City Council Regular Meeting

MINUTES OF CITY OF WHARTON CITY COUNCIL MEETING JANUARY 24, 2022 Mayor Pro- Tem, Don Mueller, declared a Regular Meeting duly open for the transaction of business at 7: 00 P. M. at City Hall 120 E. Caney Street Wharton, TX. Councilmember, Clifford Jackson led the opening devotion and Mayor Pro- Tem, Don Mueller, led the pledge of allegiance. Councilmember' s present were: Mayor Pro- Tem, Don Mueller, and Councilmembers, Terry Freese; Alice Heard- Roberts; Clifford Jackson; and Steve Schneider. Councilmember absent was: Mayor, Tim Barker and Councilmember, Russell Machann. Staff members present were: City Manager, Joseph R. Pace; City Attorney, Paul Webb; Finance Director, Joan Andel; City Secretary, Paula Favors, TRMC, CPM, MMC; Assistant to the City Manager, Brandi Jimenez; Planning and Development Director, Gwyn Teves; and Public Works Director, Anthony Arcidiacono. Visitors present were: Russell J. Baird; Vanessa J. Baird; Katheryn Vargas; Stephanie Konvicka; Nathan Norris, President of The Urban Guild; Laura Clemons; and Joe Southern, with the Wharton Journal Spectator. Roll Call and Excused Absences. Councilmember, Terry Freese, moved to excuse Mayor, Tim Barker, and Councilmember, Russell Machann. Councilmember, Steve Schneider seconded the motion. All voted in favor. Public Comments. Mayor Pro- Tem, Don Mueller, called for Public Comments. No comments were given. Wharton Moment. Councilmember, Clifford Jackson, gave condolences for the passing of I. O. Coleman, Jr., and Councilmember, Russell Machann' s father. Review and Consider: The first item on the agenda was to review and consider the City of Wharton Financial Report for November and December 2021. Finance Director, Joan Andel, presented the City of Wharton Financial Report for November and December 2021. After some discussion, Councilmember, Terry Freese, moved to approve the City of Wharton Financial Report for November and December 2021. Councilmember, Steve Schneider, seconded the motion. All voted in favor. City of Wharton City Council Regular Meeting Minutes- January 24, 2022 Page 2 of 22 The second item on the agenda was to review and consider a request from Mr. and Mrs. Gilbert Vargas to address the City Council regarding the water tax increase effective October 31, 2021. City Manager, Joseph R. Pace, presented a copy of the request from Mr. and Mrs. Gilbert Vargas to address the City Council regarding the water tax increase effective October 31, 2021. After some discussion, no action was taken. The third item on the agenda was to review and consider a request from Mr. Russell Baird to address the City Council regarding Emerson Heights. City Manager, Joseph R. Pace, presented a copy of the request from Mr. Russell Baird to address the City Council regarding Emerson Heights a GLO- funded project. Mr. Baird presented information on his opinion of the Emerson Heights project. Mr. Nathan Norris, President of The Urban Guild, gave a presentation on development. After some discussion, no action was taken. The fourth item on the agenda was to review and consider City of Wharton Municipal Election 2022: Ordinance: An ordinance ordering a City Officer's Election to be held as a joint election with Wharton County Elections Department for the purpose of electing the positions of Mayor and Councilmembers; Providing for the date, time and place of the election, Notice of the Election, Filing Applications; Drawing for Ballot Positions, Use of Accessible Voting System, Appointment of Election Workers, Early Voting and Making Election Retunls. Una ordenanza ordenando una eleccion de funcionarios de la ciudad a celebrarse de forma conjunta con el departamento de elecciones alcalde y del condado de Wharton con el proposito de elegir puestos de concejales; asignando la fecha, Horas, Y presentacion de solicitudes, sorteo para lugares en la balota, use de sistema de votacion accesible, Nombramiento de los trabaj adores de la eleccion, votacion anticipada, Y entrega de los resultados de la eleccion. City Manager, Joseph R. Pace, presented a draft copy of the ordinance, in English and Spanish versions as required by law, ordering a City' s Officer' s Election to be held as a joint election with the Wharton County Elections Department. City Secretary, Paula Favors, stated the City Council positions that were up for election were four ( 4) City Council positions, which are Mayor- At- Large, District No.' s 2, 4, & 6 At- Large. After some discussion, Councilmember, Terry Freese, moved to approve City of Wharton Ordinance No. 2022- 03A and 2022- 03B, which read as follows: CITY OF WHARTON, TEXAS ORDINANCE NO. 2022- 03A AN ORDINANCE ORDERING A CITY OFFICERS ELECTION TO BE HELD AS A JOINT ELECTION WITH WHARTON COUNTY ELECTIONS DEPARTMENT FOR THE PURPOSE OF ELECTING THE POSITIONS OF MAYOR AND COUNCILMEMBERS; City of Wharton City Council Regular Meeting Minutes- January 24, 2022 Page 3 of 22 PROVIDING FOR THE DATE, TIME, AND PLACE OF THE ELECTION, NOTICE OF THE ELECTION, FILING APPLICATIONS, DRAWING FOR BALLOT POSITIONS, USE OF ACCESSIBLE VOTING SYSTEM, APPOINTMENT OF ELECTION WORKERS, EARLY VOTING, AND MAKING ELECTION RETURNS. BE IT ORDAINED by the City Council of the City of Wharton, Texas: Section 32 of the City Charter