE HAVE ANY QUESTIONS? PRETTY SIMPLE.
THANK YOU, SIR. ENTERTAIN A MOTION ON 10F.
>> I MOVE TO ADOPT RESOLUTION NUMBER 11-18-2054 AS PRESENTED.
>> MOTION AND A SECOND FROM PLACE FOUR.
>> ANY OPPOSED. THANK YOU, JIM.
>> THANKS, MAYOR. WE'VE GOT CHIEF MAYES BACK UP HERE.
[10.G. CONSIDER PURCHASE - FIRE APPARATUS (TRUCKS) ]
IF WE HAVE ANY FURTHER QUESTIONS.IS THERE ANYTHING ELSE YOU'D LIKE TO ADD TO FROM THE PRESENTATION EARLIER, SIR, ON THE SIDE?
>> NO, SIR. DOES THAT GO ON THAT APPRECIATION FOR THE SUPPORT WE'VE HAD.
>> ARE WE SURE WE'RE GETTING THE BEST DEAL ON THE 775 ON THE RESALE?
>> I COULD DIG INTO EXACTLY WHAT WAS EVALUATED IN THAT AND JUST SEE LIKE, FOR INSTANCE, I HAD A MAILER OF A COMPANY TWO DAY IN MY INBOX ABOUT ANOTHER COMPANY THAT DOES ASSESS THE VALUE OF TRUCKS.
I THINK WITH THE AGE, THE WEAR AND TEAR OF WHAT WE'VE GOT, I DON'T KNOW THAT WE'RE GOING TO SEE A WHOLE LOT MORE THAN THAT, TO BE HONEST BECAUSE CERTAINLY WE UNDERSTAND IT'S A PINCH FOR EVERY CENT AT TIME, SO CHIEF, CORRECT ME IF I'M WRONG.
IT'S STILL OPTIONAL TO GIVE IT BACK TO THEM.
WE COULD STILL SELL IT OURSELVES OR DO SOMETHING ELSE.
>> I BELIEVE THAT'S WHAT I RECALL.
WE KNOW IT'S NOT A REQUIRE PART OF THE DEAL.
THEY OFFER SOMETHING AS PART OF THEIR PROGRAM, BUT WE CAN STILL KEEP THE TRUCK, WE COULD SELL THE TRUCK.
I THINK WE STILL HAVE OPTIONS.
I WOULD JUST LIKE TO EXPLORE OPTIONS.
I KNOW WE'RE NOT IN THE SELLING USED EQUIPMENT, BUT IT SEEMS WITH THE THREE YEAR LEAP TIME, THESE ARE A HIGHLY SOUGHT AFTER COMMODITY, AND I WOULD HATE TO BE LEAVING MONEY ON THE TABLE.
>> JUST BECAUSE WE DO HAVE OUR EXPERT IN THE ROOM, I'M GOING TO INVITE YOU SEE IF YOU HAVE ANYTHING YOU'D LIKE TO ADD SIR.
>> YES, SIR, MY NAME IS KEITHGOL, I'M A SAFE INDUSTRIES.
THE EVALUATION ON THAT WAS PUT OUT TO AN OPEN MARKET.
BASICALLY, WE TOOK THE MILEAGE, HOURS, WEAR INTERIOR ON THE VEHICLES, YOUR MODEL, THINGS LIKE THAT.
ALSO WITH THOSE BEING COMMERCIAL CAB TRUCKS, THEY BRING A LOWER VALUE THAN THE CUSTOM CAB TRUCKS THAT YOU'RE CURRENTLY RUNNING.
WE PUT THOSE OUT TO THE OPEN MARKET.
THAT'S WHERE THAT TRADE IN NUMBER CAME IN AS FAR AS AN OFFERED VALUE.
BUT AGAIN, WE HAD LEFT THAT OPEN TO WHERE IF YOU ALL WANTED TO PUT IT OUT LIKE HE HAD MENTIONED, ON THE OPEN MARKET YOURSELF, PUT THEM OUT ON AN AUCTION SITE, WHATEVER YOU WANTED TO DO TO BRING THE HIGHEST RETURN VALUE TO THE CITY, IT'S IT'S DEFINITELY OPEN TO YOU ALL.
>> I JUST KEEP USING A 775 NUMBER.
WHATEVER I KNOW IT'S CLOSER TO THAT 5,000? YES. WILL THAT COME OFF OF THE SALES PRICE OR IS THIS SALES PRICE EXCLUSIVE MINUS NOT COUNTING WHAT WE WOULD GET FOR RESALE?
>>THAT'S NOT COUNTING WHAT YOU WOULD GET FOR THIS.
AT THE TIME YOU MADE THE DECISION, IF YOU WANTED TO HAND THEM ALL TO US SO WE COULD TAKE TAKE POSSESSION OF THEM, WE WOULD THEN IN TURN PAY THE CITY $77,500 FOR ALL, OR IF YOU WANTED TO PUT THEM OUT, YOU COULD TRY AND GET MARKET VALUE AT THAT TIME.
THAT WAS BASED ON AN EVALUATION.
>> 75,000 PER TRUCK? [OVERLAPPING]
>> THAT'S IN TOTAL. THAT'S NOT PER TRUCK.
THAT'S FOR ALL TRUCKS, BUT YOU VEHICLES ON HERE THAT ARE EIGHT TRUCKS.
FOR INSTANCE, YOU HAVE A 2004 ALPHA ON HERE THAT'S A DISCONTINUED TRUCK THAT MANUFACTURE IS NOT EVEN IN EXISTENCE.
>> I THINK WE NEED TO GO FIND.
>> SURE. AGAIN, THAT WE JUST GAVE IT A MARKET ASSESSMENT AND WITH THEM BEING COMMERCIAL CAB TRUCKS AND AS MANY MILES AS THEY HAVE ON THEM AS WELL AS THE AGE.
THAT'S WHERE THE MARKET PLAYED FOR.
>> FOR TEN GRAND. IT'S NOT A BAD DEAL.
>> I KNOW WHAT WE HAVE BEFORE US IS THE AWARD OR THE PURCHASE, THE INTENT TO ISSUE DEBT IN THE FUTURE, THAT'LL COME BACK TO COUNSEL.
I APPRECIATE THE COMPREHENSIVE LOOK, AND YOU BRING IN ALL PARTS AND PIECES AND THE POTENTIAL REVENUE THAT COULD COME FROM THE SALE OF THE TRUCKS.
I THINK WHAT I'M HEARING IS THAT COUNSEL WOULD LIKE TO DIRECT STAFF TO GO AND PURSUE OTHER OPTIONS AND SEE WHAT ELSE NEEDS TO BE BEFORE WE PART WITH ANY OF THESE EXISTING PIECES OF EQUIPMENT.
[04:15:05]
BUT THEN TODAY, COUNSEL, I WOULD SAY THAT THE $4.6 MILLION IS ONLY GOING TO GO UP BY ANOTHER 210,000 IF WE DON'T MOVE FORWARD WITH OUR INTENTIONS.ANY DISCUSSION FOR CHIEF MAYES ON THE PURCHASE OF THESE NEW PIECES OF EQUIPMENT?
>> NO. WE ASK FOR A MOTION ON 10G, PLEASE.
>> I MOVED TO APPROVE THE PURCHASE OF THE FIRE APPARATUS AS SPELLED OUT IN ITEM 10G.
>> ANY POSED? CHIEF, ONCE AGAIN, THANKS FOR ALL YOUR HARD WORK.
>> ITEM 10H. WE'RE GOING TO KEEP GOING HERE FOR A MINUTE.
[10.H. CONSIDER APPOINTMENT - AIRPORT ADVISORY BOARD MEMBERS ]
WE'RE GOING TO GET MISS JOHNNY GLICK UP HERE.SHE'S GOING TO MOVE US AS QUICKLY AS POSSIBLE THROUGH SOME IMPORTANT BOARD PLACEMENTS AND APPOINTMENTS.
FIRST ONE BEING AIRPORT ADVISORY BOARD.
BEFORE [OVERLAPPING] THIS PROCESS?
>> YES, SIR. CAN WE HAVE A LITTLE DISCUSSION? I KNOW I'M NEW TO THIS, COUNCIL.
BUT I FOUND THIS PROCESS OF GOING THROUGH ALL OF THESE APPOINTMENTS AS ONE OF THE MOST BIZARRE THINGS I THINK WE DO AS A CITY GOVERNMENT.
TO DO ALL OF THESE APPOINTMENTS ON ONE NIGHT OR TWO NIGHTS BECAUSE WE'RE SEPARATING THEM.
I DON'T UNDERSTAND WHAT THE HURRY IS OTHER THAN WE HAVE A SCHEDULING FOR IT, WHERE WE COULD ACTUALLY LOOK AT THIS IN A MORE LOGICAL WAY.
EACH MONTH, WE HAVE APPOINTMENTS TO COMMITTEES THAT WOULD GIVE US AN OPPORTUNITY BECAUSE THESE COMMITTEES ARE IMPORTANT TO US AS A COUNCIL.
WHEN WE SEE THAT A COMMITTEE VOTED 50 OR 41, THAT GIVES US A LITTLE DIRECTION THAT THEY'VE DONE THEIR HOMEWORK.
THEY KNOW WHAT'S GOING ON, AND IT DOES HELP US IN MAKING OUR DECISION.
I DON'T THINK WE ARE TAKING IT SERIOUSLY ON HOW WE DO THE COMMITTEE BECAUSE THERE'S NO POSSIBLE WAY IN THE SHORT TIME THAT WE HAD THAT WE CAN CALL ALL OF THESE PEOPLE, TALK TO THEM, AND BECAUSE A LOT OF THEM THAT ARE IN HERE, I'VE LIVED HERE FOR 40 YEARS.
