City Council Regular Meeting

Minutes of Regular Meeting The City Council City of Richwood A Regular Meeting of the City Council of City of Richwood was held Wednesday, September 7, 2016, beginning at 6:00 PM in the Richwood City Hall, 1800 N. Brazosport Blvd. Richwood, Texas. I. CALL TO ORDER The meeting was called to order at 6:00 p.m. by Mark Guthrie, Mayor and presiding officer. II. INVOCATION The invocation was given by Justin Gatlin, Pastor of Unity Missionary Church. III. PLEDGES OF ALLEGIANCE The Pledge of Allegiance and the Texas Pledge of Allegiance were recited by those in attendance. IV. ROLL CALL OF COUNCIL MEMBERS Roll call showed the following members present: Mark Guthrie, Mayor and Presiding officer Paul Raymond, Council, Position #1 Melissa Blanks, Council, Position #2 Lauren LaCount, Council, Position #4 Chris Hardison, Council, Position #5 Absent: Jarrod Beaty, Council, Position #3 A quorum was declared. Others present included Karen B. Schrom, City Secretary, Linda Pace, Administrative Assistant, Bryan Corb, Police Chief, Ron Cox, Janet and Garry Ellis, Justin Gatlin, Clint Ziehl and Patti Guthrie. V. PUBLIC COMMENTS  No one was present who wished to address Council. VI. CONSENT AGENDA On motion by Councilman Raymond, seconded by Councilman LaCount, with all members present voting aye, the items on the Consent Agenda were approved as presented. A. Approval of Minutes of Previous Meetings B. Proclamation - Proclaiming the week of September 17 - 23, 2016 as Constitution Week in Richwood C. Payment of bills VII. DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS A. Public Hearing - FY 2017 Budget The Public Hearing was opened at 6:04 pm. With no one present who wished to speak on the FY 2017 Budget, the Public Hearing was closed at 6:05 pm. B. Ordinance No. 407 - Adoption of FY 2017 Budget On motion by Councilman Hardison, seconded by Councilman Raymond, with all members present voting aye, Ordinance No. 407, Adoption of FY 2017 Budget was approved as presented. C. Ordinance No. 408 - Adoption of FY 2017 Tax Rate On motion by Councilman Raymond, seconded by Councilman Hardison, with all members present voting aye, Ordinance No. 408, Adoption of the FY 2017 Tax Rate was approved as presented. D. Approve Independent Contractor Agreement between the City of Richwood and Karen Schrom On motion by Councilman Hardison, seconded by Councilman Raymond, with all members present voting aye, the Independent Contractor Agreement with the City of Richwood and Karen Schrom was approved as presented. E. Rename portion of Blue Jay Drive to Blue Jay Court On motion by Councilman LaCount, seconded by Councilman Raymond, with all members present voting aye, it was duly adopted to rename the portion of Blue Jay Drive east of Cardinal Drive, to Blue Jay Court F. Charter Review Committee Mayor Guthrie suggested Council reach out to residents and members of the City committees. We need 5 members. G. Offer on property held in trust - Acct. 7255-0035-111 Councilman LaCount stated she felt the bid is too low and feels we could get more money in today’s market. Bryan explained this was tied up in a tax lien. Commissioner’s Court is meeting this evening on the same issue. It will be brought up in every taxing unit. On motion by Councilman Raymond, seconded by Councilman Hardison, with all members present voting aye, it was duly adopted to accept the offer on the property held in trust. H. Ordinance No. 409 - Regulation of Indoor Shooting Ranges Chief Corb explained this ordinance sets out the guidelines for a gun range to open in the City. On motion by Councilman Raymond, seconded by Councilman Hardison, with all members present voting aye, Ordinance No. 409, Regulating Indoor Shooting Ranges. I. Ordinance No. 386-A Amending Ordinance No. 386, Discharge of a Firearm The proposed amendment allows for the exception of discharging firearms in an indoor range. On motion by Councilman LaCount, seconded by Councilman Raymond, with all members present voting aye, Ordinance No. 386-A, amending Ordinance, No. 386, Discharge of a firearm, was approved as presented. J. Pre-65 employee insurance On motion by Councilman Hardison, seconded by Councilman Raymond, with all members present voting aye, it was duly adopted to allow retirees under the age of  65 to purchase insurance from TML at the same price as employees. K. Approve items removed from Consent Agenda There were none. VIII. WORKSHOP - SEARCH FOR NEW CITY MANAGER Ron Cox discussed time line process with Council. He hopes to have applicant begin work in January or February but no later than March. He will narrow the candidate pool to the top ten to present to Council for interviews. Councilman Raymond stated he was 0pen to special meeting to speed up the process. He then proceeded to ask Council questions on their expections What is the leadership value for the