City Council

MINUTES REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING RONALD C. BOWMAN CITY COUNCIL CHAMBERS 447 North Main Street Boerne, TX 78006 SEPTEMBER 10, 2024 – 6:00 PM Present: 6- Mayor Frank Ritchie, Mayor Pro Tem Ty Wolosin, Council Member Sharon D. Wright, Council Member Quinten Scott, Council Member Bret A. Bunker, and Council Member Joseph Macaluso Staff Present: Ben Thatcher, Sarah Buckelew, Jeff Carroll, Lori Carroll, Manny Casarez, Nathan Crane, Rebecca Foley, Lissette Jimenez, Karen Kochheiser, Mike Mann, Mick McKamie, Steve Perez, Mike Raute, Chris Shadrock, Natalie Shults, Kristy Stark, Chastity Valdes, Daniela Valerio, Larry Woods, and Danny Zincke. Recognized / Registered Guests: Bryce Boddie and Sam McGee 1. CALL TO ORDER – 6:00 PM Mayor Ritchie called the City Council Meeting to order at 6:00 p.m. Mayor Ritchie asked Reverend Ann Marie Quigley-Swanson of the St. Mark Presbyterian Church to provide the Invocation. Mayor Ritchie led the Pledge of Allegiance to the United States Flag and to the Texas Flag. 2. CONFLICTS OF INTEREST No conflicts were declared. 4. PROCLAMATION ACKNOWLEDGING WORLD SUICIDE PREVENTION DAY Mayor Ritchie called on Bryce Boddie, Senior Director of Behavioral Health with Hill Country Family Services. Mr. Boddie stated that he and those in public City of Boerne Page 1 City Council Official Meeting Minutes September 10, 2024 safety positions see crisis moments everyday. Suicide is preventable. A great resource is 988, call or text for immediate help. He recognized Sam McGee, Hill Country Family Services Board Member in the audience. Mr. Boddie stated that he is appreciative of the Boerne Health Coalition Steering Committee and the good things they do for the community. Mayor Ritchie expressed appreciation to Mr. Boddie and those in public safety as it takes a special person to be there when someone is in crisis. Mayor read aloud the World Suicide Prevention Proclamation. Mr. Boddie mentioned that the annual Out of Darkness Walk which is a fundraiser in support of suicide prevention is on November 2, 2024. 3. PUBLIC COMMENTS: No comments were received. 5. CONSENT AGENDA: A MOTION WAS MADE BY COUNCIL MEMBER MACALUSO, SECONDED BY COUNCIL MEMBER BUNKER, TO APPROVE THE CONSENT AGENDA AS PRESENTED. THE MOTION CARRIED BY THE FOLLOWING VOTE: Yeah: 5 - Mayor Pro Tem Wolosin, Council Member Wright, Council Member Scott, Council Member Bunker, and Council Member Macaluso A. CONSIDER APPROVAL OF THE MINUTES OF THE CITY COUNCIL MEETING OF AUGUST 27, 2024. THE MINUTES WERE APPROVED. B. CONSIDER RESOLUTION NO. 2024-R64; A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY OF BOERNE, TEXAS ESTABLISHING A CHARTER REVIEW COMMISSION, APPOINTING MEMBERS TO SERVE ON THE COMMISSION, AND ISSUING THE COMMISSION’S CHARGE. THE RESOLUTION WAS APPROVED. C. CONSIDER RESOLUTION NO. 2024-R65; A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO ENTER INTO AND MANAGE AN INTERLOCAL AGREEMENT WITH KENDALL COUNTY, AND FAIR City of Boerne Page 2 City Council Official Meeting Minutes September 10, 2024 OAKS RANCH, TEXAS FOR PUBLIC SAFETY AND UTILITIES COMMUNICATIONS SERVICES. THE RESOLUTION WAS APPROVED. D. CONSIDER RESOLUTION NO. 2024-R66; A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO ENTER INTO AND MANAGE AN AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE CITY OF BOERNE, TEXAS AND ABIP, PC FOR AUDITING THE CITY OF BOERNE’S FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDING SEPTEMBER 30, 2024. THE RESOLUTION WAS APPROVED. REGULAR AGENDA: 6. PRESENTATIONS, PUBLIC HEARINGS, AND ORDINANCES: A. PRESENTATION, PUBLIC HEARING AND CONSIDER ON SECOND READING ORDINANCE NO. 2024-16; AN ORDINANCE ADOPTING THE ANNUAL BUDGET FOR THE CITY OF