MOST OF THESE PEOPLE, I DON'T KNOW.
I DON'T THINK THAT'S FAIR TO THE PROCESS FOR COMMITTEES THAT ARE THIS IMPORTANT FOR US TO MAKE DECISIONS ON.
I WOULD RECOMMEND, AND I KNOW YOU'RE NOT GOING TO LIKE TO HEAR THIS, BUT I THINK WE SHOULD TABLE THIS SO THAT WE CAN COME UP WITH SOME TYPE OF PROCESS THAT IS A BETTER WAY OF LOOKING AT THESE COMMITTEES.
BECAUSE I THINK THEY'RE VERY IMPORTANT TO US AS THE WORK WE DO AS A COUNCIL.
>> I WOULD LIKE TO ADD. I THINK THAT IT WOULD TO ME, IT MAKES MORE SENSE.
WHEN THESE AIRPORT ADVISORY BOARDS, YOU HAVE FIVE INDIVIDUALS, 41 ARE UP FOR REELECTION.
THEY KNOW WHAT THE STRENGTH OF THE BOARD IS.
IT'S ALMOST IMPOSSIBLE FOR US TO MAKE THE CHOICE OF WHAT THEY NEED, WHAT WORKS, WHAT DOESN'T WORK? WE'RE JUST THROWING IN ANOTHER LEVEL OF BUREAUCRACY THAT TO ME, DOESN'T MAKE SENSE.
IT WOULD MAKE MUCH MORE SENSE THAT THE GROUP COME IN AND SAY, HEY, THIS IS THE GROUP WE WANT, AND THEN WE JUST SAY, WE AGREE TO THAT UNLESS THERE'S SOMETHING JUST GLARINGLY WRONG.
STAFF WILL MAKE RECOMMENDATIONS.
WE CAN ASK STAFF IF THEY HAVE RECOMMENDATIONS, WHICH THEY HAVE THE BEST FEEL FOR THIS.
WE CAN GO THROUGH IF TO YOUR POINT, TIM, IF WE KNOW THESE PEOPLE, THAT'S GREAT.
IF WE DON'T, WE HAVE THEIR RESUMES THAT THEY WROTE.
BUT MORE THAN ANYTHING, WE'VE GOT STAFF THAT SITS HERE THIS LATE AND ASK THEM, WHO DO YOU RECOMMEND? THEY KNOW IF THEY HAVE A FUNCTIONING BOARD OR THEY DON'T HAVE A FUNCTIONING BOARD, AND THEY CAN MAKE RECOMMENDATIONS BASED ON, WHO HAS APPLIED, WHO'S WILLING TO SERVE, BUT ALSO THE TERMS. AT THE END OF THE YEAR. THAT'S A PROBLEM.
IF WE TABLE THIS, IT BOYS US MORE TIME, BUT WE'VE GOT TO MAKE THESE DECISIONS TO GET THIS DONE.
WE HAVE THIS MEETING AND WE HAVE ONE MORE IN DECEMBER. THAT'S IT.
I THINK THAT THERE'S A WAY THAT WE COULD EXTEND THEM OUT UNTIL WE CAME UP WITH THE PROCESS, MAINTAINING THE BOARD THAT'S THERE, AND THEN COMING UP WITH A LEGITIMATE PROCESS, LOOKING AT THOSE COMMITTEES.
MAYBE IT'S TWO OR THREE OR FOUR MONTH THAT WE DO EVERY MONTH, AND THAT WOULD CHANGE THEIR END TIME.
EVERYTHING WOULDN'T END ON DECEMBER 31.
IT WOULD END TWO YEARS, THREE YEARS LATER.
BUT I WOULD JUST MODIFY IT SLIGHTLY AND SAY THAT
[04:20:01]
MAYBE WE DO THAT NEXT YEAR AND GET THE PROCESS DOWN, FILL THE SPOTS THIS YEAR, AND THEN RECONSTRUCT THE PROCESS NEXT YEAR.JUST BECAUSE WE'RE ON SUCH TIGHT FEE.
>> I AGREE IN THEORY OF WHAT YOU'RE TALKING ABOUT.
I REALLY AT THIS LATE DATE, WOULD NOT LIKE TO RUSH THE SYSTEM AND TRY TO CHANGE IT FOR THIS CYCLE, BECAUSE THINGS DON'T GO WELL WHEN YOU TRY TO RUSH THINGS.
THE OTHER THING IS, WE DO HAVE PEOPLE WHO HAVE ALREADY INDICATED THAT THEY DON'T WANT TO SERVE ANYMORE AND THAT ARE READY TO ROLL OFF, AND THEY'VE INDICATED THAT THEY DON'T WANT TO SERVE.
I THINK THEY'RE THINKING THAT THEY'RE ABOUT TO GET FILLED IN THAT POSITION.
TONIGHT, WHEN YOU LOOK AT IT, WE'VE GOT I THINK 18 POSITIONS TO FILL TONIGHT.
BUT THE MAJORITY OF PEOPLE ARE PEOPLE WHO ARE ON THERE AND WANT TO SERVE AGAIN.
FOR ME, IF SOMEONE HAS BEEN THERE AND THEY'VE DONE A GOOD JOB, I DON'T KNOW IF ANYBODY WANTS TO REPLACE SOMEBODY ON THE COMMITTEE FOR ME UNLESS, THEY'VE NOT ATTENDED THE MEETINGS OR SOMETHING LIKE THAT.
THAT LEAVES US WITH TONIGHT WITH SEVEN VACANCIES OR MEMBERS WHO DON'T WANT TO SERVE AGAIN.
IT'S NOT LIKE WE'VE GOT A LARGE NUMBER TO CONSIDER.
I THINK WE DID A REALLY GOOD JOB THIS YEAR OF GETTING A LOT MORE INFORMATION ABOUT THE CANDIDATES AND THEIR RESUME.
I THINK IN MANY INSTANCES, YOU CAN READ THROUGH THEIR BACKGROUND AND I PAY HEAVY IF SOMEBODY AND I APPRECIATE THE PEOPLE AND THEY SAY, WHY YOU WANT TO SERVE, I WANT TO HELP MY COMMUNITY, BUT REALLY, I'M GOING TO GIVE A PREFERENCE TO PEOPLE WHO SAY, I WANT TO SERVE ON THIS BOARD FOR THIS SPECIFIC REASON.
I DO HAVE A LOT OF INFORMATION THAT COMES THROUGH THE APPLICATION PROCESS.
I DO CALL SOME PEOPLE, BUT I DON'T CALL ALL PEOPLE, BUT I LOOK AT ONES THAT I THINK THAT I WOULD CONSIDER NOMINATING AND DO IT.
I DON'T THINK THERE'S AN OBLIGATION FOR US TO CALL ALL OF THEM OR ANY OF THEM, BUT WE'RE FEELING HALF TONIGHT.
WE'RE LOOKING AT HALF DECEMBER.
I HAVE NO PROBLEM LOOKING AT THIS PROCESS AS A WHOLE, BUT I THINK I FEEL MORE COMFORTABLE GOING THROUGH WHAT WE HAVE HERE TONIGHT, GET IT COMPLETED, AND THEN IF WE WANT TO DIRECT STAFF TO COME BACK WITH A SOLUTION THAT'S GOT SOME TIME TO BE THOUGHT OUT AND BAKED THAT WE CAN LOOK AT IMPLEMENTING NEXT YEAR, I THINK I WOULD BE I JUST HATE TO SIT HERE AT THE 11TH HOUR AND RUSH THINGS AND CHANGE THEM FOR THIS YEAR WHEN I'M READY TO GO THROUGH IT THIS EVENING.
WE'RE JUST GOING TO THROW NAMES OUT THERE.
THAT'S WHAT EVERYBODY'S GOING TO DO.
I'M NOT GOING TO JUST THROW NAMES OUT THERE.
WE'VE HAD THESE NAMES SINCE OCTOBER 14TH.
WE'VE HAD ALL THE INFORMATION FOR MORE THAN A MONTH.
>> HOW DO YOU ANSWER TO SOMEBODY? YOU CALL ONE OR TWO PEOPLE AND YOU HAVE SIX RESUMES, AND YOU ONLY CALL TWO PEOPLE.
HOW DO YOU ANSWER TO THOSE OTHER FOUR?
>> WELL, THE SAME WAY, I'M GOING TO ANSWER OF WHY I MAY NOMINATE SOMEONE.
I LOOK THROUGH THE INFORMATION TO SAY, WHO'S GOT THE QUALIFICATIONS, BUT I DON'T KNOW.
I'VE NEVER HAD ANYBODY COME BACK AND SAY, WELL, YOU DIDN'T CALL ME.
DID ANYBODY APPLY BACK ANYBODY CALL EVERYBODY ON THERE? I FIGURED OUT ONES THAT I WOULD SUPPORT.
I WOULD SAY, AND I'VE TRIED TO TALK WITH PEOPLE. YOU KNOW WHAT? SOME OTHER GUYS MAY HAVE DONE THEIR HOMEWORK, AND THERE ARE CERTAIN ONES THAT I'M REALLY INTERESTED IN NOMINATING.
THERE'S OTHERS I WOULD DEFER TO SOMEBODY ELSE TO NOMINATE.
I DON'T THINK THERE'S AN OBLIGATION FOR US TO.
BUT AGAIN, EVEN WHEN WE LOOK TONIGHT, WE'VE HAD MORE THAN A MONTH TO GO THROUGH JUST THE ONES THAT WE'RE LOOKING AT TONIGHT TO MAKE A DETERMINATION.
