City Council

Belton City Council Meeting January 22, 2019- 5:30 P.M. The Belton City Council met in regular session in the Wright Room at the Harris Community Center with the following members present: Mayor Marion Grayson , Mayor Pro Tern Craig Pearson and Councilmembers David K. Leigh, Dan Kirkley, Guy O'Banion , John R. Holmes, Sr. and Wayne Carpenter. Staff present included Sam Listi, Gene Ellis, John Messer, Amy Casey, Brandon Bozon, Chris Brown , Matt Bates, Paul Romer, Bob van Til, Bruce Pritchard, Jeff Booker, Kim Kroll , Judy Garrett, Charlotte Walker, Angellia Points, Kelly Atkinson , Cheryl Maxwell, and Cynthia Hernandez. The Pledge of Allegiance to the U.S. Flag was led by Mayor Pro Tern Craig Pearson, the Pledge of Allegiance to the Texas Flag was led by City Manager Sam Listi, and the Invocation was given by Councilmember David K. Leigh. 1. Call to order. Mayor Grayson called the meeting to order at 5:31 p.m . 2. Public Comments. There were none. Consent Agenda Items 3-8 under this section are considered to be routine by the City Council and may be enacted by one motion. If discussion is desired by the Council, any item may be removed from the Consent Agenda prior to voting , at the request of any Councilmember, and it will be considered separately. 3. Consider minutes of January 8, 2019, City Council meeting. 4. Consider an appointment to the Central Texas Housing Consortium Board of Directors. Linda Angel is recommended for reappointment for another two year term. 5. Conduct annual review of City's Investment Policy and consider a resolution attesting to review and re-adoption thereof. 6. Conduct annual review of City's Debt Policy and consider a resolution attesting to review and re-adoption thereof. 7. Consider a one-year extension to a contract with FleetCor Technologies/ Comdata, the successor company to Texas Fleet Fuel, for the purchase of fuel for City vehicles. 8. Consider authorizing the purchase of a sewer camera for the Water and Sewer Department, as provided for in the 2019 Sewer Fund budget. Upon a motion by Councilmember Holmes and a second by Mayor Pro Tern Pearson , the Consent Agenda, including the following captioned resolutions, was unanimously approved by a vote of 7-0. Belton City Council Meeting January 22, 2019 - Page 2 RESOLUTION NO. 2019-03-R A RESOLUTION ATTESTING TO CITY COUNCIL REVIEW OF THE INVESTMENT POLICY OF THE CITY OF BELTON, TEXAS. RESOLUTION NO. 2019-04-R A RESOLUTION ATTESTING TO CITY COUNCIL REVIEW AND RE-ADOPTION OF THE DEBT POLICY OF THE CITY OF BELTON, TEXAS. Planning and Zoning 9. Hold a public hearing and consider a zoning change from Multi Family to Retail District on 4.442 acres located at the southeast corner of E. 6th Avenue and Birdwell Street. previously Belton ISO football/track and field site. Mayor Grayson said she is excited to see the fence come down. "It will make 5th Avenue seem so much friendlier." Director of Planning Cheryl Maxwell explained that the applicant is considering selling this property and is requesting a zoning change to Retail District for future development. A subdivision plat will also be developed dividing this property into three or four lots. This property was previously owned by Belton Independent School District (BISD) and was the site of a sports facility. The property is currently zoned Multi Family District but has not been used since purchased by the applicant in 2009. The adjacent property on the west side of Birdwell is zoned Multi Family District and is still owned and used by BISD, and includes the Wilson-Kerzee Athletic Field, the former administration office currently used for training in the health science field, and campuses for Belton Early Childhood School and Belton New Tech High @ Waskow. Property to the south is zoned Light Industrial District and is owned by the applicant, and includes the old lndeco building (destroyed by a fire a few years ago), and the current lndeco operation . The adjacent property to the east is zoned Commercial-2 District and includes a carwash/laundry/convenience store along the 5th Avenue frontage, and mostly undeveloped land south of this facility, some of which is also owned by the applicant with a storage building on site. Mrs. Maxwell said that properties on the north side of 6th Avenue include a mixture of zoning districts to include Single Family - 2, Neighborhood Service, Retail, and Commercial - 1. Uses include Airgas, Sonja's 5th Avenue Salon, Casa del Tamale (Mexican tamale/ice cream shop), Church of Christ, and single family homes. The applicant plans to sell this property in the future, so a specific use is not currently proposed. If the