City Council Regular Meeting

MINUTES OF CITY OF WHARTON CITY COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING MAY 22, 2023 Mayor, Tim Barker, 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, Russell Machann, led the opening devotion, and Mayor, Tim Barker, led the pledge of allegiance. Councilmembers present were: Mayor, Tim Barker, and Councilmembers, Terry Freese; Clifford Jackson; Russell Machann; Don Mueller; Larry Pittman, and Steve Schneider. Councilmember absent was: None. Staff members present were: City Manager, Joseph R. Pace; Assistant City Manager, Paula Favors; Finance Director, Joan Andel; Director of Planning and Development, Gwyn Teves, CPM; Police Chief, Terry David Lynch; Patrol Lieutenant, Lance Bothell, Building Official, Claudia Velasquez, EMS Supervisor II, Nancy McKelvy, Paramedic, Michael Boullion, Jr., Advanced EMT, Renae Boullion, EMS Shift Supervisor, Temple Koonce, Paramedic, Anthony Lu, Paramedic, Chip Herman, Paramedic, Shelly Garcia, EMS Director, Christy Gonzales, Paramedic, Marco Gutierrez and Public Works Director, Anthony Arcidiacono. Visitors present were: Walter Garrett, and Al Dube with the Wharton Journal Spectator. Roll Call and Excused Absences. All Councilmembers were present. Public Comments. Mayor, Tim Barker, called for Public Comments. No comments were given. Wharton Moment. Councilmember, Russell Machann, stated he was glad the City Manager was back from vacation and welcomed new City Councilmember Burnell Neal. Proclamation 1. Proclamation: Emergency Medical Services Week. CITY OF WHARTON OFFICE OF THE MAYOR PROCLAMATION  City of Wharton City Council Regular Meeting Minutes— May 22, 2023 Page 2 of 15 Emergency Medical Services Week Proclamation May 21 - 27, 2023 Where Emergency Care Begins" WHEREAS, Emergency Medical Services is a vital public service; and, WHEREAS, The members of Emergency Medical Services Teams are ready to provide lifesaving care to those in need 24 hours a day, seven days a week; and, WHEREAS, Access to quality emergency care dramatically improves the survival and recovery rate of those who experience sudden illness or injury; and, WHEREAS, Emergency Medical Services has grown to fill a gap by providing important, out of hospital care, including preventative medicine, follow-up care, and access to telemedicine; and, WHEREAS, The Emergency Medical Services System consists of First Responders, Emergency Medical Technicians, Paramedics, Emergency Medical Dispatchers, Firefighters, Police Officers, Educators, Administrators, Pre- Hospital Nurses, Emergency Nurses, Emergency Physicians, trained members of the public, and other out of hospital medical care providers; and, WHEREAS, The members of Emergency Medical Services Teams, whether career or volunteer, engage in thousands of hours of specialized training and continuing education to enhance their lifesaving skills; and, WHEREAS, It is appropriate to recognize the value and the accomplishments of Emergency Medical Services providers by designating Emergency Medical Services Week. NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, I, Tim Barker, Mayor of the City of Wharton, in i recognition of this event do hereby proclaim the week of May 21- 27, 2023, in the City of Wharton as: EMERGENCY MEDICAL SERVICES WEEK" with the EMS Strong theme, EMS WEEK: Where Emergency Care Begins, I encourage the community to observe this week with appropriate programs, ceremonies, and activities. IN WITNESS THEREOF, I have set my hand and caused the seal of the City of Wharton to be affixed this 22nd day of May, in the year of our Lord two thousand twenty- three A.D. Tim Barker Mayor City of Wharton City of Wharton City Council Regular Meeting Minutes— May 22, 2023 Page 3 of 15 Review and Consider: The first item on the agenda was to review and consider the City of Wharton Financial Report for April 2023. City of Wharton Finance Director, Joan Andel, presented the City of Wharton Financial Report for April 2023. After some discussion, Councilmember, Russell Machann, moved to approve the City of Wharton Financial Report for April 2023. Councilmember, Don Mueller, seconded the motion. All voted in favor. The second item on the agenda was to review and consider the Annual Drinking Water Quality Report ( Consumer Confidence Report- CCR). Finance Director, Joan Andel, stated the U. S. Environmental Protection Agency ( EPA) required that all community water systems provide an annual Drinking Water Quality Report ( Consumer Confidence Report— CCR) to their customers by July 1 of each year. Mrs. Andel said the City Staff was recommending that a link be established on the City of Wharton Website and instructions on how to access this site be printed on the reverse side of their utility bill which will be mailed on May 31, 2023. She said the City Staff would also like to schedule a public meeting on June 15, 2023, at 