I'M COMFORTABLE WITH MOVING FORWARD.
BUT I'M BEING TOLD TOO THAT EACH BOARD WOULD HAVE TO CHANGE THEIR BY LAWS.
IF THESE EXPIRE, THOSE IF IF THE TERMS EXPIRE, THEY'D HAVE TO SIT UNFILLED UNTIL THE BY LAWS ARE REWRITTEN, AND THEN IT COMES BACK TO US AND WE GO THROUGH THE PROCESS.
NOW, I BELIEVE, STEPHANIE, DIDN'T WE HAVE YOU LOOK AT APPLICATIONS TO SEE IF WE HAD MORE OR LESS DEPENDING ON WHEN THIS HAPPENED?
>> YES. I WASN'T ABLE TO FIND A WHOLE LOT OF INFORMATION BEFORE IT HAPPENED.
WE HAD BACK IN 2017, ABOUT MID YEAR APPLICATIONS BEFORE WE MADE THE CHANGE.
IN 2019, WE HAD A REALLY BIG YEAR.
WE HAD A LOT OF APPLICANTS, AND THEN IT'S LEVELED BACK OUT.
THERE HASN'T BEEN A BIG CHANGE IN NUMBER OF APPLICANTS FROM DOING IT MONTHLY TO DOING IT ANNUAL TO SPEAK VERY QUICKLY TO THE SERVING.
SOME OF THE STATUTORY BOARDS, SO STATE LAW TYPE BOARDS MAY BE A LITTLE DIFFERENT, BUT WE DO SAY IN OUR CODE THAT WHEN SOMEONE IS ON THE BOARD, THEY CONTINUE TO SERVE UNTIL A SUCCESSOR IS APPOINTED AND QUALIFIED TO REPLACE THEM.
[04:25:05]
IF WE HAD PEOPLE THAT WERE WILLING TO CONTINUE SERVING AND YOU HAVE THIS SHEET THAT WE HAD E MAIL TO COUNCIL IN YOUR PACKETS, IT'S LABELED 10 B AT THE TOP.PEOPLE THAT ARE WILLING TO SERVE COULD POTENTIALLY CONTINUE THEIR TERMS INTO JANUARY, FEBRUARY, ETC.
WE'D HAVE TO LOOK VERY CLOSELY AT SOME OF THOSE STATUTORY BOARDS, THOUGH, TO MAKE SURE STATE LAW DOESN'T SAY DIFFERENT BECAUSE THAT WOULD PREVAIL ON THEIR TERMS. BUT AS FAR AS FOR APPLICANTS THROUGH THE END OF THE YEAR, WE HAVE AT LEAST 22 THAT WE WOULD NEED TO LOOK AT APPOINTING BECAUSE EITHER THEY'RE VACANT OR THOSE PEOPLE ARE NOT WILLING TO SERVE AGAIN.
WE WOULDN'T WANT TO ASK THEM TO EXTEND.
>> I JUST THINK THIS IS GOING TO PUT AN UNDUE AMOUNT OF EXTRA ON THE STAFF.
BUT I AGREE MY OPINION IS, LET'S LOOK AT CHANGING IT MAYBE FOR NEXT YEAR.
BUT I THINK RIGHT NOW WE'RE JUST IF WE'RE HAVING TO LOOK AT 22 TO FEEL, I MEAN, THAT'S ALMOST I DON'T KNOW, HALF. I THINK.
WE'RE STUCK HAVING TO DO MOST OF IT ANYWAY. I MEAN, THAT'D BE MY OPINION.
THAT WAY, THE BOARDS CAN READ LOOK AT THEIR BY LAWS, SEE IF WE DO NEED TO ADJUST THE STATE REGULATED ONES, CAN LOOK TO SEE.
THAT'S NOT A BAD IDEA, I THINK IT'S A GREAT IDEA, BUT MAYBE IT SHOULD HAVE HAPPENED IN OCTOBER WHEN WE GOT THE BOOK OR SOME OTHER TYPE. JUST MY OPINION.
>> WHAT'S THE DEADLINE ON ALL THESE BOARDS?
>> MOST THEM EXPIRE ON DECEMBER 31.
>> TRY TO HAVE THEM APPOINTED BEFORE THEIR NEXT MEETINGS, WHICH COULD BE ROLLING IN, IN JANUARY?
>> DECEMBER 9 IS OUR ONLY MEETING?
>> WE MORE OR LESS TOOK IT HALF, HALF HERE, HALF ON DECEMBER 9.
NO RULE REALLY THAT WE HAVE TO FOLLOW ON WHICH ONES WE DO TONIGHT AND WHICH ONES WE DO DECEMBER 9 COULD GIVE OURSELVES A LITTLE BIT MORE TIME TO ASSIST OUR COUNCIL MEMBER AND FOR ALL OF US, IF WE HAVE SOMETHING HERE WHERE WE REALLY WANT TO MOVE ONE AROUND.
I DON'T KNOW THAT ANYBODY HERE WOULD NECESSARILY BE OPPOSED.
LET'S TAKE THE AEDC AS A GOOD EXAMPLE OF ONE OF YOUR MOST VITAL BOARDS.
ONE THAT SHOULD BE GIVEN A LOT OF CONSIDERATION AND DOES A LOT OF ACTIVITY, MANAGES $100 MILLION FOR US.
IF WE WANTED TO PUSH THAT ONE, BECAUSE YOU DIDN'T FEEL LIKE, MAYBE ON THAT ONE, LET'S PUT IT OVER ON DECEMBER 9, BUT LET'S MOVE FORWARD WITH THE OTHER BOARDS.
THAT COULD BE A CONSIDERATION TONIGHT.
JOHNNY, IS THERE ANY REASON THAT THESE HAVE BEEN SELECTED IN THIS ORDER?
>> THEY WERE CHOSEN BY THE CITY MANAGER'S OFFICE, I THINK.
>> WE CHOSE THEM BASED ON THESE BOARDS HAD APPLICANTS.
SOME OF THE BOARDS THAT WE PUSHED TO DECEMBER 9 DIDN'T HAVE AS MANY APPLICANTS YET.
WE ALSO PUSHED SOME OF THE APPOINTMENTS TO DECEMBER 9 THAT WILL BE IMPACTED BY THE ORDINANCE THAT ALL APPROVED ON FIRST READING.
LIKE, PARKS AND REC BEAUTIFICATION, LIBRARY BOARD, THOSE WERE PUSHED SO THAT WE COULD GET THAT ORDINANCE IN PLACE, AND YOU COULD MAKE APPOINTMENTS BASED ON THOSE NEW CHANGES.
AS FAR AS ANY OF THE BOARDS THAT ARE ON TONIGHT'S AGENDA, YOU COULD TABLE ANY OF THOSE YOU WANTED TO UNTIL THE NEXT MEETING.
THE ONLY THING WE WOULD NOT BE ABLE TO DO IS BRING ANY CONSIDERATIONS UP TONIGHT THAT WE HAD PLANNED FOR DECEMBER 9 BECAUSE THOSE ARE NOT CURRENTLY ON YOUR AGENDA.
>> RIGHT. WE WOULDN'T PULL ANY FORWARD TONIGHT, BUT WE WOULD JUST HAVE A LITTLE BIT LONGER MEETING ON DECEMBER 9 IF WE PUSH [OVERLAPPING].
>> I THINK THAT MAKES IT MORE CONFUSING.
I THINK WE GO WITH WHAT THEY'RE PREPARED TO DO TONIGHT.
I JUST WANT TO MAKE SURE THAT WE HAD THIS DISCUSSION BECAUSE I REALLY THINK THESE COMMISSION COMMITTEES ARE IMPORTANT TO US, AND WE NEED TO TAKE A LITTLE BIT MORE TIME IN LOOKING AT THEM AND WHO WE APPOINT.
>> A COUPLE OF THE CHANGES THAT WE HAVE MADE AND CLARIFY THIS IF YOU NEED TO BOARD APPLICATIONS ARE OPEN YEAR ROUND NOW.
WE OPENED THEM FOR LIKE, WHAT, 30 DAYS BEFORE.
>> WE WOULD OPEN THEM ABOUT A MONTH AND A HALF BEFORE WE WOULD MAKE THE APPOINTMENTS.
WE WOULD PUT THE PACKET TOGETHER AND CLOSE THE BOARD APPLICATIONS AND THEN GIVE THEM TO CITY COUNCIL.
THEY ARE STILL OPEN SINCE SEPTEMBER, SO THAT IS STILL ONGOING.
>> WE ALSO SPLIT IT UP INTO TWO BUSINESS MEETINGS INSTEAD OF ONE.
>> I'VE PARTICIPATED IN THE ONES, THAT WERE A LITTLE HEAVIER BEFORE.
HAVE WE GOTTEN AWAY FROM ASKING FOR STAFF RECOMMENDATIONS, MR. CITY MANAGER?
>> YES. THE LAST YEAR OR TWO, STAFF HAVE NOT COME IN RECOMMENDATIONS.
THAT WAS REQUESTS I HAD A COUNCIL MEMBER OR SO.
[04:30:01]
BUT NOW WE ARE PREPARED TO GIVE RECOMMENDATIONS IF COUNCIL WERE TO ASK US TONIGHT.>> THAT IS AN ADDITIONAL RESOURCE IF YOU WANTED TO ASK FOR IT, IF ANY COUNCIL MEMBER WANTED TO ASK FOR IT.
I AM GIVEN SOME CONSIDERATION TO THE CONCERNS.
I KNOW IT DEFINITELY CAN BE A LOT, AND YOU CAN'T CALL EVERYBODY.