BOERNE, TEXAS, FOR THE FISCAL YEAR BEGINNING OCTOBER 1, 2024, AND ENDING SEPTEMBER 30, 2025, IN ACCORDANCE WITH CHAPTER 102, LOCAL GOVERNMENT CODE; AND APPROPRIATING THE VARIOUS AMOUNTS THEREOF. (Ordinance adopting the budget) Mayor Ritchie called on Sarah Buckelew, Finance Director. Director Buckelew stated that this is the second of two presentations on the budget. She discussed agenda items 6A, 6B, 6C as they all reference the budget. She displayed the location of where the budget can be found on the City's website and reviewed the guiding principles of the budget, budget priorities, and the proposed budget, noting a decrease in the annual budget and a half cent reduction in the property tax rate. Mayor Ritchie opened the Public Hearing at 6:13 p.m. No comments were received. Mayor Ritchie closed the Public Hearing at 6:13 p.m. City of Boerne Page 3 City Council Official Meeting Minutes September 10, 2024 A MOTION WAS MADE BY COUNCIL MEMBER MACALUSO, SECONDED BY MAYOR PRO TEM WOLOSIN, TO APPROVE ON SECOND READING ORDINANCE NO. 2024-16; AN ORDINANCE ADOPTING THE ANNUAL BUDGET FOR THE CITY OF BOERNE, TEXAS, FOR THE FISCAL YEAR BEGINNING OCTOBER 1, 2024, AND ENDING SEPTEMBER 30, 2025, IN ACCORDANCE WITH CHAPTER 102, LOCAL GOVERNMENT CODE; AND APPROPRIATING THE VARIOUS AMOUNTS THEREOF. (ORDINANCE ADOPTING THE BUDGET). MAYOR RITCHIE CALLED FOR A RECORDED VOTE. THE MOTION CARRIED BY THE FOLLOWING VOTE: Yeah: 5 - Mayor Pro Tem Wolosin, Council Member Wright, Council Member Scott, Council Member Bunker, and Council Member Macaluso B. RATIFY THE PROPERTY TAX REVENUE INCREASE REFLECTED IN THE FISCAL YEAR 2024-25 BUDGET. MAYOR PRO TEM WOLOSIN STATED I MOVE TO RATIFY THE PROPERTY TAX REVENUE INCREASE REFLECTED IN THE FISCAL YEAR 2024-2025 BUDGET, SECONDED BY COUNCIL MEMBER SCOTT. MAYOR RITCHIE ASKED FOR A RECORDED VOTE. THE MOTION CARRIED BY THE FOLLOWING VOTE: Yeah: 5 - Mayor Pro Tem Wolosin, Council Member Wright, Council Member Scott, Council Member Bunker, and Council Member Macaluso C. PRESENTATION AND CONSIDER ON SECOND READING ORDINANCE NO. 2024-17; AN ORDINANCE SETTING THE AD VALOREM PROPERTY TAX RATE FOR THE 2024 TAX YEAR AT 47.16 CENTS PER EACH $100 OF TAXABLE VALUE. (Ordinance adopting tax rate) City of Boerne Page 4 City Council Official Meeting Minutes September 10, 2024 A MOTION WAS MADE BY COUNCIL MEMBER MACALUSO, SECONDED BY COUNCIL MEMBER SCOTT, TO APPROVE ON SECOND READING ORDINANCE NO. 2024-17; AN ORDINANCE SETTING THE AD VALOREM PROPERTY TAX RATE FOR THE 2024 TAX YEAR AT 47.16 CENTS PER EACH $100 OF TAXABLE VALUE. (ORDINANCE ADOPTING TAX RATE). MAYOR RITCHIE ASKED FOR A RECORDED VOTE. THE MOTION CARRIED BY THE FOLLOWING VOTE: Yeah: 5 - Mayor Pro Tem Wolosin, Council Member Wright, Council Member Scott, Council Member Bunker, and Council Member Macaluso D. CONSIDER ON FIRST READING ORDINANCE NO. 2024-18; AN ORDINANCE REPEALING AND REPLACING ORDINANCE NO. 2023-27 AND ESTABLISHING AND REESTABLISHING FEES AND CHARGES FOR ACTIVITIES, GOODS AND SERVICES PROVIDED BY THE CITY. Director Buckelew continued with discussion on the annual fee ordinance. Director Buckelew stated that each year at this time, all directors review their department's fee schedule. She provided a highlight of the proposed fee schedule. Discussion ensued regarding increase in fees, recouping costs and comprehensive list analyzing what is included in the service to determine actual cost. A MOTION WAS MADE BY COUNCIL MEMBER SCOTT, SECONDED BY MAYOR PRO TEM WOLOSIN, TO APPROVE ON FIRST READING ORDINANCE NO. 2024-18; AN ORDINANCE REPEALING AND REPLACING ORDINANCE NO. 2023-27 AND ESTABLISHING AND REESTABLISHING FEES AND CHARGES FOR ACTIVITIES, GOODS AND SERVICES PROVIDED BY THE CITY. THE MOTION CARRIED BY THE