Nixon City Council Meeting Monday, June 14th, 2021 at 4:30 p.m.

 

NOTICE OF MEETING

NIXON CITY COUNCIL

REGULAR MONTHLY MEETING

June 14^th,2021

 

The Nixon City Council will convene in a Regular Meeting on Monday, June 14th,2021 at 4:30 p.m. in the Aphne Pattillo Public Library, 401 N Nixon Avenue, Nixon, Texas 78140. The Order of Business will be:

 

Call to order

Roll Call

Invocation and Pledges

Citizens to be Heard – Citizens to be Heard – This time is provided for citizens to address the Council on issues and concerns. No action can or will be taken on issues raised under this portion of the meeting. Please limit your marks to a period not to exceed three (3) minutes. We ask that you approach the council and state your name and address for the record).  Pursuant to House Bill 2840 (codified in Texas Government Code Section 551.007), all attending citizens who wish to comment on specific agenda items, during a scheduled meeting, must sign up to do so PRIOR to the start of the meeting and indicate which agenda item the citizen wishes to comment on.  Said public comment on agenda items shall occur once the agenda item is reached during the meeting, but prior to City Council deliberating the matter.  A time limit of three (3) minutes shall be observed by all commenting citizens.

 

 

1. Discussion/Action to Approve the Minutes of the May 3, 2021 Meeting.
2. Discussion/Action on the Financial Statements and Unpaid bills.
3. Nixon Volunteer Fire Department Monthly Report
4. Police Chief Report
5. Award Presentation: Life Saving Recognition of Chief Greg Huston
6. Discussion /Possible Action on TML Health elections for city employees.
7. Discussion /Possible Action on General Rules and Rental Rates for the New City Hall.
8. Discussion/ Possible Action on giving authority to City Administrator Harold D. Rice to purchase and oversee Multi-Media Equipment for the New City Hall and Community Center.
9. Discussion/ Possible Action on giving authority to City Administrator Harold D. Rice to purchase and oversee the new furniture for the New City Hall and Community Center.
10. Discussion/ Possible Action on appointment to the Golden Crescent Economic Development Board.
11. Discussion/ Possible Action adding downtown lighting for all seasons.
12. Discussion/ Possible Action on two (2) additional bids for a new City of Nixon website being built and the costs involved.
13. Discussion / Possible Action on securing a contractor to build a fence around the Splash Pad.
14. Discussion/Possible Action on repairing the sidewalk at 211 East 3^rd
15. Discussion/ Possible Action on City of Nixon Personnel Longevity Pay
16. City Manager Report   ( New Hires + compliance officer change, Status of New City Hall, Move in date,   Sharp copiers and new vendor for copiers re: savings to the city    Tables, chairs, linens    TML Conference Oct. 6-8,2021 in Houston)

 

EXECUTIVE SESSION: The Nixon City Council may convene into executive (closed) session in accordance with the Texas Government Code when necessary and legally justified. Any item on this agenda may be discussed in executive session if authorized by Texas Law regardless of whether it is listed under “Executive Session” of this agenda, and regardless of any past or current practice of the City Council. Executive Sessions herein are closed meetings, and may include the consideration of any item otherwise listed on the agenda plus any subject matter specified in the executive session notice, and may include items under the Texas Government Code as follows: Section 551.071 (Consultation with Attorney regarding contemplated or pending litigation, a settlement officer or administrative hearing); Section 551.072 (Deliberations regarding Real Property); Section 551.073 (Deliberations about Gifts & Donations); Section 551.074 (Personnel Matters); Section 551.076 (Deliberation about Security Devices);  Section 551.086 (Deliberations regarding Municipally Owned Utility); and Section 551.087 (Deliberations regarding Economic Development Negotiation).”

 

This Notice of Meeting was posted for public viewing in City Hall in Nixon, Texas, a place convenient and readily accessible to the general public at all times and was posted on Friday, June 11^th, 2021, at 4:30 p.m., and remained posted for 72 hours preceding the scheduled time of the meeting.

 

 

 

Attest:

Deborah M. Bustamente

City Secretary

 

NIXON CITY COUNCIL MINUTES FOR JUNE 14^th, 2021 MEETING

The City Council of the City of Nixon met in regular session on the 14^TH day of June,2021 at 4:30 p.m.at the Aphne Pattillo Nixon Public Library located at 401 N. Nixon, Nixon, Texas 78140.

Madame Mayor called the meeting to order.