requested zoning change is approved, any use allowed in the Retail, Neighborhood Service, and Office 1 & 2 Districts will be allowed on this site. Maxwell added that the FLUM identifies this area as Commercial and Retail Belton City Council Meeting January 22, 2019 - Page 3 use, with a Commercial Corridor Overlay. The proposed Retail Zoning District allows retail uses and is therefore consistent with the FLUM. The existing zoning districts and uses near this property are consistent with the FLUM except for the residentially zoned properties, which are generally undergoing a transition from residential to business use. Mrs. Maxwell explained that as plans for this property progress in the future, approval of a subdivision plat and site plan will be required prior to issuing a building permit. Development of this property must comply with all design standards for site development including building materials, landscaping, and parking. After careful review of this zoning chan_ge request, the proposed Retail Zoning District appears to be reasonable in this location. The Planning and Zoning Commission met on January 15, 2019 and unanimously recommended approval of this zoning change from Multi Family District to Retail District, and Staff concurs with their recommendation. Mayor Grayson opened the public hearing. Jerry Mays, property owner, said he thinks a retail site will be good because of the high traffic in the area. Seeing no one else wishing to speak, the Mayor closed the public hearing. Councilmember Holmes asked if Johnson Drive is a public street, and if it dissected the property. Mrs. Maxwell said that it has been abandoned, and Mr. Mays said it had been deeded to lndeco. City Attorney John Messer cautioned not to rely too much on the map because it is from 2005. He said that the plat will clean up all those type issues. Mayor Grayson said this is a great location right off the interstate and only a few blocks from downtown. Upon a motion by Councilmember Holmes and a second by Councilmember Carpenter, Item 9, including the following captioned ordinance, was unanimously approved by a vote of 7-0. ORDINANCE NO. 2019-08 AN ORDINANCE AMENDING THE ZONING ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF BELTON BY CHANGING THE DESCRIBED DISTRICT FROM MULTl FAMILY TO RETAIL DISTRICT ON A 4.442 ACRE TRACT, WITH DEVELOPMENT TO BE REGULATED UNDER TYPE AREA 7 DESIGN STANDARDS. 10. Hold a public hearing and consider the following zoning changes on property located on the south side of W. Avenue 0, between S. Loop 121 and Connell Street: Tract 1:From Agricultural to Retail District on 1.116 acres fronting on W. Avenue 0, located between 1210 and 1214 W. Avenue O: and Belton City Council Meeting January 22, 2019- Page 4 Tract 2:From Agricultural to Single Family - 3 District on 37.217 acres located south of Tract 1. Director of Planning Cheryl Maxwell said the property owner is proposing to develop a single family residential subdivision, with retail uses proposed along the frontage of W. Avenue 0. This property is currently undeveloped except for an existing metal warehouse along the Avenue O frontage that will be removed. The majority of properties in this area, including this tract, are zoned Agricultural District. Adjacent property near the northwest corner of this area was rezoned in 2003 to a Planned Development District with a Commercial-1 base zoning to allow construction of facilities for the former Belton Volunteer Fire Department. This tract has not been developed. Other uses to the west along Loop 121 include Strike 3 Bail Bond office, residential use, storage building, City of Belton water tower, and Belton Independent School District (BISD) property where the School Nutrition/Support Services building is located . Adjacent property to the south is also owned by BISD and is undeveloped . The BISD property is zoned Commercial-2 District. The adjacent property to the east is the site of McNamara auto parts business. Property to the north includes residential uses as well as Belfor Property Restoration. Mrs. Maxwell said the property owner plans to develop a single family residential subdivision consisting of approximately 166 lots, and one retail lot with frontage along Avenue 0. The proposed development will also include a segment of Laila Lane, anticipating future extension of this collector street from the east, and westward to connect to Loop 121 . The FLUM identifies this area as proposed for residential use with commercial/retail development along the Avenue O and Loop 121 frontages. The proposed Single Family-3 zoning with Retail zoning along the frontage is consistent with