BUT I THINK WE DO HAVE A BETTER PATH MOVING FORWARD FOR THIS NEXT YEAR.
ANYTHING ELSE THAT YOU WOULD PROPOSE, WE WANT TO HEAR IT, MAYBE AS WE MOVE INTO THE NEXT YEAR OF HOW WE COULD CONTINUE TO REFINE THE PROCESS, MAKE IT BETTER ON THE NEXT SET OF COUNCILMEN.
>> IF THE COUNCIL LIKES WE CAN START THE PROCESS, WE START WORKING WITH COUNCELOR REED, START LOOKING AT A NEW PROCESS TO BRING BACK TO NEXT YEAR.
SOUNDS LIKE I'M HEARING FROM MAJORITY OF THE COUNCIL, THERE IS INTEREST TO MAYBE LOOKING AT A POSSIBLE CHANGE.
IF THE COUNCIL IS WILLING, STEPHANIE HOGGS AND I CAN HAPPY TO WORK WITH COUNCELOR REED TO LOOK AT A PROPOSED CHANGE TO BRING BACK TO SOMETIME THE NEXT, SEVERAL MONTHS.
>> I THINK THAT'D BE GREAT. I THINK WE JUST NEED TO LOOK AT PROS AND CONS OF BOTH, THERE IS SOME VALIDITY TO DOING ALL THIS, IN A COUPLE OF MONTHS, BUT MAYBE THERE'S A LOT OF GOOD TO COME OUT TO DO IT THROUGHOUT THE YEAR AND VICE VERSA.
>> WE CAN ALSO REACH OUT TO COUNTERPARTS AT OTHER CITIES AND SEE WHAT OTHER CITIES DO AND SEE WHAT WORKS FOR THEM, AND THEN GET SOME IDEAS FROM THAT AS WELL.
>> I LIKE IT. THANK YOU, COUNCILMAN.
>> JUST TO GO OVER THE APPOINTMENT PROCESS AND QUALIFICATIONS, AS YOU KNOW, WE ARE MAKING APPOINTMENTS THIS YEAR IN NOVEMBER AND DECEMBER.
WE OPENED APPLICATIONS IN EARLY SEPTEMBER AND THEY'RE STILL OPEN.
SO FAR, WE'VE RECEIVED 134 APPLICATIONS FROM 74 INDIVIDUALS FOR 21 BOARDS.
WE DID PROVIDE BINDERS FOR THOSE WHO ASKED WITH THE APPLICATIONS.
EVERYONE ELSE RECEIVED A PDF OF THE FULL APPLICATION BOOK.
WE DID TRY TO MAKE THIS AS STRAIGHTFORWARD AS POSSIBLE, AND IN YOUR AGENDA BACKUP, YOU'LL FIND MOTION LANGUAGE PREPARED FOR EACH BOARD WITH SPACE TO FILL IN YOUR SELECTIONS.
IF IT'S MORE HELPFUL, WE CAN ALSO SUMMARIZE THE NAMES FOR YOU AND YOU CAN JUST SO MOVE ON THE MOTION.
AS A REMINDER, MEMBERS OF OUR BOARDS AND COMMISSION SERVE AT THE PLEASURE OF THE COUNCIL, AND WE APPRECIATE THE TIME THAT YOU ARE PUTTING INTO THIS.
WE DID CHANGE THE APPLICATION UP A LITTLE BIT THIS YEAR TO INCLUDE BOARD SPECIFIC QUESTIONS TO HELP US MAKE SURE APPLICANTS ARE A GOOD FIT FOR THE BOARDS THAT THEY ARE APPLYING TO.
WE DID ASK ABOUT AVAILABILITY FOR EACH BOARD'S TYPICAL MEETING TIMES TO ENSURE THAT ANYONE APPOINTED CAN REASONABLY MEET THE ATTENDANCE EXPECTATIONS.
WE ALSO ASKED APPLICANTS TO INCLUDE THEIR QUALIFIERS FOR EACH BOARD.
SOME BOARDS REQUIRE TO BE REPRESENTED BY A SPECIFIC INDUSTRY OR A PROPERTY OWNER WITHIN A CERTAIN AREA, AND THE CRITERIA FOR THIS COMES DIRECTLY FROM THE ORDINANCE OR THE BOARD'S GOVERNING DOCUMENTS.
THIS ALSO HELPS ENSURE THAT THEY DO MEET THE REQUIREMENTS TO SERVE ON THEIR SPECIFIC BOARD.
I'M GOING TO START WITH THE AIRPORT ADVISORY BOARD, WHICH IS TAB NUMBER FIVE IN YOUR BOOK.
WE HAVE ALL TERMS ARE ENDING ON DECEMBER 31.
FOUR OF THEM HAVE SAID THEY ARE WILLING TO CONTINUE SERVING.
I HAVE INCLUDED THE ATTENDANCE FOR EACH BOARD ON THE PRESENTATION.
JUST TO GIVE YOU A SENSE OF WHAT'S GOING ON FOR THE BOARD MEMBERS PRECIPITATION.
HOW MUCH THEY PARTICIPATE DURING EACH TERM OF THEIR SERVICE.
THIS DOES INCLUDE THE ENTIRE TERM THEY'VE SERVED.
IF THEY'VE BEEN REAPPOINTED SEVERAL TIMES, THIS INCLUDES ALL OF THEIR APPOINTMENTS, NOT JUST THE MOST RECENT.
THIS BOARD HAS FIVE MEMBERS AND THEY MEET BIMONTHLY WITH THREE YEAR TERMS AND NO TERM LIMITS.
OUR DIRECTOR OF AVIATION MIKE CONNOR IS THE LIAISON FOR THIS BOARD.
WE DO NEED TO FILL ALL FIVE SEATS THIS YEAR, BUT WE HAVE REQUESTED TO STAGGER THIS TERM SCHEDULE GOING FORWARD.
OUR SUGGESTION IS TO HAVE ONE MEMBER SERVE A ONE YEAR TERM.
TWO MEMBERS SERVE TWO YEAR TERMS AND TWO MEMBERS SERVE THREE YEAR TERMS, WHICH WOULD GET THEM INTO THE STAGGERED CYCLE THAT WE TYPICALLY LOOK FOR.
WE HAVE RECEIVED NINE APPLICATIONS FOR THIS BOARD.
IF YOU GUYS WANT TO TAKE IT AWAY, I WILL GO ON.
>> I GOT A QUICK QUESTION. IT SAYS HERE, ONE INDIVIDUAL HAS 64% ATTENDANCE, WE'RE SHOOTING FOR 75% ATTENDANCE. IS THAT NECESSARILY?
>> YES SIR. THAT'S WHAT IS IN THE [INAUDIBLE]. YES, SIR.
[04:35:01]
>> WE HAVE ACTUALLY TWO INDIVIDUALS THAT DIDN'T MEET THE 75%, CORRECT?
>> COUNCIL MEMBER PRESCOTT, IF I MAY ADD, COUNCIL HAS THE AUTHORITY TO REPLACE THOSE INDIVIDUALS.
ON THIS BOARD, EVERYONE'S UP, BUT EVEN ON A BOARD WHERE SOMEONE'S NOT UP, IF YOU FIND SOMEONE THAT HAS ATTENDANCE THAT COUNCIL MAY NOT BE PLEASED WITH, THEN YOU HAVE THE AUTHORITY TO REMOVE THAT PERSON AND REPLACE THEM WITH SOMEONE ELSE.
>> AT THIS POINT, WE JUST MAKE NOMINATIONS?
YOU GUYS CAN DISCUSS IT, COME TO A CONSENSUS, AND WE WILL WORK THROUGH IT.
>> BECAUSE WE'RE CHANGING THIS TERM, WE'RE DOING A ONE YEAR, TWO, TWO YEARS AND TWO, THREE YEARS.
ARE THESE PEOPLE, I MEAN, ARE THEY AWARE OF THAT? I MEAN, IF THEY'RE USED TO SERVING A ONE YEAR TERM, AND WE'RE LIKE, YES NOMINATE THEM FOR THREE YEARS, THEN ME LIKE, YOU KNOW WHAT? I'M OUT.
>> ALL OF THESE GUYS HAVE SERVED THREE YEAR TERMS IN THE PAST.
THIS BOARD JUST SOMEHOW EITHER WASN'T STAGGERED WHENEVER THE ORDINANCE WAS CHANGED INITIALLY, OR THEIR TERMS GOT LINED BACK UP AT DUE TO VACANCIES.
WE'RE JUST PUTTING THE STAGGER BACK INTO THE TERMS.
>> WE NEED TO NOMINATE AN INDIVIDUAL AND THE LENGTH OF THEIR TERM?
>> NOW, I SEE MICHAEL'S NOT HERE, BUT DO WE KNOW.
>> WHY ARE YOU DOING HIM LIKE THAT?
>> WELL, BECAUSE I WANT TO KNOW [LAUGHTER] [OVERLAPPING].
>> YOU'RE DOING US A GOOD JOB OVER THERE.
>> TIM SAID HE DIDN'T CALL EVERYBODY. I JUST WANT TO MAKE SURE.
>> I DIDN'T KNOW THERE WERE QUITE THAT MANY, ULTIMATELY, BUT AS LOOKING THROUGH THE ONES THAT I DID KNOW, AND IT WAS NOT AN EXHAUSTIVE EVALUATION OF EVERYBODY, JUST WHAT WAS IN THE PACKET.