provides that regular elections to elect members of the city council shall be held on the first Saturday of May each year. At the regular election in each even- numbered year, the voters shall elect a mayor and three councilmen. At the regular election in each odd- numbered year, the voters shall elect three ( 3) councilmen. The mayor and councilmen shall serve for terms and numbered places as provided in Article II of this charter. The city council may, by ordinance or resolution, order special elections, fix the dates, give notice, and provide all means for holding such special elections." Joint Election Wharton County Elections Department will be conducting the duties as described in the Joint Election Agreement. Position An election shall be held in the City of Wharton, Texas, for the purpose of electing the following officials for the City: Mayor— At Large Councilmember— District No. 2 Councilmember- District No. 4 Councilmember at Large- Place No. 6 Date An election shall be held in the City of Wharton, Texas, on May 7, 2022. Time The polls shall open for voting at 7 a.m. and shall close at 7 p.m. Location The election shall be held at: LOCATION OF POLLING PLACE ( UBICACIONDEL LUGAR DE VOTACION) Wharton Civic Center— Duncan Auditorium 1924 N. Fulton St. Wharton, Texas 77488 City of Wharton City Council Regular Meeting Minutes- January 24, 2022 Page 4 of 22 Wharton County Library— El Campo Branch 200 W. Church. El Campo, Texas 77437 Wharton County Library— East Bernard Branch 746 Clubside Drive East Bernard, Texas 77435 Notice of City Officers' Election The Mayor shall cause a notice by publication of this election to be published at least once in a newspaper that is published in the City of Wharton, Texas, and that is in the jurisdiction of the City of Wharton, Texas, which publication shall be not earlier that the 30th day nor later than the loth day before election day. The Mayor shall also give notice of the election by causing a copy of the notice of election to be posted not later than the 21st day before election day on the bulletin board located at the City Hall, 120 East Caney, Wharton, Texas, and used for posting notices of meetings of the Wharton City Council. The notice shall include the location of the polling place. Eligibility to Vote The election shall be held in accordance with the Election Code of the State of Texas. Only qualified resident voters of the City of Wharton, Texas, shall be eligible to vote in the election. Candidate Names The City Secretary shall, in accordance with the terms and provisions of the Texas Election Code, order the candidate names to be printed on the ballots for said General Election. Filing Candidates must file applications for a place on the ballot with the City Secretary of the City of Wharton, Texas, beginning on January 19, 2022 and continuing through 5: 00 p.m. on February 18, 2022. A declaration of write-in candidacy must be filed not later than 5: 00 P. M. on February 22, 2022. Candidates for City Councilmember must designate the position filed for either Mayor— At Large, Councilmember— District No. 2, Councilmember- District No. 4 or Councilmember at Large- Place No. 6. Drawing for Ballot Positions On February 24, 2022 at 10: 00 a.m., a drawing will take place in the office of the City Secretary for the purpose of determining the order of the candidates' names as they are to appear on the ballot. City of Wharton City Council Regular Meeting Minutes- January 24, 2022 Page 5 of 22 The City Secretary shall post a notice of the date, hour, and place of the drawing and this notice shall remain posted continuously for at least 72 hours immediately preceding the scheduled time of the drawing. Ballots Paper ballots shall be used for the purposes of provisional and mail-out for early voting and provisional for election day. Accessible Voting System Section 61. 012 of the Texas Election Code requires that the City of Wharton must provide at least one accessible voting system in each polling place used in a Texas election on or after January 1, 2006. This system must comply with state and federal laws setting the requirements for voting systems that permit voters with physical disabilities to cast a secret ballot. The Office of the Texas Secretary of State has certified that the ExpressVote BMD voting machines are an accessible voting system that may legally be used in Texas elections. Sections 123. 032 and 123. 035 of the Texas Election Code authorize the acquisition of voting systems by local political subdivisions and further mandate certain minimum requirements for contracts relating to the acquisition of such voting systems. The City of Wharton shall lease or rent from the County of Wharton as authorized by Section 123. 