Members present were: Mayor Dorothy Riojas, Justin La Fleur, Maggie Gaytan, Rene Amaya Mary Ann Fatheree, Mark Soto. Citizens present: Eduardo Escobar, City Attorney, Harold D. Rice, City Manager, Deborah M. Bustamente, Nixon Police Chief Greg Huston, Nixon Police LT. Miguel Cantu, Seguin Police Department LT. Martinez, Adolph Trigo, Hector Dominguez

Quorum declared present and meeting called to order by Madame Mayor Dorothy Riojas.

Prayer given by Rene Amaya.

Pledge of Allegiance to the United States of America and Texas recited.

Citizens to be Heard:

Mr. Adolph Trigo addressed Mayor Riojas and the City Council informing that the Nixon Area Chamber of Commerce was prepared to assist the city with the city wide clean up.

Rene Amaya made first motion, 2nd by Mark Soto to approve the May 3rd, 2021 Nixon City Council minutes. Vote called: All in Favor, 5 /0, None Opposed. Motion Passed.

Maggie Gaytan made 1^st motion, 2^nd by Justin La Fleur to approve the Financial Statements and unpaid bills for June 2021. Vote called: All in Favor ,5/0, None Opposed. Motion Passed.

Nixon Fire Department did not have a representative at the meeting this evening. Mark Soto made 1^st motion and Mary Anne Fatheree made the 2^nd to move this agenda item to #17 to allow a member from the NVFD more time to arrive at the scheduled meeting. Vote called: All in Favor, 5/0, None Opposed. Motion Passed.

Nixon Police Chief Gregory Huston gave his monthly report on arrests and department activity.

Chief Greg Huston was recognized the Seguin Police Department Lt. Martinez for saving a human life in April, 2021. Nixon Mayor Awarded Chief a Plaque for his saving a human life as well.

Mark Soto made the 1^st motion 2^nd by Justin LaFleur to accept Option 4 for Nixon Employees covered by (TML) Texas Municipal League. TML changed providers from United Health to Blue Cross Blue Shield. Mark Soto raised a question regarding BCBS currently being under a class action suit. City Manager will research and report back next meeting.

Option 4 was approved, Vote Taken: All in Favor, 5/0 None Opposed, Motion Passed.

1^ST Motion made by Justin LaFleur, 2^nd by Mark Soto to approve the General Rules and Rental rates for the New City Hall Community Center pending todays amendment adding a third rental category to include the daily rates for weekend rental. Rates will be: $500 for a Nixon resident; $750 for County Resident and $1000 Out of County resident. The City Secretary is to present the requested amendment by next Council Meeting. Vote called: All in Favor 5/0, None Opposed. Motion Passed.

1^ST Motion made by Justin La Fleur, 2^nd by Rene Amaya to approve City Manager Harold Rice overseeing the purchase of the Multi-Media equipment for the New City Hall. Purchase is not to exceed 10K. A budget amendment may be needed for the purchase of the equipment. Vote called: All in Favor, 5/0 None Opposed. Motion Passed.

1^st motion made by Maggie Gaytan, 2nd by Justin LaFleur giving City Manager Harold Rice permission to oversee and purchase the new furniture for the New City Hall and Community Center. Discussion over the wire chairs weight capacity and comfort. This may be revisited. Vote called: All in Favor 5/0, None Opposed. Motion Passed.

1^st Motion made by Mary Ann Fatheree 2^nd by Mark Soto to have Maggie Gaytan and Justin La Fleur serve on the Golden Crescent Economic Development Board for the next year. Vote called: All in Favor, 3/0 (Maggie Gaytan and Justin La Fleur abstained) None Opposed, Motion Passed.

Discussion occurred for adding downtown lighting for all season. Item tabled to allow time for Historic Commission Grants to be researched.

Discussion occurred over the hiring of someone to build a new City website. Mayor Riojas requested to wait until the 2021-22 budget discussions. 1^st Motion made by Justin LaFleur 2^nd by Mark Soto to TABLE this Item until budget time. Vote called:  All in Favor 5/0, None Opposed. Motion Passed.

1^st Motion by Justin La Fleur 2^nd by Maggie Gaytan to move the discussion regarding the selection of a vendor to build a six-foot fence around the Splashpad and Playground located on Roosevelt Avenue to Executive Session. Vote Called: All in Favor 5/0, None Opposed. Motion Passed.