the FLUM, and appears to be reasonable in this location. Maxwell added that a subdivision plat is required prior to issuing any building permits, and development of this property must comply with all subdivision ordinance and design standards. At the Planning and Zoning Commission meeting on January 15, 2019, Staff announced that the acreage proposed for rezoning had changed slightly. A 15' wide parcel of land used for access to Loop 121 was initially included in the rezoning request, but this 0.204 acres was withdrawn from consideration. Therefore, the revised acreage proposed for rezoning is 38.129 acres total, with 37.013 acres proposed for SF3 zoning. The 1.116 acres proposed for retail zoning did not change. Mayor Grayson opened the public hearing. Seeing no one wishing to speak, she closed the public hearing. Mayor Pro Tern Pearson said that when the property comes forward for platting, he expects to see more than one entrance in and out of the property. Mrs. Maxwell said the applicant is trying to work that out, and that is why the plat is not being presented at this time. Belton City Council Meeting January 22, 2019- Page 5 Upon a motion by Councilmember Leigh and a second by Councilmember O'Banion, Item 10, including the following captioned ordinance, was unanimously approved by a vote of 7-0. ORDINANCE NO. 2019-09 AN ORDINANCE AMENDING THE ZONING ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF BELTON BY CHANGING THE DESCRIBED DISTRICT FROM AGRICULTURAL TO RETAIL DISTRICT ON A 1.116 ACRE TRACT, AND FROM AGRICULTURAL TO SINGLE FAMILY 3 DISTRICT ON A 37.013 ACRE TRACT, WITH DEVELOPMENT TO BE REGULATED UNDER TYPE AREA 2, 4 & 9 DESIGN STANDARDS. 11. Consider a final plat of Belton Tractor Supply Addition, comprIsmg 4.495 acres, located on the north side of US 190/1-14, west of Connell Street. Director of Planning Cheryl Maxwell said this is a one lot, one block subdivision, comprising 4.495 acres. The entire church property site (17 acres) is under contract for purchase; however, only the westernmost portion, totaling just under five acres, is being platted at this time and is proposed for a Tractor Supply Company retail store. The only current development on the 17 acre tract is a church building, and it is outside the proposed plat boundary. The proposed lot will exceed area requirements for the Commercial Highway Zoning District assigned to this property. Mrs. Maxwell presented a summary of the subdivision ordinance requirements as they apply to this subdivision plat. Water: There is an existing 12" waterline along the US 190/1-14 frontage road available for tapping; no extensions are required . Fire hydrants are existing and satisfy Fire Code requirements. Sewer: The developer is extending a 6" sewer line from the north to provide service to this site. The public line will extend approximately 208' along the western edge of this lot where a manhole will be placed and a private service line will then be extended to the building. Mrs. Maxwell added that the Subdivision Ordinance (Section 507.01) states utilities must be extended to and through the property so they are available to provide service or extension to the next property. This would require extension of the sewer line an additional 250' southward to the northern boundary of the Escasa property to the west. The applicant is requesting a variance to this requirement. Staff is supportive of this variance since the line extension would only serve one property and this property may be served with sewer via a service line provided by that property owner when development occurs, instead of a sewer main extension. That property owner would not be required to extend the sewer line "through" the property since no additional properties will be served by this line. A 20' City of Belton utility Belton City Council Meeting January 22, 2019- Page 6 easement is provided along the western property line to the Escasa property to facilitate a service line in the future. Drainage: Drainage calculations have been provided and reviewed. A detention pond will be provided on site and will be privately owned and maintained. A maintenance agreement is being developed to ensure the city has the right to inspect the maintenance of this facility. Streets: There is approximately 590' of ROW for the US 190/1-14 frontage road. No additional ROW is needed. Since this is a TxDOT roadway, the perimeter street improvement requirement is not applicable. A 40' wide driveway location has been approved by TxDOT for access to the US 190/1-14 frontage road . The developer is also providing a 24' wide joint vehicular access easement (JVAC) across this lot to