FOLLOWING VOTE: Yeah: 5 - Mayor Pro Tem Wolosin, Council Member Wright, Council Member Scott, Council Member Bunker, and Council Member Macaluso City of Boerne Page 5 City Council Official Meeting Minutes September 10, 2024 E. CONSIDER ON FIRST READING ORDINANCE NO. 2024-19; AN ORDINANCE AMENDING ORDINANCE NO 2023-25, CAPTIONED "AN ORDINANCE ADOPTING THE ANNUAL BUDGET FOR THE CITY OF BOERNE, TEXAS FOR THE FISCAL YEAR BEGINNING OCTOBER 1, 2023, AND ENDING SEPTEMBER 30, 2024, IN ACCORDANCE WITH CHAPTER 102, LOCAL GOVERNMENT CODE, AND APPROPRIATING THE VARIOUS AMOUNTS THEREOF." (Amend budget for fiscal year 2023-24) Director Buckelew continued with the budget amendment item. She stated that this document closes fiscal year 2024 budget. She provided the required procedures and rules for closing the year end. A MOTION WAS MADE BY COUNCIL MEMBER MACALUSO, SECONDED BY MAYOR PRO TEM WOLOSIN, TO APPROVE ON FIRST READING ORDINANCE NO. 2024-19; AN ORDINANCE AMENDING ORDINANCE NO 2023-25, CAPTIONED "AN ORDINANCE ADOPTING THE ANNUAL BUDGET FOR THE CITY OF BOERNE, TEXAS FOR THE FISCAL YEAR BEGINNING OCTOBER 1, 2023, AND ENDING SEPTEMBER 30, 2024, IN ACCORDANCE WITH CHAPTER 102, LOCAL GOVERNMENT CODE, AND APPROPRIATING THE VARIOUS AMOUNTS THEREOF." (AMEND BUDGET FOR FISCAL YEAR 2023-24). THE MOTION CARRIED BY THE FOLLOWING VOTE: Yeah: 5 - Mayor Pro Tem Wolosin, Council Member Wright, Council Member Scott, Council Member Bunker, and Council Member Macaluso 7. CITY MANAGER'S REPORT: A. FITCH CREDIT RATING UPGRADE. Mayor Ritchie called on City Manager Ben Thatcher. City Manager Thatcher stated that last week staff was informed by Fitch that the city's rating upgraded from AA to AA+ reflecting Boerne's strong fiscal health and the ability to manage growth. Among other things, with this upgrade the city is able to borrow at a lower cost. The current Moody's rating is an Aa2. When the city issues debt, Moody's will be called. It is expected that there will be an upgrade or reaffirmation of current rating. City Manager Thatcher expressed appreciation to the city's leadership team and remarking that this is good City of Boerne Page 6 City Council Official Meeting Minutes September 10, 2024 news for our community. City Manager Thatcher also commented that tomorrow at 5:00 p.m. Jason Tabansky, Gold Metalist at the Paralympics will be honored at Veterans Plaza. 8. COMMENTS FROM COUNCIL – No discussion or action may take place. Mayor Pro Tem Wolosin stated that Boerne High School's homecoming parade will be held Monday with a procession down Blanco Road. He also gave kudos to city staff for cleaning of a sidewalk. Council Member Macaluso stated that he represented the city at the Viola Wilson Elementary School ribbon cutting today. The City had a role in making the school possible. Council Member Wright stated that there will be a ribbon cutting ceremony for the Boerne High School Health Science Building on Thursday. She is happy this is an option at the school. Council Member Bunker agreed with Council Member Wright. This gives students the option for those interested in a career in medicine and health care. Mayor Ritchie stated that he hoped everyone that is able attends the celebration at the Veterans Plaza tomorrow recognizing Jason Tabansky. He reminded the audience that tomorrow is 9/11 and expressed appreciation to those in public safety. He asked that everyone spend time in prayer in remembrance of those who lost their lives. 9. ADJOURNMENT Mayor Ritchie adjourned the City Council Meeting at 6:35 p.m. City of Boerne Page 7 City Council Official Meeting Minutes September 10, 2024 Approved: _____________________________ Mayor Attest: _______________________________ City Secretary City of Boerne Page 8