032. The City of Wharton hereby adopts for use in Early Voting and Election Day Voting the ExpressVote BMD voting machines as approved by the Secretary of State to comply with HAVA requirements. Elections Recording Management Tabulation System The City of Wharton shall lease or rent from the County the ERM ( Elections Recording Management) systems for tabulation purposes, if needed. Election Officers The Wharton County Elections Department( WCED) will be responsible for the appointment of the presiding judge and alternate judge. The following- named persons are appointed officers for the election: Early Voting Presiding Judge: Faye Evans Early Voting Alternate Presiding Judge: Joyce Ferrell Election Day Presiding Judge: Lorna Kaiser Election Day Alternate Judge: Melvin Sands WCED shall arrange the training. WCED is responsible for notifying the election presiding and alternate judges of the eligibility requirements of Subchapter C of Chapter 32 of the Texas Election City of Wharton City Council Regular Meeting Minutes- January 24, 2022 Page 6 of 22 Code, and will take the necessary steps to insure that the presiding and alternate judges appointed are eligible to serve. The presiding judge, with the assistance from WCED, will be responsible for insuring the eligibility of each appointed clerk hired to assist the judge in the conduct of the election. Early Voting Wharton CountyElections Administrator irustrator is Cindy Richter appointed early voting clerk and is authorized to appoint other deputies to serve as early voting clerks. The early voting by personal appearance for the above-designated election shall take place at: EARLY VOTING LOCATION ( Ubicacidn de las casillas electorates de votacion anticipada) Wharton County Library— El Campo Branch— Mayors room 200 W. Church. El Campo, Texas 77437 Wharton County Annex D, Classroom 116 315 E. Milam Street Wharton, Texas 77488 Wharton County Library— East Bernard 746 Clubside Drive East Bernard, Texas 77435 The place for early voting shall remain open on each day that is not a Saturday, Sunday, or an official state holiday, between the hours of 8 a.m. and 5 p.m., beginning on April 25, 2022 and continuing through April 29, 2022; Monday, May 2, 2022 and continuing through Tuesday, May 3, 2022 between the hours of 7 a. m. to 7 p. m. Voters may send ballot applications and mailed ballots to the Wharton County Elections Administrator' s office at P. O. Box 390, Wharton, TX 77488. Early Voting Ballot Board An Early Voting Ballot Board is hereby established for the purpose of early voting results. Wharton County Elections Administrator shall appoint the Presiding Judge ofthe Early Voting Ballot Board. Wharton County Elections Administrator shall act as Early Voting Ballot Board Clerk. Compensation for Election Officials and Clerks The election officials and clerks shall be compensated in the following manner: The Election Judge for the May 7, 2022 General Election shall be paid$ 9. 25 per hour. The Election Judge shall also be paid $25. 00 for delivering the precinct records, keys to ballot box or other election equipment and unused election supplies after the election. The Alternate Judge for the May 7, 2022 General Election shall be paid$ 8. 75 per hour. The Election Clerk( s) for the May 7, 2022 General Election shall be paid $ 8. 75 per hour. City of Wharton City Council Regular Meeting Minutes- January 24, 2022 Page 7 of 22 Writ of Election Wharton County Elections Administrator shall deliver to the above- appointed presiding judge for the election not later than the 15th day before election day. Returns Section 41 of the City Charter provides that city elections shall be canvassed within one ( 1) week after the election; however, pursuant to changes in the Texas Election Code, Section 67. 003, the local canvass shall convene not earlier than the third day or later than the I I1h day after the election day." The period for official canvass shall be from May 10— 18, 2022. The officers holding the election shall make returns of the results thereof to the Mayor of this City, as required by the Election Code of the State of Texas. Order The City Council of the City of Wharton, Texas, shall order the election, in accordance with the foregoing provisions. Severability If any court of competent jurisdiction rules that any section, subsection, sentence, clause, phrase, or portion of this ordinance is invalid or unconstitutional, any such portion shall be deemed to be a separate, distinct, and independent provision, and any such ruling shall not affect the validity of the remaining portions hereof. Passage and Approval PASSED AND APPROVED by the City Council of the City of Wharton, Texas, on this 24th day of January, 2022. CITY OF WHARTON, TEXAS ATTEST: By: Don Mueller Paula Favors Mayor Pro- Tem City Secretary APPROVED AS: Paul Webb City of Wharton City Council Regular Meeting Minutes- January 24, 2022 Page 8 of 22 City Attorney CIUDAD DE WHARTON, TEXAS ORDENANZA No 2022- 03B UNA ORDENANZA ORDENANDO UNA ELECCION DE FUNCIONARIOS DE LA CIUDAD A CELEBRARSE DE FORMA CONJUNTA CON EL DEPARTAMENTO DE ELECCIONES DEL CONDADO DE WHARTON CON EL PROPOSITO DE ELEGIR PUESTOS DE ALCALDE Y. CONCEJALES; ASIGNANDO LA FECHA, HORAS, Y LUGAR DE LA ELECCION, EL AVISO DE LA ELECCION, PRESENTACION DE SOLICITUDES, SORTEO PARA LUGARES EN LA BALOTA, USO DE SISTEMA DE VOTACION ACCESIBLE, NOMBRAMIENTO DE LOS TRABAJADORES DE LA ELECCION, VOTACION ANTICIPADA, Y ENTREGA DE LOS RESULTADOS DE LA ELECCION. El Consejo Municipal de La Ciudad De Wharton, Texas, ORDENA: La Seccion 32 de la Carta Constitutiva establece que se realicen elecciones ordinarias para elegir concejales el primer sdbado de mayo de cada ano. En la eleccion regular de cada ano par, los votantes elegirdn un alcalde y tres concejales. En