facilitate future movement of vehicles to properties to the east and west. The location of the JVAE lines up with a proposed drive aisle in the parking lot. Sidewalks: The Subdivision Ordinance (Section 503) requires 6' wide sidewalks along arterial roadways, which applies to the US 190/1-14 frontage road . The developer has consulted with TxDOT on the location of the sidewalk and due to the existing grade and drainage features, the sidewalk will be provided on the applicant's property. A public access easement is being provided along the frontage and a note provided on the plat to indicate the easement is public and will be maintained by the city. Maxwell said that the Planning and Zoning Commission met on January 15, 2019, and unanimously recommended approval of this final plat of Belton Tractor Supply Addition , subject to the following : 1.Approval of variance to the sewer line extension requirement; and 2. Conditions in the city letter dated January 11 , 2019. Mayor Pro Tern Pearson asked if the variance is granted, has an easement been secured for the future sewer line. Mrs. Maxwell said that the property owner has dedicated a sewer easement on the property. Mayor Grayson said , "We are excited about Tractor Supply. " Upon a motion by Mayor Pro Tern Pearson , and a second by Councilmember O'Banion, Item 11 was unanimously approved by a vote of 7-0. 12.Consider an ordinance abandoning a portion of an emergency vehicle access and public utility easement located within the Forrest Hill, Phase IV, Subdivision. Belton City Council Meeting January 22, 2019 - Page 7 Planner Kelly Atkinson explained that when this subdivision was platted in 2005, a 20' wide emergency vehicle access and public utility easement was dedicated on the plat along the eastern property line of Lots 24 and 25. The easement was in part to facilitate emergency vehicle access from the Sparta Road Fire Station to the City parkland on the north side of Lot 25. Lot 25 is owned by the City, but Lot 24 is privately owned. Mrs. Atkinson explained that the property owner of Lot 24 (420 Armstrong Drive) is requesting abandonment of this easement. There are no City utilities in this easement. All public utility providers have been contacted regarding this request, and there are no objections to the abandonment. The property owner is responsible for relocation of any utility lines, should any exist in the easement. This easement across Lot 24 is no longer needed for emergency vehicle access since Armstrong Drive provides adequate access to the parkland through Lot 25. Atkinson added that the 5' utility easement along the northern property line and the 1O' utility easement along the southern property line are not affected by this abandonment request and will be retained as originally dedicated on the plat. Mayor Grayson opened the public hearing. Seeing no one wishing to speak, she closed the public hearing. Upon a motion by Councilmember Carpenter and a second by Councilmember Leigh, Item 12, including the following captioned ordinance, was unanimously approved by a vote of 7-0. ORDINANCE NO. 2019-11 AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF BELTON, TEXAS, PROVIDING THAT A PORTION OF A CERTAIN EMERGENCY VEHICLE ACCESS AND PUBLIC UTILITY EASEMENT IN THE FORREST HILL, PHASE IV, SUBDIVISION TO THE CITYOF BELTON, TEXAS, BE CLOSED, ABANDONED AND VACATED. Finance 13. Consider approval of the FY2018 Annual Report for Belton's Tax Increment Reinvestment Zone (TIRZ). Director of Finance Brandon Bozon explained that the City is required to submit an annual report on the TIRZ to the State Comptroller's Office. Additionally, per Article I, Section 2 of the Belton Tax Increment Reinvestment Zone No. 1 (TIRZ) Bylaws, the City Council must annually review any financial statements of the Zone. Mr. Bozon reviewed FY 2018 highlights including: • Fa<;ade Grants paid to Bold Republic Brewing Company Belton City Council Meeting January 22, 2019 - Page 8 • Completion of South Main Street water line relocation and sidewalk enhancements • Completion of Sparta Road reconstruction and roundabout • Completion of North Main Sidewalks Projects on the horizon for FY 2019 include: • Identification of private utility easements for Sixth Avenue • Design of Southwest Parkway extension • Phase I of Park Lane extension Councilmember Leigh said, "This is a good tool, and I'm glad that we have it." Upon a motion by Councilmember Leigh, and a second by Mayor Pro Tern Pearson, Item #13 was unanimously approved by a vote of 7-0. Miscellaneous 14. Hold a public hearing and consider an ordinance concerning the designation of Tax Abatement Reinvestment Zone #13, known as the South Loop Industrial Park located south of E. Loop 121 and east of S. IH-35, along both sides of Grove Road, and along the west side of Capitol Way, totaling 37 .07 acres. City Manager Sam Listi explained that the purpose of the public hearing is to receive public comment regarding the designation of a tax abatement reinvestment zone in the area identified below: RZ#13 Known as the South Loop Industrial Park, located south of E. Loop 121 and east of S. IH-35, along both sides of Grove Road , and along the west side of Capitol Way, totaling 37.07 acres. He said that this proposed zone provides additional tax abatement reinvestment zone boundaries within which tax abatement is an available economic development tool. Current locations available for consideration of property tax abatement include: • Belton's Enterprise Zone (as designated by the U.S. Census Bureau); • Belton's Tax Increment Reinvestment Zone (TIRZ, as designated by Council), which includes the Downtown Development District; and • RZ #7, RZ #8, RZ #9, and RZ #12, established by Council at the November 27, 2018 meeting. Within eligible areas, a property tax abatement ordinance can be approved by the Council relatively quickly, after giving notice of consideration to Bell County. Non- eligible areas located outside a zone may still be considered as freestanding zones, but the process is elongated by at least two City Council meetings in order to comply with state law requirements. Belton City Council Meeting January 22, 2019 - Page 9 BEDC Executive Director, Cynthia Hernandez, expressed support for this designation, given the important incentive tool available with tax abatement. Mr. Listi said that development or redevelopment of properties in this area represent suitable candidates for tax abatement due to these factors: • Development will enhance and expand the local Belton economy. • Development will create new property tax value that will remain on the tax rolls after the tax abatement period. • Development will retain or increase jobs. Councilmember Leigh questioned if the abatement will be for any additional improvements to the property, and if the existing property will still be taxed at the current rate. Mr. Listi replied, "That's correct." Mr. Leigh said he thinks tax abatement is good for a company coming into the area or retaining a manufacturing facility, but if it is just used in general for a piece of property that may be developed, and that development may end up having tenants, the abatement ends up going to the developer and not directly to a manufacturer. He said that is his main concern since most tax abatements are tied to the employer who could be the tenant and not the developer. Mr. Listi said that this item is just to establish the zone, and if any tax abatements are requested , those will come forward to Council for approval. Councilmember Leigh said that tax abatement is done to spur development, and he has seen a lot of development along IH-35, IH-14, and the Loop 121 area without the need for tax abatement. He asked if there was a program similar to a reinvestment zone that would allow for taxes collected from those properties to be reinvested in the area to offset public expenses. He believes that is a fairer use of the tax money rather than just abating it. Mr. Listi explained that Councilmember Leigh is describing a public improvement district which is one mechanism for development, and abatement is another mechanism. Councilmember O'Banion clarified that by approving this item, no properties are being abated. The City is just declaring the area as a tax abatement area. Mr. Listi said that is correct. Mr. O'Banion said, "We can abate properties without this as well." Mr. Listi replied that is correct, but this allows the process to be accelerated. Mayor Grayson opened the public hearing. Seeing no one wishing to speak, she closed the public hearing. Councilmember Holmes asked why the UPS property was being included since it is already developed and functioning . Mr. Listi said that it would allow the opportunity for redevelopment or expansion. He said all Light Industrial property is being treated the same. City Attorney John Messer said that the City has had several expansions where the new property is eligible for the abatement but the existing property is not. Belton City Council Meeting January 22, 2019 - Page 10 Upon a motion by Councilmember Leigh and a second by Councilmember Holmes, Item 14, including the following captioned ordinance, was unanimously approved by a vote of 7-0. ORDINANCE NO. 2019-03 AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF BELTON, TEXAS, DESIGNATING CERTAIN AREAS AS TAX ABATEMENT REINVESTMENT ZONES FOR TAX ABATEMENT, ESTABLISHING THE BOUNDARIES THEREOF AND OTHER MATTERS RELATING THERETO; DECLARING FINDINGS OF FACT; PROVIDING A SEVERABILITY CLAUSE; PROVIDING AN EFFECTIVE DATE; AND PROVIDING AN OPEN MEETINGS CLAUSE. 