City Council? What are their expectations of each other? Come prepared to each meeting Not micro manage manager or city Communication between council within the confines of the open meetings act Not everyone voices their thoughts and questions – all members Draw out the quiet members to get their input Communicating with staff – open line of communication For informational purposes – agenda – line item of the budget, etc. As opposed to directive - where is the line – If inquiry involves discussing solution – needs to go to City Manager – and then it goes to all council members – use the City Manager as the fulcrum Use chain of command through CM and inquiries to Dept. heads Active in the community and committees, volunteers and businesses Making decisions with the best interests of the citizens. Being available to all citizens. Listen to council and staff and understand and make educated decisions Expectations of staff Leaders not managers in those positions Competent Willing to grow professional and empower those under their supervision to grow as well. Communication between city manager, council and employees. City managers need to oversee each department and need to be involved in the department and communicate with the department head Consistency across the board  Fair and firm Ethics and integrity Best interest of the city and its citizens – quality of life, safety, social media, financial stewardship, fiscally responsible Personal responsibility Use social media wisely Friendly to each other – work as a team What do you think staff’s expectations are of Council? Consistency Approachable Fairness Ethical and integrity See previous page Professional Friendly Respectful Leaders in the community – get involved in the community and city events and be there as a support system Available – to help and work with the public Appreciative City Manager What are the duties What are the qualities Expectations Profile There is currently no residency requirement either in the Charter or Personnel Policy. Qualities looked for Honest, trustworthy, fair Personable, friendly, nice, well spoken Forthright, straightforward Passionate about their work and their profession Self motivated Performs well under pressure Thorough Fiscally responsible Organized Put politics and favorites aside – fair and equally Consistent Practical, pragmatic Well dressed and presentable Professional Able to communicate with staff, council, citizens, media Leadership style In community Accountable Lead by example Engaged with community Volunteering within community Not hide behind door or window – dealing with issue Transparency Positive Pro active consistent application of policies and procedures fair and equitable adaptability intergovernmental With staff Delegator accountable lead by example transparent consistent application of policies and procedures no micro management be able to take on the task as well Communication skills communicate professionally, good grammar, spelling, on a professional and business level – communicate effectively directly without going through their secretary, computer open communication – approachable transparency ability to document issues thoroughly good listener empathetic receptive to all feedback – take constructive criticism responsive communication to emergency and critical situations so that council is not blindsided Community involvement volunteering understands the value of volunteers expectation involvement some sort of community activity – Chamber and ED  Alliances – TML – TCMA attendance at committee meetings – being familiar with the members. Administrator skills Overall experience, education/professional background At least 5 years managerial/supervisory experience in city government preferred Bachelor’s degree – master’s preferred or equivalent 5 years experience Knowledgable – economic development, experience preferred Grants knowledge Future decision points Compensation range (79,565) Car allowance (800/mo) Cell allowance Contract form TMRS – 5% 2:1 Health Insurance Moving allowance Employment retention IX. REPORTS A. Finance Reports Pr for the period ending 8/31/16 is 8% remaining. X. CITY MANAGER’S REPORT No report. XI. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS Charter Committee Consultation with Ron Cox XII. COMMITTEE REPORTS There were none. XIII. COUNCIL MEMBER COMMENTS & REPORTS  Councilman LaCount thanked all the Department Heads and city staff for working so hard to present a comprehensive budget and lowering the tax rate. XIV. MAYOR’S REPORT Mayor Guthrie reported he will be out of town beginning Monday. XV. ADJOURNMENT With no further business to discuss, the meeting was adjourned at 8:20 pm. APPROVED BY A MAJORITY VOTE OF COUNCIL ON October 10, 2016 ________________________________ Mark Guthrie, Mayor ATTEST: ________________________________ Karen B. Schrom, City Secretary