BUT OUR FIRST RECOMMENDATION, OUT OF THE ONES THAT I REVIEWED WAS TATE WILLIAMS. WE LIKE HIS EXPERIENCE WITH LARGE CONTRACTS, WHICH, OF COURSE, THE AIRPORT HAS MANY OF.
ALSO HIS BACKGROUND IN STRATEGY, HIS DEDICATION TO CULTURE, EXCELLENCE, AND HIS BACKGROUND PROMOTING ADVANCED TECHNOLOGIES, WHICH ARE ALL THINGS THAT THE AIRPORT IS CONCERNED ABOUT.
THAT'LL BE OUR NUMBER ONE RECOMMENDATION.
THE SECOND RECOMMENDATION WILL BE DENITA BINOMA.
WE LIKE HER EXPERIENCE AS A STRATEGY PLANNER AND ALSO WITH HER GRANT DEVELOPMENT. THOSE ARE [INAUDIBLE].
>> THAT'S GREAT, SIR. THANK YOU.
I'D LIKE TO NOMINATE A GENTLEMAN NAMED BROCK THOMPSON TO REPLACE THOMAS HICKMAN, WHO'S NO LONGER WILLING TO SERVE, AND I'D LIKE TO NOMINATE HIM FOR A TWO YEAR TERM.
ANY DISCUSSION OR CAN I GET A SECOND?
>> GOT A SECOND. ANY DISCUSSION ON THAT ONE.
OKAY, I'M GOING TO CALL THE VOTE, ALL IN FAVOR OF NOMINATING BROCK THOMPSON FOR A TWO YEAR TERM TO THE AIRPORT ADVISORY BOARD, SAY AYE.
>> ANY OPPOSED? MOTION PASSES. BROCK THOMPSON.
HE WAS ONE OF YOUR LATE APPLICANTS.
>> REPLACING THOMAS HICKMAN, WHO'S NO LONGER WILLING TO SERVE.
>> WELL, I'LL MAKE A MOTION TO NOMINATE TATE WILLIAMS AND DENITA BINOMA TO THE AIRPORT ADVISORY BOARD FOR THREE YEAR TERMS.
ANY DISCUSSION, COUNCIL ON THOSE TWO? ALL IN FAVOR OF LET'S SAY TATE WILLIAMS AND DENITA BINOMA SERVING FOR TWO, THREE YEAR TERMS, PLEASE SAY AYE.
>> ANY OPPOSE. OKAY. MOTION PASSES.
>> ONE, ONE YEAR AND ONE, TWO YEAR.
>> I'D MAKE A MOTION THAT WE APPOINT JOHN DENTON FOR THE ONE YEAR TERM.
>> MOTION AND A SECOND FOR JOHN DENTON.
ANY DISCUSSION ON THIS ITEM? ALL IN FAVOR PLEASE SAY AYE.
>> I WOULD MAKE A MOTION FOR THE REMAINING POSITION TO BE MARK GILBERHT. FOR A TWO YEAR TERM.
>> I'LL SECOND THAT. ANY DISCUSSION ON MARK GILBERHT TAKING THAT LAST SLOT? ALL IN FAVOR, PLEASE SAY AYE.
>> ANY OPPOSED? CONGRATULATIONS, GENTLEMEN.
YOU JUST GOT THROUGH YOUR FIRST BOARD.
HOPEFULLY, THAT'S ONE OF THE HARDEST ONES.
NORMALLY, YOU DON'T JUMP OUT AND YOU GOT TO DO ALL FIVE [OVERLAPPING].
[10.I. CONSIDER APPOINTMENT - AMARILLO AREA PUBLIC HEALTH BOARD]
[04:40:01]
>> SHOULD BE PRETTY [OVERLAPPING].
>> LET'S TAKE CARE OF JUST A COUPLE MORE, AND THEN WE'LL TAKE A RECESS AND COME BACK.
>> NEXT UP IS THE EMERALD AREA PUBLIC HEALTH BOARD, WHICH IS TAB NUMBER SEVEN IN YOUR BOOKS, IF YOU'RE FOLLOWING ALONG.
THE CITY APPOINTS TWO MEMBERS TO THE AMARILLO AREA PUBLIC HEALTH BOARD, AND THE REMAINING SEATS ARE APPOINTED BY OTHER ENTITIES IN THE AREA.
WE RECEIVED SEVEN APPLICATIONS FOR THIS BOARD.
WE ONLY ARE SEEKING ONE APPOINTMENT.
THIS BOARD HAS EIGHT MEMBERS TOTAL.
THEY MEET TWO TO FOUR TIMES PER YEAR AND THEY SERVE THREE YEAR TERMS. CASEY STOTON, THE DIRECTOR OF PUBLIC HEALTH IS THE BOARD LIAISON.
>> YOU SEE THE NOMINEES OVER HERE? I'LL ASK IF ANYBODY HAS ONE?
>> I WOULD MAKE A MOTION FOR [INAUDIBLE] DUKE.
>> TO THE AMARILLO AREA PUBLIC HEALTH BOARD.
>> WOULD HAVE TO BE MEMBER [OVERLAPPING].
>> ANY DISCUSSION ON DORIS DUKE? SHE HAS AN EXTENSIVE BACKGROUND IN SEPTIC SYSTEMS AND ALL SORTS OF THINGS IN THAT NATURE, AM I CORRECT? THE SAME DORIS DUKE? THIS IS THE AMARILLO AREA PUBLIC HEALTH BOARD.
>> IS THERE ANYBODY HERE FROM THAT GROUP?
>> CASEY'S NOT HERE, BUT ANTHONY SPANIEL CAN ANSWER QUESTIONS.
>> THEN KEVIN HAWKINS IS KEVIN FROM THE PAN HANDLE RESTAURANT GROUP, RIGHT?
>> CASEY STOCKTON, AND MYSELF COLLABORATE ON THIS BOARD, OUR COLLECTIVE RECOMMENDATION WOULD BE NUMBER ONE WOULD BE HOWARD HEATH.
HE SERVES AS THE OPERATIONS MANAGER FOR THE PAN HANDLE REGIONAL ADVISORY COUNCIL.
WE HAVE A GOOD WORKING RELATIONSHIP AND HE HAS GREAT EXPERIENCE.
SECONDARY RECOMMENDATION COULD BE LINDSAY LONDON.
>> THANK YOU. WE APPRECIATE THAT, ANTHONY.
>> I'M CONFUSED HERE WITH ALL THESE TERMS ENDING.
THEY'RE ALL OVER THE PLACE. YES?
>> ON THE AMARILLO AREA PUBLIC HEALTH BOARD, WE ONLY APPOINT TWO SEATS TO THIS BOARD.
THE OTHER ENTITIES DO HAVE DIFFERENT TERMS THAN WE DO BECAUSE THEY'RE ON A DIFFERENT SCHEDULE.
>> GOT YOU. THANK YOU. RIGHT NOW I HAVE A MOTION FOR DORIS DUKE.
DO I HAVE A SECOND? I'LL SECOND HIS MOTION.
WE HAVE A MOTION AND A SECOND FOR DORIS DUKE.
>> ANY OPPOSED? MOTION PASSES FOR DORIS DUKE ON THE AMARILLO AREA PUBLIC HEALTH BOARD.
[10.J. CONSIDER APPOINTMENT - AMARILLO CONVENTION AND VISITORS BUREAU BOARD MEMBERS]
>> CVB IS TAB NUMBER 19 IN YOUR BOOK, IF YOU'RE FOLLOWING ALONG.
THE COMMISSION AND VISITORS BUREAU BOARD.
THE CITY APPOINTS FOUR MEMBERS AND THEN THE CVB APPOINTS THE REMAINING SEVEN SEATS.
OF THE CITY APPOINTED POSITIONS, WE HAVE ONE TERM EXPIRING AT THE END OF THIS YEAR, AND MISS DUCKWORTH HAS INDICATED THAT SHE IS WILLING TO CONTINUE SERVING.
HOWEVER, WE DID RECEIVE EIGHT APPLICATIONS FOR THIS BOARD.
THIS BOARD MEETS MONTHLY AND SERVES THREE YEAR TERMS WITH NO TERM LIMITS.
CASHEN SMITH, WHO IS HERE, SERVES AS THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF THE CVB, AND SHE IS THE LIAISON.
>> WHAT TAB DID YOU SAY IT WAS?
>> YOU CAN DEFINITELY HEAR FROM CASH AND CHEESE ON ROY HERE.
>> NINETEEN. I THOUGHT YOU WERE SAYING WHAT TIME.
>> DO WE WANT TO HAVE A DISCUSSION ON COUNCIL MEMBER TIPS BEING BELOW THE NEW REQUIREMENT?
>> I'M AWARE OF WHAT TIME WHEN THEY MET.
>> YOU GOT TO SET THE EXAMPLE, COUNCIL MEMBER. COME ON.
>> IT'S ALL ABOUT HOLDING PEOPLE ACCOUNTABLE. WE HEARD THAT EARLIER.
CASHEN, YOU GOT A RECOMMENDATION FOR US?
>> I WILL SAY, COCO IS OUR PRESIDENT, AND WE HAVE TWO YEAR TERMS ON PRESIDENTS.
SHE IS HALFWAY THROUGH THAT TERM.
WE HAVE A TWO TERM TERM LIMIT.
TO GO A LITTLE FURTHER INTO THAT, WHENEVER YOU STAGGER, WE WERE A NEW ORGANIZATION AS OF 2020, SO THAT WAS A NEW BOARD.
WE STAGGERED THOSE, PEOPLE WHO GOT A ONE OR TWO YEAR TERM AS THEIR FIRST TERM PER OUR BYLAWS, THAT'S NOT A FULL TERM, SO THEY ACTUALLY STILL, IF THEY WANT TO SERVE, TWO FULL TERMS, HAVE THAT OPTION.