15. Consider approval of ordinances on first reading and set a public hearing for February 12, 2019, granting one year extensions to commercial solid waste collection franchises with the following companies: A. Waste Management, Inc. B. Waste Connections (formerly IESI and Progressive Waste Solutions) C. Eagle Disposal D. Temple Iron & Metal City Clerk Amy Casey said that in January 2016, Council authorized commercial solid waste franchises with Waste Management, Inc., Progressive Waste Solutions (now Waste Connections), Eagle Disposal and Temple Iron & Metal. The original term of the franchises expire on January 26, 2019. The four service providers desire an extension to the franchise agreement which is allowed under the original terms of the agreements. The original term of the agreements is for three years with two (2) optional one-year extensions. The City currently has commercial solid waste franchise agreements with these four service providers, as well as Sunbright Disposal Services. The City receives 5% of the companies' total gross receipts from customers as a franchise fee. FY2019 Budget for this franchise fee is $110,900 from all commercial haulers. Mrs. Casey said that the Sunbright also has a commercial solid waste franchise that will come up for renewal later in the year. Upon a motion by Councilmember O'Banion, and a second by Councilmember Holmes, Item #18 was unanimously approved on first reading by a vote of 7-0. Second reading and public hearing are set for February 12, 2019. 16.Consider the following: A. Authorizing the City Manager to execute an extension to the "Operation, Maintenance, and Management Agreement" between the City of Temple, City of Belton and Brazos River Authority for operation and maintenance of Belton City Council Meeting January 22, 2019- Page 11 the Temple-Belton Wastewater Treatment Plant and the Belton Main Lift Station. B. Authorizing the City Manager to execute an extension to the "Operation, Maintenance, and Management Agreement" between the City of Temple, City of Belton, and Brazos River Authority for the operation of the Cities' Industrial Pretreatment Programs. Director of Public Works Angellia Points introduced employees of the Brazos River Authority. She explained that in August of 2014, the City of Belton entered into a 5- year agreement with the Brazos River Authority for operation and maintenance of the Temple-Belton Wastewater Treatment Plant (TBWWTP), and the City of Belton Main Lift Station. At the same time, the City of Belton entered into a 1-year agreement for administration of the City's Industrial Pretreatment programs, which has subsequently been extended for four additional years. All three agreements will expire on September 30, 2019. Mrs. Points said that the Cities of Temple and Belton have both been pleased with the services provided by the Brazos River Authority and as such, both Cities have negotiated an extension to the existing agreements extending the term for an additional 10 years. She said that the BRA is a non-profit agency of the State of Texas, and they have a vested interest in ensuring that the water that is released into the Brazos River basin is treated properly. She provided a summary of each contract, including: (A) The "Operation, Maintenance, and Management Agreement" for operation and maintenance of TBWWTP will be signed by Temple, Belton and the BRA. The TBWWTP is jointly owned by Temple (75% ownership) and Belton (25% ownership). Daily services to be provided by BRA include general operation and maintenance of TBWWTP, the composting facility and reclaimed water facility located at the plant, as well as operation of Belton's Main Lift Station. The BRA will provide each City with an annual budget which will include an estimate of all operation and maintenance expenses plus a 3% management fee. The budget will be calculated based on the estimate amount of wastewater expected to be delivered to the TBWWTP in the next fiscal year. The operation and maintenance expenses and maintenance fee will be allocated to the Cities based upon the annual flow percentages of each City. Any capital expenses will be allocated to the Cities based on ownership - 75% to Temple and 25% to Belton. The term of this recommended contract extension is 10 years. (B) The "Operation, Maintenance, and Management Agreement" for operation and maintenance of the