5: 00 p.m. at City Hall to allow an opportunity for citizens to ask questions regarding the report. After some discussion, Councilmember, Terry Freese, moved to approve the Annual Drinking Water Quality Report ( Consumer Confidence Report- CCR), establishing a link on the City of Wharton Website with instructions on how to access the site on the reverse side of the utility bills to be mailed on May 31, 2023, and scheduling a public meeting on June 15, 2023, at 5: 00 p. m. at City Hall. Councilmember, Larry Pittman, seconded the motion. All voted in favor. The third item on the agenda was to review and consider a request from Mr. David Lehew of 303 Avenue C, Barbee, Block 10, Lots 7A & 7B for a 4- foot side building line setback from the required 15- foot setback for installation of a storage building. Director of Planning & Development, Gwyn Teves, presented a copy of the request from Mr. David Lehew of 303 Avenue C, Barbee, Block 10, Lots 7A & 7B for a 4- foot side building line setback from the required 15- foot setback for installation of a storage building. Mrs. Teves stated the Planning Commission was to discuss the following item at the meeting to be held on May 15, 2023, but due to a lack of quorum, the request was being referred directly to the City Council so as not to delay the determination beyond the mandatory 30- day time limit. After some discussion, Councilmember, Russell Machann, moved to approve the request from Mr. David Lehew of 303 Avenue C, Barbee, Block 10, Lots 7A& 7B for a 4- foot side building line setback from the required 15- foot setback for installation of a storage building. Councilmember, Larry Pittman, seconded the motion. All voted in favor. The fourth item on the agenda was to review and consider a resolution of the Wharton City Council approving an Interlocal Cooperation Agreement by and between the City of Wharton and Wharton County for mosquito control equipment and authorizing the Mayor of the City of Wharton to execute said agreement. Director of Public Works, Anthony Arcidiacono, stated the City of Wharton Parks & Recreation Department was proposing to enter into an Interlocal Cooperation Agreement with Wharton County for the use of mosquito control equipment. Mr. Arcidiacono City of Wharton City Council Regular Meeting Minutes— May 22, 2023 Page 4 of 15 said the agreement would be in place three( 3) years upon approval and City Attorney, Paul Webb, had reviewed the agreement. After some discussion, Councilmember, Russell Machann, moved to approve City of Wharton Resolution No. 2023- 43, which read as follows: CITY OF WHARTON RESOLUTION NO. 2023- 43 A RESOLUTION OF THE WHARTON CITY COUNCIL APPROVING AN INTERLOCAL COOPERATION AGREEMENT BY AND BETWEEN THE CITY OF WHARTON AND WHARTON COUNTY FOR MOSQUITO CONTROL EQUIPMENT AND AUTHORIZING THE MAYOR OF THE CITY OF WHARTON TO EXECUTE SAID AGREEMENT. WHEREAS, Wharton County and the City of Wharton have agreed to provide mosquito control equipment located within the corporate boundaries of the other party; and, WHEREAS, Wharton County and the City of Wharton have determined that mosquito control equipment provided for herein will serve the interests of the citizens of Wharton County and City of Wharton and the inhabitants thereof and foster future cooperative efforts for utilizing specialized equipment between entities; and, WHEREAS, When requested by Wharton County, the City of Wharton shall furnish mosquito control equipment, reasonably necessary to conduct the agreed upon work between Wharton County and City of Wharton; and, WHEREAS, When requested by the City of Wharton, Wharton County shall furnish mosquito control equipment, reasonably necessary to conduct the agreed upon work between City of Wharton and Wharton County; and, WHEREAS, The Wharton City Council wishes to authorize the Mayor of the City of Wharton to execute an Interlocal Cooperation Agreement by and between the City of Wharton and Wharton County for mosquito control equipment. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF WHARTON, TEXAS hereby: Section I. The Wharton City Council hereby authorizes the Mayor of the City of Wharton to execute the Interlocal Cooperation Agreement by and between the City of Wharton and Wharton County for mosquito control equipment. Section II. That this resolution shall become effective immediately upon its passage. d Passed, Approved, and Adopted this 22° day of May 2023. CITY OF WHARTON, TEXAS i City of Wharton City Council Regular Meeting Minutes— May 22, 2023 Page 5 of 15 By: TIM BARKER Mayor ATTEST: PAULA FAVORS City Secretary Councilmember, Terry Freese, 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 authorizing and ratifying the purchase of a London Fog Model 18- 20 Mosquito Fogger from PHesco International, LLC, and authorizing the City Manager of the City of Wharton to execute all documents related to said purchase. Public Works Director, Anthony Arcidiacono, stated that on May 11, 2023, a London Fog Model 18- 20 Mosquito Fogger was purchased from PHesco International, LLC, due to the current unit not working and multiple calls being received for mosquito spraying. Mr. Arcidiacono said the fogger was delivered on May 16, 2023, and would be installed on May 22, 2023. He said the following vendors were contacted for a quote: 1. PHesco International, LLC.: $ 20, 418. 