WE DO HAVE A COUPLE OF FOUNDING MEMBERS THAT WILL END UP WITH A COUPLE OF EXTRA YEARS, COCO IS NOT ONE OF THOSE.
[04:45:01]
ONE OF OUR FOUNDING MEMBERS, SHE FILLED THAT ROLE.>> I WILL CLARIFY MY ATTENDANCE.
WHEN I WAS APPOINTED TO THIS, I WAS OUT OF TOWN.
WHEN I WAS APPOINTED TO THIS, I WAS ALSO OUT OF TOWN FOR THE FIRST MEETING. THERE'S THAT.
>> YOU WERE HERE WHEN COUNSEL APPOINTED YOU.
>> YES. I KEEP UP WITH THINGS.
I'LL ALSO SAY, BECAUSE WE HAVE NEW MEMBERS.
OUR BOARD HAS NINE VOTING MEMBERS, THREE HOTELS, TWO ATTRACTIONS, THREE CITIZENS OPEN SEATS THAT ARE NOT HOTEL OR ATTRACTION, AND THEN THE ONE COUNCIL MEMBER.
FOR THE THREE MEMBERS FROM THE COMMUNITY, WE ARE PRETTY SPECIFIC IN WHAT WE LOOK FOR.
SO AS AN EXAMPLE, ANGELA EGGERS HAS WORKED IN NON PROFIT SPACE AS A COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT FOR MANY, MANY, MANY YEARS, MORE THAN SHE'D WANT ME TO SAY OUT LOUD.
CHRISTOPHER FITTON, JASON FITTON IS A LAWYER WHO HAS WORKED IN POLITICS AND WITH NON PROFITS AND THOSE KIND OF THINGS.
HE BRINGS THAT EXPERIENCE, AND COCO IS A MARKETING CONSULTANT AND TEAM BUILDING CONSULTANT.
WE ARE PRETTY TARGETED IN HOW WE LOOK TO FILL THOSE THREE POSITIONS.
>> I'LL MAKE A MOTION THAT WE EXTEND THE OFFER TO COCO DUCKWORTH.
>> I HAVE A MOTION AND A SECOND FOR MISSES DUCKWORTH.
ANY DISCUSSION? ALL IN FAVOR, PLEASE SAY AYE.
>> ANY OPPOSED? MOTION PASSES.
>> I WOULD LIKE TO MAKE A MOTION TO PLACE COUNCIL MEMBER TIPS ON PROBATION.
SEE HOW HIS ATTENDANCE DOES IN HIS NEXT TERM.
>> I HAVE A MOTION AND A SECOND TO REPRIMAND COUNCIL MEMBER TIPS AND TO BRING HIM BACK FOR FURTHER EVALUATION OF A FUTURE MEETING.
>> I MAY HELP SHOW UP TOMORROW.
>> THANK YOU, MISS CASHEN. HAVE A GOOD NIGHT.
JOHNNY, CAN WE DO ONE MORE AND THEN TAKE A QUICK BREAK.
>> SURE THING. UP NEXT IS THE AMERAL ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION BOARD OF DIRECTORS,
[10.K. CONSIDER APPOINTMENT - AMARILLO ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION BOARD MEMBERS ]
WHICH IS TAB NUMBER 8.>> IT'S A FIVE MEMBER BOARD THAT MEETS MONTHLY.
THEY HAVE THREE YEAR TERMS WITH A TWO CONSECUTIVE TERM LIMIT.
DOUG NELSON WITH THE EDC IS THE LIAISON.
FOR THIS BOARD, WE DID RECEIVE 13 APPLICATIONS.
WE DO HAVE TWO MEMBERS WHOSE TERMS ARE EXPIRING, AND THEY ARE BOTH WILLING TO CONTINUE SERVING.
>> I WOULD JUST STEP UP AND RECOMMEND THAT WE DON'T CHANGE THIS.
THEY'VE OBVIOUSLY BEEN THROUGH A LOT OF TURMOIL WITH EVERYTHING THAT'S HAPPENED WITH THE RANGE AND THAT TYPE DEAL.
I WOULD JUST HATE TO DISRUPT WHAT THEY'RE ALREADY DOING WITH WHAT THEY'VE ALREADY GAINED, AND THEY'VE ALREADY GOTTEN, SOME SYNERGY GOING.
THAT WOULD BE MY RECOMMENDATION THAT WE DON'T CHANGE THAT.
>> I'D LIKE TO HEAR FROM YOU, DOUG.
>> MR. NELSON, DO YOU MIGHT COME UP AND TELL US IF YOU ECHO THOSE SENTIMENTS?
>> IS THERE ANYTHING ELSE YOU NEED? I'M HAPPY TO OBLIGE YOU.
>> GOOD EVENING. YES, I DO ECHO THOSE SENTIMENTS AND TO BE FAIR, THIS BOARD IS DIFFERENT THAN ANY OTHER THAT YOU APPOINT.
YOU ARE NEVER GOING TO HEAR ME SAY SOMETHING THAT WOULD JEOPARDIZE MY EMPLOYMENT.
>> YOU AND I HAD A TALK AT BREAK AND YOU LET ME KNOW.
I MEAN, CANDIDLY, I'M NOT GOING TO JEOPARDIZE YOUR JOB? BUT SAID THAT IT'S GOING WELL.
THEY'VE COME A LONG WAY FROM THE BEGINNING, AND IT'S GOING REALLY WELL.
>> I JUST WANTED TO MAKE THAT CLARIFYING POINT.
>> YES. I'D MOVE TO REAPPOINT BRIAN BRUCKNER FOR A SECOND TERM.
>> MOTION AND A SECOND FOR MR. BRUCKNER, ANY DISCUSSION? ALL IN FAVOR, PLEASE SAY AYE.
>> I'D MOVE TO REAPPOINT RANDY BURKETT FOR A SECOND TERM.
>> I HAVE A MOTION FROM PLACE 4, A SECOND FROM PLACE 1 TO REAPPOINT RANDY BURKETT FOR A SECOND TERM.
ANY DISCUSSION? ALL IN FAVOR PLEASE SAY AYE.
>> ANY OPPOSED. THANK YOU, MR. NELSON.
LET'S TAKE A TEN MINUTE RECESS.
WE'LL COME BACK IN. WE'LL KNOCK THESE OUT. MISS JOHNNY. THANK YOU.
[04:56:04]
[04:56:06]
[10.L. CONSIDER APPOINTMENT - ANIMAL MANAGEMENT AND WELFARE ADVISORY BOARD MEMBERS ]
WE NOW HAVE MOVED ON TO ITEM 10.L.>> YES. WHICH IS THE ANIMAL MANAGEMENT AND WELFARE ADVISORY BOARD.
FOR THE ANIMAL MANAGEMENT AND WELFARE ADVISORY BOARD, IT'S A FIVE MEMBER BOARD THAT MEETS BI MONTHLY AND SERVES THREE YEAR TERMS AND WITH NO TERM LIMITS. IS IT BI MONTHLY OR MONTHLY? BI MONTHLY. THAT'S WHAT I THOUGHT.
WE DO HAVE ONE TERM EXPIRING AT THE END OF THE YEAR, AND THAT MEMBER HAS INDICATED THAT THEY ARE WILLING TO CONTINUE SERVING.
VICTORIA MEDLEY IS THE DIRECTOR OF ANIMAL MANAGEMENT AND WELFARE, AND SHE IS THE BOARD LIAISON.
>> I CAN'T READ. WHO IS THE NAME ON 83%?
>> IT'S THE ONE THAT'S ABOVE THE STANDARD.
>> JUST BARELY ASSESSING EXAMPLE.
>> LET ME ASK A QUESTION ON MR. CROWDER.
IS THERE A CIRCUMSTANCE ON HIS 50%, MISS MEDLEY?
>> I DON'T WANT TO JUMP ON THAT AND SAY, WELL, HE'S NOT COMING, BUT IT'S NOT LIKE HE'S MADE TEN OUT OF 20 MEETINGS. HE'S MADE TWO OUT OF FOUR.
>> NO. IT WAS BECAUSE HE WAS A REPLACEMENT THAT YOU GUYS HAD MADE AT THE LAST MINUTE WHEN WE'D HAD MR. GOSSON LEAVE THE BOARD UNEXPECTEDLY.
THE MEETING WAS ALREADY SET, AND HE HAD ALREADY HAD A VACATION WHEN YOU GUYS APPOINTED HIM.
THEN IT JUST CARRIED ON, BUT I CAN TELL YOU THAT IS GOING TO BE IN THE STAFF RECOMMENDATION IS TO CONTINUE WITH MR. CROWDER.
HE WORKS CLOSELY WITH REALTORS AND PEOPLE HERE THAT WE HAVE A LOT OF CONCERNS FROM RENTERS.
HE'S DONE AN EXCELLENT JOB AND HAS SAID HE WANTED TO CONTINUE.
>> GREAT. THANK YOU FOR THAT EXPLANATION BECAUSE I KNOW THAT JUMPS OFF THE PAGE THERE.
YOU GUYS HAVE QUESTIONS FOR MISSES MEDLEY, WHILE WE GOT HER UP HERE?
>> I MAKE A RECOMMENDATION THAT GLYNN CROWDER CONTINUES.
>> RECOMMENDATION OR A MOTION?
>> I GOT A MOTION AND A SECOND FOR GLYNN CROWDER.
ANY DISCUSSION? ALL IN FAVOR, PLEASE SAY AYE.
>> ANY OPPOSED? MOTION PASSES. THANK YOU, MA'AM.