Cities' Industrial Pretreatment Programs (IPP) will be signed by Temple, Belton, and BRA. The Cities' Industrial Pretreatment Programs monitor wastewater discharges into the publicly owned treatment system by permitted industrial users of the system to ensure that such discharges are in accordance with State and Federal regulations, as well as City ordinances. BRA will operate and Belton City Council Meeting January 22, 2019 - Page 12 coordinate the program for the Cities. It will interact with each permitted industrial user within the Cities to ensure that all regulations are met and that the quality of wastewater discharged into the system is acceptable under each of the individual permits and pretreatment program. The BRA will provide the City with an annual budget which will include an estimate of all operation and maintenance expenses plus a management fee of 3%. Currently, Belton has one permitted industrial user and Temple has two permitted industrial users that discharge to the TBWWTP. Initially, expenses and the management fee related to operation of the Cities' IPP at TBWWTP will be allocated 66% to Temple and 33% to Belton. This allocation will be reevaluated after each fiscal year. The term of this recommended contract extension is 10 years. Mrs. Points said that the City of Belton Staff recommends moving forward with execution of all three agreements. Upon a motion by Mayor Pro Tern Pearson, and a second by Councilmember Holmes, Item #16 was unanimously approved by a vote of 7-0. 17. Consider authorizing the City Manager to execute an lnterlocal Agreement for a Central Texas Fire and Arson Task Force. Fire Chief Bruce Pritchard explained that this agreement provides fire, arson and explosive detection, investigative, and prosecutorial capabilities to surrounding fire investigators. Some fire department investigation offices are limited to a small number of investigators and have limited resources and expertise. This agreement is a tool for area Fire Marshals to request assistance from surrounding fire investigators to help provide knowledge, skills and expertise to successfully determine the cause of fires and prosecute fires resulting in arson. Upon a motion by Councilmember Carpenter, and a second by Mayor Pro Tern Pearson, Item #17 was unanimously approved by a vote of 7-0. 18. Consider an ordinance prescribing the classifications for police officer and firefighter positions, and the maximum number of positions in each classification. Assistant City Manager/Chief of Police Gene Ellis said the civilian (non-sworn) Crime Scene Tech position in the Police Department will be vacated due to a resignation effective January 25, 2019. A Police Sergeant has requested to voluntarily demote from the rank of Sergeant to the rank of Police Officer and assume the duties of the Crime Scene Tech. This would allow the Crime Scene Tech position to be a sworn police officer and provide more operational flexibility in the police department. After careful analysis, we are recommending to delete the sergeant rank (SRO Sergeant) of the person requesting voluntary demotion. A patrol officer will be transferred to the School Resource Officer (SRO) position as a Police Officer rank rather than as a Sergeant, and patrol officer position will be back-filled, leaving the same number of Belton City Council Meeting January 22, 2019 - Page 13 officers available for patrolling the City. The current and proposed classifications for each civil service rank in the police department are: Classification Current Number of Proposed Number of Positions Positions Deputy Chief 2 2 2 -----, Lieutenant 2 6 5 25------ 29 Chief Ellis is requesting to increase the authorized number of police officer positions by an additional two positions beyond the movement of the sergeant to officer. This gives the Police Department the ability to forecast staffing vacancies and temporarily place new staff into training in response to an anticipated vacancy. This procedure has been successful over the past 10 years to address turnover; however, additional budgeted positions over the past few years have absorbed this flexibility in the current ordinance. The anticipated cost for this change is $1,667. Upon a motion by Councilmember Holmes, and a second by Councilmember Leigh, Item #r8, including the following captioned ordinance, was unanimously approved by a vote of 7-0. ORDINANCE NO. 2019-10 AN ORDINANCE PRESCRIBING THE CLASSIFICATIONS FOR POLICE OFFICER AND FIREFIGHTER POSITIONS AND THE MAXIMUM NUMBER OF POSITIONS IN EACH CLASSIFICATION. There being no further business, the Mayor adjourned the meeting at 6:22 p.m. ATTEST: A #:ts~~f:7