la eleccion regular de cada ano impar, los votantes elegirdn tres ( 3) concejales. El alcalde y los concejales desempenardn sus puestos durante el periodo de tiempo y en los lugares numerados segun se establece en el Articulo II de esta carta. El consejo municipal puede, ya sea por medio de una ordenanza o de una resolucion, ordenar elecciones especiales, fijar las fechas, dar aviso y ofrecer todos los medios para realizar tales elecciones especiales" Eleccion con'Junta El Departamento de elecciones del condado de Wharton realizard las obligaciones descritas en el Acuerdo de Eleccion Conjunta. Puesto Se celebrard una eleccion en la ciudad de Wharton, Texas, con el proposito de elegir a los siguientes oficiales de la Ciudad: Alcalde: de forma irrestricta Concejal - Distrito No. 2 Concejal— Distrito No. 4 City of Wharton City Council Regular Meeting Minutes- January 24, 2022 Page 9 of 22 Concejal de forma irrestricta— Posici6n No. 6 Fecha Se celebrard una elecci6n en la ciudad de Wharton, Texas, el 7 de mayo de 2022. Horas Los lugares de votaci6n abrirdn para votar a las 7: 00 a. m. y se cerrardn a las 7: 00 p. m. Lugar La elecci6n se celebrard en el Auditorio Duncan del Centro Civico de Wharton, 1924 N. Fulton Street, Wharton, Texas 77488, Biblioteca del Condado de Wharton — Sucursal El Campo 200 W. Iglesia. El Campo, Texas 77437 y Biblioteca del condado de Wharton— East Bernard Branch 746 Clubside Drive East Bernard, Texas 77435. Aviso de elecci6n de oficiales municipales El Alcalde anunciard el aviso de la elecci6n mediante la publicaci6n del aviso por to menos una vez en un peri6dico publicado en la ciudad de Wharton, Texas, y que este en la jurisdicci6n de la ciudad de Wharton, Texas, cuya publicaci6n no sea anterior a 30 dias antes ni posterior a 10 dias antes de la fecha del dia de la elecci6n. El Alcalde tambien anunciard el aviso de la elecci6n mediante la publicaci6n del aviso en el tablero de anuncios ubicado en la Alcaldia, 120 East Caney, Wharton, Texas, utilizado para publicar los avisos de las reuniones del Concejo Municipal de Wharton no despues de 21 dias antes de la elecci6n. El aviso coiitendrd la ubicaci6n del lugar de la votaci6n. Elegibilidad para votar La elecci6n se realizard de acuerdo con el C6digo de Elecciones del estado de Texas. Solamente los electores capacitados de la ciudad de Wharton, Texas, serdn elegibles para votar en la elecci6n. Nombres de los candidates La Secretaria Municipal de acuerdo con los terminos y disposiciones del C6digo de Elecciones del estado de Texas ordenard que los nombres de los candidatos sean impresos en las balotas para dicha Elecci6n General. City of Wharton City Council Regular Meeting Minutes- January 24, 2022 Page 10 of 22 Periodo de presentaci6n Los candidatos deben presentar sus solicitudes para un lugar en la balota a la Secretaria Municipal de la Ciudad de Wharton, Texas, a partir del 19 de enero de 2022 y continuando hasta las 5: 00 de la tarde del 18 de febrero de 2022. La declaraci6n de solicitud de candidato anotado se debe presentar no mds tarde de las 5: 00 de la tarde del 22 de febrero de 2022. Los candidatos para concejales municipales deben designar el puesto al que se estan postulando, ya sea para Alcalde de forma irrestricta, para concejal- Distrito No. 2, concejal - Distrito No. 4, concejal - Distrito No. 6 de forma irrestricta. Sorteo para los lugares en las balotas El 24 de febrero de 2022, a las 10: 00 de la manana se celebrard un sorteo en las oficinas de la Secretaria Municipal con el prop6sito de determinar el orden en que los nombres de los candidatos se imprimirdn en la balota. La Secretaria Municipal publicard el aviso de la fecha, hora y lugar del sorteo y este aviso deberd permanecer anunciado continuamente por to menos las 72 horas inmediatamente anteriores a la hora programada para tal sorteo Balotas Se usardn balotas de papel con los prop6sitos de los votos provisionales y por correo para la votaci6n anticipada y provisionales para el dia de la elecci6n. Sistema de votaci6n Accesible La secci6n 61. 012 del C6digo de Elecciones de Texas requiere que la Ciudad de Wharton debera ofrecer al menos un sistema de votaci6n accesible en cada lugar de votaci6n usado en cualquier elecci6n de Texas a partir del 10 de enero de 2006. Este sistema debe de cumplir con las leyes federales y estatales que establecen los requisitos para sistemas de votaciones para que los votantes con discapacidades fisicas voten en una balota secreta. La oficina del Secretario de Texas ha certificado que las mdquinas de votaci6n Express Vote BMD son un sistema de votaci6n accesible que puede ser usado legalmente en las elecciones de Texas. Las secciones 123. 032 y 123. 035 del C6digo de Elecciones de Texas autorizan a las subdivisiones politicas la adquisici6n de sistemas de votaci6n y ademds ordenan ciertos City of Wharton City Council Regular Meeting Minutes- January 24, 2022 Page 11 of 22 requisitos minimos para los contratos relacionados con la adquisici6n de tales sistemas de votaci6n. La Ciudad de Wharton arrendard o alquilard del condado de Wharton segun estd autorizado por la secci6n 123. 