[10.M. CONSIDER APPOINTMENT - BOARD OF REVIEW FOR LANDMARKS, HISTORIC DISTRICTS, AND DOWNTOWN DESIGN MEMBERS ]
>> IS THE BOARD OF REVIEW FOR LANDMARKS, HISTORIC DISTRICTS AND DOWNTOWN DESIGN? IT IS TAB NUMBER 13.
>> THIS BOARD HAS SEVEN REGULAR MEMBERS AND ONE ALTERNATE MEETS MONTHLY AND SERVES THREE YEAR TERMS WITH NO TERM LIMITS.
CODY BOLTIN, OUR DIRECTOR OF PLANNING IS LIAISON.
WE DO HAVE THREE APPLICATIONS FOR THIS BOARD.
WE DO HAVE TWO TERMS EXPIRING AND ONE MEMBER WILLING TO CONTINUE SERVING.
>> DO WE HAVE ANYBODY HERE TO TALK ABOUT THIS BOARD?
WELL, IT'S AN ALTERNATE? BUT THEY DON'T GO TO ALL THOSE POINTS.
>> YES. SO SHE HAD BEEN UNRESPONSIVE THE PRIOR TO OUR LAST APPOINTMENT, LAST YEAR, WE REAPPOINTED HER.
SHE STILL HAS BEEN UNRESPONSIVE TO US AS WELL.
[05:00:02]
>> THE ALTERNATE, STEPHANIE DAGGETT.
>> HAS HER LACK OF ATTENDANCE CAUSED ANY PROBLEMS?
>> OKAY. DO YOU HAVE ANY RECOMMENDATIONS WITH THE CURRENT SITUATION WITH THE TWO?
>> THE TWO APPLICANTS, WE HAVE NO ISSUES WITH EITHER OF THEM.
>> I'LL MAKE A MOTION THAT WE PLACE CINDY BULLA ON THE BOARD OF REVIEW FOR LANDMARK, HISTORIC DISTRICTS, AND DOWNTOWN DESIGN?
>> I HAVE A MOTION AND A SECOND FOR MRS. BULLA TO SERVE ON THE LANDMARK, HISTORIC DISTRICTS, AND DOWNTOWN DESIGN.
THAT'S A REAPPOINTMENT, RIGHT?
>> IS IT ALL THREE YEAR TERMS?
>> OKAY. ANY DISCUSSION ON MRS. BULLA? NO. ALL IN FAVOR? PLEASE SAY AYE.
>> ANY OPPOSED? MOTION PASSES.
>> I MAKE A RECOMMENDATION THAT TOMMY KNOX BE PLACED ON THE BOARD OF REVIEW FOR LANDMARKS, HISTORIC DISTRICTS, AND DOWNTOWN DESIGN.
>> MOTION AND A SECOND FROM PLACE ONE FROM MR. KNOX.
ANY DISCUSSION? ALL IN FAVOR, PLEASE SAY AYE.
>> ANY OPPOSED. MOTION PASSES. THANK YOU, SIR.
[10.N. CONSIDER APPOINTMENT - CENTER CITY TAX INCREMENT REINVESTMENT ZONE #1 BOARD MEMBERS]
>> IS ITEM OR IS TAB NUMBER 14 IN YOUR BOOK? CENTER CITY TAX INCREMENT REINVESTMENT ZONE HAS 10 MEMBERS TOTAL, AND THE CITY OF AMARILLO APPOINTS THREE OF THOSE SEATS.
THREE REMAINING POSITIONS ARE APPOINTED BY OTHER TAXING ENTITIES THAT PARTICIPATE IN THE TIERS.
THIS BOARD DOES MEET MONTHLY AND THEY SERVE TWO YEAR TERMS WITH NO TERM LIMITS.
DREW BRASSFIELD, OUR ASSISTANT DIRECTOR OF PLANNING IS THE LIAISON AND WE HAVE SEVEN APPLICANTS FOR THIS BOARD.
OF THE CITY APPOINTED SEATS, ONE TERM IS EXPIRING AT THE END OF THIS YEAR AND THAT MEMBER IS WILLING TO CONTINUE SERVING.
WE ALSO HAVE ONE SEAT THAT IS VACANT AND WILL RUN THROUGH 2027.
>> WE'VE GOT GARY WHO'S WILLING TO RE-UP.
SO WE'VE ONLY GOT CHRISTOPHER WALKER.
THERE'S A SUPPLEMENT IN YOUR BOOK OF ADDITIONAL APPLICANTS.
>> WE HAVE MARK GILBERTH WHO PUT HIS NAME IN, BUT HE'S NOW ALREADY SERVING ON THE AIRPORT BOARD.
WE HAVE ANY RECOMMENDATIONS FROM STAFF?
>> OUR FORMER DIRECTOR OF PLANNING, EMILY KOHLER IS ONE OF THOSE SUPPLEMENT NAMES.
SHE WOULD DEFINITELY BE ONE THAT WOULD BE EASY TO ONBOARD.
BUT MY RECOMMENDATION, IF THAT'S WHAT YOU'RE ASKING FOR WOULD BE TO REAPPOINT GARY JENNINGS AND APPOINT EMILY KOHLER.
>> FOR THE TWO NOMINATIONS, YOU'D REAPPOINT JENNINGS AND THEN YOU'D ADD EMILY KOHLER?
>> IS THIS THE SITUATION WE HEARD FROM EARLIER THAT MR. JENNINGS IS RECEIVING INCENTIVES?
>> CORRECT. MR. JENNINGS DOES HAVE AN ACTIVE REBATE AGREEMENT WITH THE CITY.
>> WAS HE ON THE BOARD WHEN IT WAS APPROVED?
>> IT WAS APPROVED JANUARY 2017, AND HE WAS APPOINTED 2022.
>> BUT THERE IS A POTENTIAL HE MIGHT HAVE ANOTHER.
HE'S ACTIVELY INVOLVED IN DOWNTOWN DEVELOPMENT SO THERE MAY BE ANOTHER BUT THERE'S ALSO AN AFFIDAVIT HE WOULD SIGN AND NOT PARTICIPATE IN THE VOTE OF HIS OWN PROJECT.
>> IS THERE ANY LEGAL REASON WHY HE COULD NOT SERVE?
>> NO. IF YOU HAVE A CONFLICT YOU JUST FILE THE 171 AFFIDAVIT, JUST LIKE OTHER PEOPLE WOULD.
>> I WAS GOING TO SAY I WAS GOING TO MAKE A MOTION THAT WE PUT EMILY KOHLER AND GARY JENNINGS SPOT JUST TO KEEP IT CLEAN.
>> I'LL SECOND THAT. ANY DISCUSSION ON MISS EMILY KOHLER? ALL IN FAVOR PLEASE SAY AYE.
>> ANY OPPOSED? MOTION PASSES.
>> I MAKE A MOTION THAT WE PUT GARY JENNINGS IN THE VACANCY POSITION.
>> HAVE A MOTION. DO I HAVE ANY OTHER NOMINATIONS?
>> I WILL MENTION A COUPLE OF BACKGROUND NOTES.
[05:05:01]
REBECCA GLADNEY WAS IN OUR PREVIOUS AUDIT FIRM.SO SHE KNOWS ALL THE BOOKS OF EVERY TIERS DISTRICT FROM HER QUALIFICATIONS AND THEN I DID SEE MISS MUSIC HAD PREVIOUS EXPERIENCE IN ANOTHER CITY AS BEING A P&Z COMMISSIONER FOR FAIRLY LONG TIME.
>> I MAKE A MOTION REBECCA GLADNEY FILL THE VACANCY SPOT.
>> I HAVE A MOTION AND A SECOND FOR MISS GLADNEY.
ANY FURTHER DISCUSSION? ALL IN FAVOR, PLEASE SAY AYE.
>> ANY OPPOSED? MOTION PASSES.
[10.O. CONSIDER APPOINTMENT - COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT ADVISORY COMMITTEE MEMBERS ]
>> 10.0 IS THE COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT ADVISORY COMMITTEE.
THIS BOARD IS A SEVEN MEMBER BOARD THAT MEETS A FEW TIMES PER YEAR, 4-6.
MEMBERS SERVE THREE YEAR TERMS WITH NO TERM LIMITS.
JASON RIDDLESBERGER, OUR MANAGING DIRECTOR OF COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT IS THE FOURTH LIAISON.
WE HAVE FOUR APPLICANTS FOR THIS BOARD.
WE DO HAVE ONE TERM EXPIRING AT THE END OF THE YEAR AND THAT MEMBER DOES NOT SEEK REAPPOINTMENT.
WE ALSO HAVE ONE SEAT THAT'S CURRENTLY VACANT THAT RUNS THROUGH 2028.
>> EVENING, MR. RIDDLESBERGER, YOU HAVE ANY RECOMMENDATIONS?
>> YES. WE'VE WORKED WITH CRESSA.
WE WORKED WITH HER AT PRPC, FANTASTIC.
ALSO WOULD RECOMMEND HECTOR LUNA.
ALL OF THE CANDIDATES ARE GREAT THOUGH.
>> OKAY. I'LL MAKE A MOTION FOR KATIE PAUL.
>> I GOT A MOTION AND A SECOND FOR KATIE PAUL.
LET'S HAVE HER FILL THE VACANCY.
IS THAT OKAY? YOU STILL GOT A SECOND BEHIND THAT?
>> OKAY. ALL IN FAVOR, PLEASE SAY AYE.
>> ANY OPPOSED? MOTION PASSES.
>> I MAKE A MOTION TO APPOINT HECTOR LUNA.