Discussion occurred over Mr. Travis Hansen wanting to repair the sidewalk around his home on 211 East 3rd Street, Nixon, Texas 78140. Hansen is requesting he pay for half of the repair and the City pay the other half. A quote has not been provided. 1st Motion by Mark Soto 2^nd by Justin La Fleur to TABLE the item until a quote is provided. Vote Called: All in Favor 5/0, None Opposed. Motion Passed.

1^st Motion made by Justin La Fleur 2^nd Mark Soto to move the longevity pay discussion to Executive Session re: Section 551.074 (Personnel Matters) Vote Called: All in Favor 5/0, None Opposed. Motion Passed.

City Manager Harold Rice presented his monthly report.  The Library Report was included in the Alderman’s Packet for review. Mr. Rice discussed Newly Hired employees, resignation of the Compliance Officer and the hiring of another part – time Compliance Officer Tiffaney Trevino. He also informed of starting a new copier contract with Sharp. The change of vendor will save the City approximately $100 dollars per month. The estimated move in date to the New City Hall is mid-June or July. He informed that the Tables and chairs have arrived and are being stored at Auvie Trammels old shop. Maggie Gaytan is to get a sample table cloth to confirm the size is correct. The TML Conference is scheduled for October 6^th – 8^th, 2021 in Houston, Texas. Reservations will commence July.

Revisited Agenda Item #3: The NVFD Report was read by City Manager Harold Rice.

 

Council came out of regular session at 5:41 p.m.pm and went into Executive Session at 5:51 pm in accordance with the Texas Government Code when necessary and legally justified. Any item on this agenda may be discussed in executive session if authorized by Texas Law regardless of whether it is listed under “Executive Session” of this agenda, and regardless of any past or current practice of the City Council. Executive Sessions herein are closed meetings, and may include the consideration of any item otherwise listed on the agenda plus any subject matter specified in the executive session notice, and may include items under the Texas Government Code as follows: Section 551.071 (Consultation with Attorney regarding contemplated or pending litigation, a settlement officer or administrative hearing); Section 551.072 (Deliberations regarding Real Property); Section 551.073 (Deliberations about Gifts & Donations); Section 551.074 (Personnel Matters); Section 551.076 (Deliberation about Security Devices);  Section 551.086 (Deliberations regarding Municipally Owned Utility); and Section 551.087 (Deliberations regarding Economic Development Negotiation).”

Council ended its Executive Session at  6:32 pm as per Section 551.071 (Consultation with Attorney regarding contemplated or pending litigation, a settlement officer or administrative hearing); Section 551.072 (Deliberations regarding Real Property); Section 551.073 (Deliberations about Gifts & Donations); Section 551.074 (Personnel Matters); Section 551.076 (Deliberation about Security Devices);  Section 551.086 (Deliberations regarding Municipally Owned Utility); and Section 551.087 (Deliberations regarding Economic Development Negotiation)and entered into regular session Regular Session at.6:33 p.m.

Agenda Item #13 Discussion regarding awarding W4 Fencing the bid for the building of the Splashpad fence. 1^st Motion made by Mark Soto, 2nd by Rene Amaya to accept the W4 Bid of $11082.50 for a six-foot fence. Vote Called: All in favor, 4/0 Justin LaFleur abstained. Motion Passed.

Agenda Item # 15 Revisited. 1^st motion made by Justin Le Fleur, 2^nd by Maggie Gaytan to adopt Incentive Pay for City Employees. It is to be issued in the month of December subject to the 2021/22 budget allowing,

Employees with tenure of;

0-12 months $100 Incentive pay per year.

01-05 years $250   Incentive pay per year

06-09 years $500   Incentive pay per year

10-14 years $1000   Incentive pay per year

15-19 years $1500   Incentive pay per year

20 years + Employees max out at $2000 Incentive pay per year

Vote called: All in favor 5/0, None Opposed, Motion Passed subject to the 2021/22 budget allowing.

Motion made by Justin La Fleur and second by Maggie Gaytan to Adjourn. Vote Called: All in Favor 5/0, Motion Passed. Meeting Adjourned 7:32 p.m.

______________________________                               ___________________________

Mayor, Dorothy Riojas                                                           Alderman, Maggie Gaytan

______________________________                               ___________________________

Alderman, Justin La Fleur                                                      Alderman, Mark Soto

_____________________________                                ____________________________

Alderman, Mary Anne Fatheree                                             Alderman, Rene Amaya

 

Attest:

Deborah M. Bustamente