032, si fuera necesario. La Ciudad de Wharton por medio del presente adopta para su use en la votaci6n anticipada y en el dia de la elecci6n las mdquinas de votaci6n Express Vote BMD segun estd aprobado por el Secretario del Estado para cumplir con los requisitos HAVA. Sistema de Administraci6n de la Tabulaci6n de los Registros La Ciudad de Wharton arrendard o alquilard del condado la ERM ( Administraci6n de Registros de Elecciones) con los prop6sitos de tabulaci6n, si fuera necesario. Oficiales de la elecci6n El Departamento de Elecciones del Condado de Wharton( WCED) sera responsable del nombramiento del juez presidente y del juez presidente alterno. Las siguientes personas quedan nombradas como oficiales para la elecci6n. Juez Presidente de la Votaci6n Anticipada: Faye Evans Juez Presidente Alterno de la Votaci6n Anticipada: Joyce Ferrell Juez Presidente el Dia de la Elecci6n: Lorna Kaiser Juez Presidente Alterno el Dia de la Elecci6n: Melvin Sands El WCED dispondrd el entrenamiento. El WCED es responsable de notificar al juez presidente y al juez presidente alterno de los requisitos del Subcapitulo C del Capitulo 32 del C6digo de Elecciones de Texas, y tomard las medidas necesarias para asegurar que el juez presidente y el juez presidente alterno nombrados sean elegibles para desempenar el cargo. El juez presidente, con la asistencia del WCED, sera responsable de asegurar la elegibilidad de cada secretaria nombrada para asistir al juez presidente a realizar la elecci6n. Votaci6n anticipada La administradora de elecciones del Condado de Wharton es Cindy Richter nombrada como secretaria de la votaci6n anticipada y queda autorizada a nombrar a otros asistentes para desempenarse como secretarias de la votaci6n anticipada. La votaci6n anticipada por com arecencia pe rsonal para la elecci6n nom rada a ui arriba se realizard en el Anexo D del Condado de Wharton, Sala 115, E. Milam, Wharton, Texas 77488, City of Wharton City Council Regular Meeting Minutes- January 24, 2022 Page 12 of 22 Biblioteca del Condado de Wharton— Sucursal El Campo 200 W. Iglesia. El Campo, Texas 77437 y Biblioteca del condado de Wharton — East Bernard Branch 746 Clubside Drive East Bernard, Texas 77435. El lugar de votaci6n anticipada permanecera abierto cada dia que no sea sybado, domingo, o fiesta estatal oficial, desde las 8: 00 de la manana hasta las 5: 00 de la tarde, comenzando el 25 de abril de 2022 y continuando hasta abril 29 de 2022 inclusive; el lunes mayo 2, de 2022 y continuando el martes 3 de 2022 desde las 7: 00 de la manana a las 7: 00 de la noche. Los votantes deben enviar las solicitudes de balotas y las balotas votadas por correo a la oficina de la administradora de elecciones del Condado de Wharton: P. O. Box 390, Wharton, Texas 77488. Junta de Balotas de la Votaci6n Anticipada Por medio del presente se establece una Junta de Balotas de la Votaci6n Anticipada con el prop6sito de los resultados de la votaci6n anticipada. La administradora de elecciones del Condado de Wharton nombrara al juez presidente de la Junta de Balotas de la Votaci6n Anticipada. La administradora de elecciones del Condado de Wharton actuary como secretaria de de la Junta de Balotas de la Votaci6n Anticipada. Compensaci6n Para los Oficiales y los Secretarios de la Elecci6n Los oficiales y los secretarios de la elecci6n seryn compensados de la siguiente forma: El juez de la elecci6n de la elecci6n general del 7 de mayo de 2022 sera remunerado a 9. 25 por hora. El juez de la elecci6n tambien sera pagado $ 25. 00 por entregar los registros de los precintos, las Haves de la caja de las balotas u otro equipo electoral y los suministros electorales que no se hayan usado despues de la elecci6n. El Juez alterno para la elecci6n general del 7 de mayo de 2022 sera remunerado a$ 8. 75 por hora. Los secretarios de la elecci6n para la elecci6n general del 7 de mayo de 2022 seran remunerados a$ 8. 75 por hora. Oficio de Elecci6n La administradora de elecciones del Condado de Wharton entregard al arriba nombrado juez presidente para la elecci6n no mys tarde. de 15 dias antes del dia de la elecci6n. Resultados City of Wharton City Council Regular Meeting Minutes- January 24, 2022 Page 13 of 22 La Secci6n 41 de la Carta Constitutiva dispone que las elecciones municipales seran escrutinadas durante una ( 1) semana despu6s de la elecci6n; sin embargo, de acuerdo con los cambios del C6digo de Elecciones de Texas, Secci6n 67. 003, el escrutinio local se congregara no antes del tercer dia ni mas tarde del onceavo ( 11) dia despu6s del dia de la elecci6n.". El periodo para los escrutinios oficiales sera desde el 10 hasta el 18 de mayo de 2022. Los oficiales que realicen la elecci6n deberan entregar los resultados de ella al alcalde de esta Ciudad, segue to requiere el C6digo de Elecciones del Estado de Texas. Orden El Consejo Municipal de la Ciudad de Wharton, Texas, ordenara la elecci6n de acuerdo con las siguientes disposiciones. Divisibilidad Si algiin tribunal de jurisdicci6n competente dicta que cualquier secci6n, subsecci6n, oraci6n, clausula, frase, o. parte de esta orden sea invalida o inconstitucional, dicha parte sera considerada como disposici6n separada, distinta e independiente, y dicho dictamen no afectara a la validez de las partes restantes de esta. Promulgaci6n y Aprobaci6n PASADO Y APROBADO por El Consejo Municipal de la Ciudad de Wharton, Texas, este dia 24 de enero