>> A MOTION AND A SECOND FROM PLACE 4.
>> ANY OPPOSED? MOTION PASSES.
[10.P. CONSIDER APPOINTMENT - COUNCIL AUDIT COMMITTEE MEMBERS ]
>> 10.P IS THE COUNCIL AUDIT COMMITTEE, IS TAB NUMBER 19.
>> I WOULD LIKE TO SERVE ON THE COUNCIL AUDIT COMMITTEE.
>> MR. TIPS, IT'S CURRENTLY MYSELF AND YOU.
I DEFINITELY WOULD LIKE TO RE-UP AND STAY ON THAT COMMITTEE IF THAT'S OKAY WITH THE COUNCIL.
I JUST DON'T KNOW IF YOU WANT TO FOCUS ELSEWHERE AND PUT HIM THERE OR IF WE CAN HAVE AN EASY DISCUSSION ABOUT IT.
>> NOT THAT YOU'RE DOING A BAD JOB, I JUST THINK WE'RE REDUNDANCY AND GIVING MORE DEPTH THAN THE COUNCIL TO UNDERSTAND THE AUDIT.
>> I MEAN, I DON'T HAVE A PROBLEM.
I MEAN, I DON'T HAVE A PROBLEM WITH THAT.
IT DOESN'T HURT MY FEELINGS AT ALL.
>> I MEAN, IT'S GOOD TEAMWORK.
I APPRECIATE YOU GUYS ALLOWING ME TO CONTINUE TO SERVE IN THAT CAPACITY.
I KNOW IT'S DEFINITELY SOMETHING THAT I'M FOCUSED ON.
COUNCILMAN PRESCOTT HAD ASKED ME BEFORE THE MEETING AND I JUST FIGURED THAT HAVING A DISCUSSION WITH YOU WOULD BE GREAT.
PLUS WE KEEP TOLDING YOU TO DO OTHER THINGS.
>> THIS IS THE BEST ONE THOUGH, I WILL TELL YOU THAT.
WHEN IT COMES TO MEETINGS. YEAH.
>> I MAKE A PERCENT ATTENDANCE.
>> DO YOU HAVE THE [OVERLAPPING] PERCENTAGE ATTENDANCE ON THERE?
>> I MAKE A MOTION TO NOMINATE COUNCILMAN PRESCOTT IN PLACE OF DON TIPS ON THE AUDIT COMMITTEE.
>> ANY OPPOSED. MOTION PASSES.
>> NO, I DON'T KNOW THAT YOU HAVE TO STEP OUT.
MOTION PASSES WITH A 4-0 VOTE.
>> I MAKE A MOTION TO APPOINT DEAN FRIGO TO THE COUNCIL AUDIT COMMITTEE.
>> GOT A MOTION AND A SECOND TO PUT DEAN FRIGO ON THE AUDIT COMMITTEE.
WE'LL CALL THAT HERE IN A MINUTE BUT FOR FURTHER DISCUSSION, I DEFINITELY WANT TO MAKE SURE THAT EVERYBODY ON COUNCIL KNOWS HOW MUCH I'D LIKE TO SERVE AGAIN THERE.
>> SO WE'RE GETTING TO YOU. WE'VE GOT THREE, SIR.
>> WHOA, I THOUGHT I'M GETTING KICKED OFF.
>> NOT AGAINST DEAN. OKAY. ALL IN FAVOR OF DEAN FRIGO, SAY AYE?
>> ANY OPPOSED? MOTION PASSES.
>> I WOULD MAKE A MOTION THAT WE APPOINT COLE STANLEY TO ANOTHER TERM ON THE AUDIT COMMITTEE.
>> HERE I THOUGHT I WAS OFF BUT I'M BACK ON.
[05:10:02]
[LAUGHTER]>> A SECOND. ALL IN FAVOR, PLEASE SAY AYE.
>> ANY OPPOSED? MOTION PASSES. THANK Y'ALL.
>> CAN I GET CLARIFICATION? WHO WAS THE SECOND?
WE ONLY HAD TWO, MY FAULT. OKAY, MISS JOHNNY.
[10.Q. CONSIDER APPOINTMENT - EAST GATEWAY TAX INCREMENT REINVESTMENT ZONE #2 BOARD MEMBERS ]
>> NEXT UP IS THE EAST GATEWAY TAX INCREMENT REINVESTMENT ZONE NUMBER 2.
WE HAVE 10 MEMBERS ON THIS BOARD TOTAL, THE CITY OF AMARILLO APPOINTS THREE.
THREE, MEANING MEMBERS ARE APPOINTED BY THE OTHER TAXING ENTITIES THAT PARTICIPATE IN TIERS.
BOARD MEETS MONTHLY AND SERVES TWO YEAR TERMS. DREW BRASSFIELD IS THE LIAISON.
WE DID RECEIVE TWO APPLICATIONS FOR THIS BOARD OF THE CITY APPOINTED SEATS.
ONE TERM IS EXPIRING AND MR. WHIPPLE IS WILLING TO CONTINUE SERVING.
>> WAS ANYBODY [OVERLAPPING] DISCUSSION. WHO WAS THE OTHER ONE?
>> THE MEMBER THAT IS EXPIRING IS WILLING TO CONTINUE SERVING.
>> THE OTHER YOU JUST PUT ON TIERS NUMBER 1. YEAH. MARK.
>> YEAH. I THOUGHT IT WAS REBECCA. IT'S REBECCA AND MARK.
>> I'D LIKE TO MAKE A MOTION TO APPOINT RANDY WHIPPLE TO SERVE AGAIN ON THIS BOARD.
>> ANY OPPOSED? MOTION PASSES. 10.R.
[10.R. CONSIDER APPOINTMENT - POTTER-RANDALL EMERGENCY COMMUNICATIONS DISTRICT BOARD MEMBERS ]
>> 10.R IS THE POTTER-RANDALL EMERGENCY COMMUNICATIONS DISTRICT BOARD.
THIS BOARD, THE APPOINTMENTS HAD BEEN HANDLED ADMINISTRATIVELY FOR A PERIOD OF TIME, BUT THE ORDINANCE DOES SPECIFY THAT CITY COUNCIL IS THE APPOINTING AUTHORITY.
HISTORICALLY, CITY HAS APPOINTED STAFF MEMBERS WITH DIRECT EXPERIENCE IN PUBLIC SAFETY AND EMERGENCY COMMUNICATIONS.
THE FIRE CHIEF HAS TRADITIONALLY FILLED ONE SEAT AND THE CHIEF OF POLICE HAS FILLED THE OTHER.
HOWEVER, THE EMERGENCY MANAGE COORDINATOR NOW OVERSEES THE EMERGENCY COMMUNICATIONS CENTER AND STAFF FEELS THAT IT MAKES MORE SENSE FOR HIM TO SERVE IN THE SEAT PREVIOUSLY HELD BY THE FIRE CHIEF.
CHIEF OF POLICE WOULD CONTINUE SERVING IN THE SECOND SEAT AND THEIR COMBINED BACKGROUND IN 911 OPERATIONS, DISPATCH COORDINATION AND REGIONAL EMERGENCY RESPONSE ENSURES THAT THE CITY IS WELL REPRESENTED IN DECISIONS THAT IMPACT OUR EMERGENCY COMMUNICATIONS NETWORK.
>> WHAT TAB IS IT, MISS JOHNNY?
>> I DON'T KNOW THAT THERE IS A TAB FOR THIS ONE.
>> OKAY. STAFF IS RECOMMENDING MAX DUNLAP AND JIMMY JOHNSON?
>> OKAY. THEN WE DON'T NECESSARILY HAVE ANYBODY ELSE THAT HAS APPLIED FOR THIS AS IT'S NOT AN OPEN BOARD.
>> I MOVE TO APPOINT MAX DUNLAP AND JIMMY JOHNSON TO THE COMMUNICATIONS DISTRICT BOARD.
>> ANY OPPOSED. MOTION PASSES.
>> CAN WE GET JUST A CLARIFICATION FOR COUNCIL ON THAT? THAT WILL BE A TWO YEAR TERM PER STATE LAW, NOT A THREE YEAR TERM.
>> OKAY. ARE WE DOWN TO THE LAST ONE?
[10.S. CONSIDER APPOINTMENT - SOUTH GATEWAY TAX INCREMENT REINVESTMENT ZONE #3 BOARD MEMBERS ]
>> IT IS TAB NUMBER 24, AND IT IS THE SOUTH GATEWAY TAX INCREMENT REINVESTMENT ZONE NUMBER 3.
>> COUNCIL, I'D LIKE TO NOMINATE JOSH KRAFT TO SERVE ON THIS BOARD.
>> HAVE A MOTION AND A SECOND FOR JOSH KRAFT.
WE'LL HOLD FOR ANY DISCUSSION.
>> MOTION PASSES. MISS JOHNNY, YOU HAVE ANYTHING ELSE?
>> THAT IS THE END OF MY PRESENTATION.
>> WE APPRECIATE YOU DOING A GOOD JOB AND ORGANIZING ALL THIS.
WE KNOW IT'S QUITE A BIT OF WORK.
WE'LL COME BACK IN THREE WEEKS ALMOST TO DO THE REMAINING BOARDS, MOVE IT FORWARD.
THANK YOU TO EVERYONE THAT WAS HERE TONIGHT.
I WOULD ASK FOR ONE FINAL MOTION TO ADJOURN, PLEASE.
>> I MAKE A MOTION THAT WE ADJOURN.
>> SO MOVED. YOU'RE ADJOURNED.
THANK YOU. [NOISE]
* This transcript was compiled from uncorrected Closed Captioning.