de 2022. CIUDAD DE WHARTON, TEXAS ATESTIGUACION: Por: Por: Don Mueller Paula Favors Alcalde Pro- Tem Secretaria Municipal APROBADO: Paul Webb Abogado Municipal City of Wharton City Council Regular Meeting Minutes- January 24, 2022 Page 14 of 22 Councilmember, Alice-Heard Roberts, seconded the motion. All voted in favor. The fifth item on the agenda was to review and consider a resolution of the Wharton City Council approving a Joint Election Agreement with Wharton County Elections Department for the City Election; and authorizing the Mayor of the City of Wharton to execute the agreement. City Manager, Joseph R. Pace, presented a copy of the Joint Election Agreement with the Wharton County Elections Department for the City Election, which will be held May 7, 2022. City Secretary, Paula Favors, stated City Attorney, Paul Webb, had reviewed the Joint Election Agreement and was recommending City Council consider approving the agreement. After some discussion, Councilmember, Terry Freese, moved to approve City of Wharton Resolution No. 2022- 08, which read as follows: CITY OF WHARTON RESOLUTION NO. 2022- 08 A RESOLUTION OF THE WHARTON CITY COUNCIL APPROVING A JOINT ELECTION AGREEMENT WITH WHARTON COUNTY ELECTIONS DEPARTMENT FOR THE CITY ELECTION; AND AUTHORIZING THE MAYOR OF THE CITY OF WHARTON TO EXECUTE THE AGREEMENT. WHEREAS, The Wharton City Council wishes to approve the joint agreement with Wharton County Elections Department for the City election; and, WHEREAS, The City of Wharton and Wharton County Elections Department wishes to be bound by the conditions set forth in the agreement; and, WHEREAS, The Wharton City Council wishes to authorize the Mayor of the City of Wharton to execute the agreement. NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF WHARTON, TEXAS as follows: Section I. That the Wharton City Council hereby approves an agreement between the City of Wharton and Wharton County Elections Department for the City election. Section H. That the City of Wharton and Wharton County Elections Department are hereby bound by the conditions set forth in the agreement. Section III. That the Wharton City Council hereby authorizes the Mayor of the Wharton to execute the agreement. Section. IV. That this resolution shall become effective immediately upon its passage. Passed, Approved, and Adopted this the 24th day of January 2022. i City of Wharton City Council Regular Meeting Minutes- January 24, 2022 Page 15 of 22 CITY OF WHARTON By: DON MUELLER Mayor Pro- Tem ATTEST: PAULA FAVORS City Secretary Councilmember, Clifford Jackson, seconded the motion. All voted in favor. The sixth item on the agenda was to review and consider Pay Request No. 1 from Weisinger Incorporated for the Wharton Well and Water Plant Contract No. 2 — Well Construction. City Manager, Joseph R. Pace, presented a copy of Pay Request No. 1 from Weisnger Incorporated for the Wharton Well and Water Plant Contract No. 2 — Well Construction in the amount of 335, 540. 00. After some discussion, Councilmember, Clifford Jackson, moved to approve pay request no. 1 from Weisinger Incorporated for the Wharton Well and Water Plant Contract No. 2 Well Construction in the amount of$ 335, 540. 00. Councilmember, Steve Schneider, seconded the motion. All voted in favor. The seventh item on the agenda was to review and consider a resolution of the Wharton City Council approving Amendment No. 1 for the Percheron Professional Service Agreement for the City of Wharton FM 1301 Extension Real Estate Support Services and authorizing the Mayor to execute all documents related to said amendment. City Manager, Joseph R. Pace, stated that on January 18, 2022, the City Staff received the request for Amendment No. 1 from Percheron for a 2, 500. 00 increase to the Professional Service Agreement executed on April 21, 2021, for the City of Wharton FM 1301 Extension Real Estate Support Services. Director of Planning and Development, Gwyn Teves, stated the additional fee was requested for coordination and assistance with two relocations of personal property for two of the acquired parcels. Mrs. Teves said in the original scope, no relocations included. were After some discussion, Councilmember, Terry Freese moved to approve City of Wharton Resolution No. 2022- 09, which read as follows: CITY OF WHARTON RESOLUTION NO. 2022- 09 A RESOLUTION OF THE WHARTON CITY COUNCIL APPROVING AMENDMENT NO. 1 FOR THE PERCHERON PROFESSIONAL SERVICE AGREEMENT FOR THE CITY OF WHARTON FM 1301 EXTENSION REAL ESTATE SUPPORT SERVICES AND AUTHORIZING THE MAYOR TO EXECUTE ALL DOCUMENTS RELATED TO THE AMENDMENT. I City of Wharton City Council Regular Meeting Minutes- January 24, 2022 Page 16 of 22 WHEREAS, The Wharton City Council wishes to approve Amendment No. 1 for the Percheron Professional Service Agreement for the City of Wharton FM 1301 Real Estate Support Services; and, WHEREAS, The additional fee is requested for coordination and assistance with 2 relocations of personal property for 2 of the acquired parcels. In the original scope, no relocations were included; and, WHEREAS, The Wharton City Council wishes to authorize the Mayor to execute all documents related to the amendment. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF WHARTON, TEXAS as follows: Section I. The Wharton City Council hereby authorizes Amendment No. 1 for the Percheron Professional Service Agreement for the City of Wharton FM 1301 Real Estate Support Services. Section II. The Wharton City Council hereby authorizes the Mayor to execute all documents related to the amendment. Section III. That this resolution shall become effective immediately upon its passage. Passed, Approved, and Adopted this- 24th day of January 2022. CITY OF WHARTON, TEXAS By: DON MUELLER Mayor Pro- Tem ATTEST: PAULA FAVORS City Secretary Councilmember, Clifford Jackson, seconded the motion. All voted in favor. The eighth item on the agenda was to review and consider a resolution of the Wharton City Council approving Change Order No. 2 with E Contractors for the Wharton Well and Water Plant Project and authorizing the Mayor to execute all documents related to said Change Order. City Manager, Joseph R. Pace, presentedcopy of the Wharton Well & Water Plant — Contract # 1 ( General a Construction), Change Order# 1 from E- Contractors to increase material costs for Contract# 1 for City of Wharton City Council Regular Meeting Minutes- January 24, 2022 Page 17 of 22 the new water well due material cost increases. After some discussion, Councilmember, Clifford Jackson, moved to approve City of Wharton Resolution No. 2022- 10, which read as follows: CITY OF WHARTON RESOLUTION NO. 2022- 10 A RESOLUTION OF THE WHARTON CITY COUNCIL APPROVING CHANGE ORDER NO. 2 WITH E CONTRACTORS FOR THE WHARTON WELL AND WATER PLANT PROJECT AND AUTHORIZING THE MAYOR TO EXECUTE ALL DOCUMENTS RELATED TO SAID CHANGE ORDER. WHEREAS, The Wharton City Council wishes to approve Change Order No. 2 with E Contractors for the Wharton Well and Water Plant Project; and, WHEREAS, The Wharton City Council wishes to authorize the Mayor to execute all documents related to the change order. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF WHARTON, TEXAS as follows: Section I. The Wharton City Council hereby authorizes Change Order No. 2 with E Contractors for the Wharton Well and Water Plant Project. Section H. The Wharton City Council hereby authorizes the Mayor to execute all documents related to the change order. Section 111. That this resolution shall become effective immediately upon its passage. Passed, Approved, and Adopted this 24th day of January 2022. CITY OF WHARTON, TEXAS By: DON MUELLER Mayor ATTEST: PAULA FAVORS City Secretary Councilmember, Terry Freese, seconded the motion. All voted in favor. City of Wharton City Council Regular Meeting Minutes- January 24, 2022 Page 18 of 22 The nineth item on the agenda was to review and consider Wharton Economic Development Corporation: A. Wharton Economic Development Corporation Resolution No. 2022- 01. City Manager, Joseph R. Pace, presented a copy of the Wharton Economic Development Corporation Resolution No. 2022- 01, which read as follows: WHARTON ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION RESOLUTION NO. 2022- 01 A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING WHARTON EDC TO ENTER INTO AN AGREEMENT WITH OAKBEND MEDICAL CENTER Wharton Economic Development Corporation(" Corporation") is a non- profit corporation organized under the provisions of Article 5190. 6, Section 4B, Vernon' s Texas Civil Statutes as amended, and, WHEREAS the Corporation will authorize the payment of$ 100, 000 to OakBend Medical Center("OAKBEND") for property improvements at 10141 US Hwy 59 Rd., Wharton, Texas 77488 "( PROJECT") and, WHEREAS the fifty percent of the funds will be distributed upon completion of a corresponding documented amount of work for the PROJECT no earlier than the first quarter of calendar year 2022, and, fifty percent of the funds will be distributed upon completion of the project, no earlier than the fourth quarter of calendar year 2022 WHEREAS a performance agreement will be executed by Corporation and OAKBEND prior to any funding from Corporation to OAKBEND, and WHEREAS the Corporation deems OAKBEND as necessary for the expansion of business enterprises as per Chapter 505 Section 158 of the Texas Local Government Code. NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF CORPORATION that; The Corporation will make funds of$ 100, 000 available to OAKBEND to reimburse the costs of the PROJECT. This resolution was adopted at a regular meeting of the Board of Directors of Corporation on January 10, 2022. WHARTON ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION, WHARTON, TEXAS By: Freddie Pekar City of Wharton City Council Regular Meeting Minutes- January 24, 2022 Page 19 of 22 President ATTEST: Michael Wootton Secretary After some discussion, no action was taken. The tenth item on the agenda was to review and consider an update of City of Wharton Grant Programs. City Manager, Joseph R. Pace, presented a copy of a memorandum from the Director of Planning and Development, Gwyn Teves, providing an update on the City of Wharton Grant Programs. After some discussion, no action was taken. The eleventh item on the agenda was to review and consider an update of City of Wharton on- going Projects. City Manager, Joseph R. Pace, presented his memorandum dated January 11, 2022, providing an update on the City of Wharton current projects as of December 31, 2021, which read as follows: FLOOD REDUCTION (LEVEE) PROJECT: The U. S. Army Corp of Engineers ( USACE) Lower Colorado River Phase I Report - City of Wharton Flood Prevention Project and Recommended report is located at the Wharton County Library and the office of the City of Wharton City Secretary for viewing or the report may be viewed on line at information- a- notices,' Ierb- feasihilit,- stizdv. The Project Participation Agreement( PPA) has been executed. The City has hired HDR for Right- of-Way Acquisition and Jones& Carter for City and private company utility relocations. The City has acquired all but 1 property for Phase 1 and is currently proceeding with Eminent Domain on the last property. Utility relocations for both City utilities and private utilities has started. DRAINAGE: 1. Stavena Addition Drainage Project. The design and construction plans are complete. The challenge on this project is to find locations to place approximately 35, 000 cubic yards of soil. The ideal disposal site should be close to the project site to reduce the cost of construction. The project is one of the construction projects to be funded with the Texas Water Development Board( TWDB) Flood Infrastructure Fund Program for partial assistance. 2. Ahldag Ditch Improvement. The project was approved by the City Council. Public Works Department is currently working out the details. improvements The ditch p were proposed under the Texas General Land Office p p GLO) Infrastructure Grant Program. The staff is currently working with an appraiser for ROW acquisition. The project is also listed as one of the construction projects to be funded with the  City of Wharton City Council Regular Meeting Minutes- January 24, 2022 Page 20 of 22 Texas Water Development Board ( TWDB) Flood Infrastructure Fund Program for partial assistance. 3. On- going Drainage and Maintenance Program. The Public Works Department has continued working on cleaning residential drainage ditches that have experienced poor drainage. 4. Pecan Acres ( Mahan, Kinkaid, Delmas) Drainage Project. Installation of the drainage pipes completed. was The City Public Works Department will be regrading ditches to improve the drainage in the area. The project is listed as one of the construction projects to be funded with the Texas Water Development Board ( TWDB) Flood Infrastructure Fund Program for partial assistance. WATER/ SEWER IMPROVEMENTS: 1. On-going Water and Sewer Maintenance Program. Water leaks and sewer failures are still being seen in the month of December. 2. Water Well and Water Plant Project— CR 222 ( Halford). Halff and Associates the City' s engineering firm on the project has completed the construction plans. The City Council and USDA have approved the construction contracts and construction has begun with E- Contractors and Wiesinger, Inc. Monthly progress meetings are being held. The test well has been started and is at 720 ft at 18. 5" and 400 ft to go before setting temporary casings for testing. STREET IMPROVEMENTS: 1. FM 1301 Extension and Overpass Project Progress Report. IDC Inc. has submitted to TxDOT Yoakum District Office all required plans for the project. The City Staff continues to coordinate with TxDOT to ensure the project continues to move forward. The City has received the funding for the project under the State Infrastructure Bank ( SIB) Program. The City has acquired all but 1 property and is currently in the process of negotiations with them. 2. I-69 Project. The City submitted the approved comments as by the City Council to TxDOT. TxDOT has informed the City that CivilCorp engineering has begun design and the City is involved in regular coordination meetings. 3. NanYa Exit Ramp Project. TxDOT has been coordinating with NanYa and JM Eagle on the exit design. After some discussion, no action was taken. City of Wharton City Council Regular Meeting Minutes- January 24, 2022 Page 21 of 22 The twelfth item on the agenda was to review and consider appointments and resignations to the City of Wharton Boards, Commissions and Committees. After some discussion, no action was taken. The thirteenth item on the agenda was to review and consider City Council Boards, Commissions and Committee Reports: A. Finance Committee meeting held January 10, 2022. B. Parks & Recreation Committee meeting held January 10, 2022. After some discussion, no action was taken. The fourteenth item on the agenda was to review and consider City Manager' s Reports: A. City Secretary/ Personnel. B. Code Enforcement. C. Community Services Department/ Civic Center. D. Emergency Management. E. E. M. S. Department. F. Facilities Maintenance Department/ Wharton Municipal Pool. G. Fire Department. H. Fire Marshal. I. Legal Department. J. Municipal Court. K. Police Department. L. Public Works Department. M. Water/ Sewer Department. N. Weedy Lots/ Sign Ordinance. O. Wharton Regional Airport. After some discussion, no action was taken. There being no further discussion, Councilmember, Steven Schneider, moved to adjourn. Councilmember, Terry Freese, seconded the motion. All voted in favor. The meeting adjourned at 7: 39 p. m. CITY OF / ARTON, TEXAS By: YA1141 r' TIM BARKER Mayor City of Wharton City Council Regular ke&a Minutes- January 2, 202 Page 2o2 ATTEST: P ULA FAVORS Chy Secretary a..