00 2. Industrial Chemical Cleaner: $ 33, 435. 00 3. Clarke Mosquito Control: No res response. P After some discussion, Councilmember, Terry Freese, moved to approve City of Wharton Resolution No. 2023- 44, which read as follows: CITY OF WHARTON RESOLUTION NO. 2023- 44 A RESOLUTION OF THE WHARTON CITY COUNCIL AUTHORIZING AND RATIFYING THE PURCHASE OF A LONDON FOG MODEL 18- 20 MOSQUITO FOGGER FROM PHESCO INTERNATIONAL, LLC, AND AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER OF THE CITY OF WHARTON TO EXECUTE ALL DOCUMENTS RELATED TO SAID PURCHASES. WHEREAS, On May 11, 2023, a London Fog Model 18- 20 Mosquito Fogger was purchased from PHesco International, LLC, due to the current unit not working and multiple calls being received for mosquito spraying; and, City of Wharton City Council Regular Meeting Minutes— May 22, 2023 Page 6 of 15 WHEREAS, The Wharton City Council ratifies the purchase of a London Fog Model 18- 20 Mosquito Fogger that was purchased from PHesco International, LLC, and wishes to authorize the City Manager of the City of Wharton to execute all documents. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF WHARTON, TEXAS as follows: Section 1. The Wharton City Council hereby authorizes the City Manager of the City of Wharton to execute all documents related to the purchase of the London Fog Model 18- 20 Mosquito Fogger that was purchased from PHesco International, LLC. Section II. That this resolution shall become effective immediately upon its passage. Passed, Approved, and Adopted this 22nd day of May 2023. CITY OF WHARTON, TEXAS r By: TIM BAI& ER Mayor ATTEST: PAULA FAVORS City Secretary Councilmember, Larry Pittman, seconded the motion. All voted in favor. The sixth item on the agenda was to review and consider a resolution of the Wharton City Council approving and ratifying a Mutual- Aid Agreement for Cooperation on Law Enforcement Efforts between the City of Wharton Police Department and the Fayette County Sheriff s Office for April 17, 2023, through October 17, 2023, and authorizing the City Manager of the City of Wharton to execute all documents related to said agreement. Chief of Police, Terry David Lynch, stated it was his recommendation for the City Council to consider the approval and ratification of a Mutual Aid Agreement between the Wharton Police Department and Fayette County Sheriff' s Office and City Attorney, Paul Webb, had reviewed the agreement. Chief Lynch said the agreement was for the ability to conduct interdiction for human smuggling and narcotic contraband along the I-69( Hwy 59) and I- 10 corridors in each respective jurisdiction. After some discussion, Councilmember, Terry Freese, moved to approve City of Wharton Resolution No. 2023- 45, which read as follows: CITY OF WHARTON RESOLUTION NO. 2023- 45 A RESOLUTION OF THE WHARTON CITY COUNCIL APPROVING AND RATIFYING A MUTUAL- AID AGREEMENT FOR COOPERATION ON LAW ENFORCEMENT City of Wharton City Council Regular Meeting Minutes— May 22, 2023 Page 7 of 15 EFFORTS BETWEEN THE CITY OF WHARTON POLICE DEPARTMENT AND THE FAYETTE COUNTY SHERIFF' S OFFICE FOR APRIL 17, 2023, THROUGH OCTOBER 17, 2023, AND AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER OF THE CITY OF WHARTON TO EXECUTE ALL DOCUMENTS RELATED TO SAID AGREEMENT. WHEREAS, The City of Wharton City Council wishes to ratify and enter into a Mutual- Aid Agreement for Cooperation on Law Enforcement Efforts between the City of Wharton Police Department and the Fayette County Sheriff' s Office for April 17, 2023, through October 17, 2023; and, WHEREAS, The agreement is for the ability to conduct interdiction for human smuggling and narcotic contraband along the I- 69 ( Hwy 59) and I- 10 corridors in each respective jurisdiction; and, WHEREAS, The Wharton City Council wishes to authorize the City Manager of the City of Wharton to execute all documents relating to said Mutual- Aid Agreement. BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF WHARTON, TEXAS: SECTION I. The Wharton CityCouncil hereby ratifies and approves the Mutual- Aid Agreement for Cooperation on Law Enforcement Efforts between the City of Wharton Police Department and the Fayette County Sheriffs Office for April 17, 2023, through October 17, 2023. SECTION II. The Wharton City Council hereby authorizes the City Manager of the City of Wharton to execute all documents related to said Mutual- Aid Agreement. SECTION III. That this resolution shall become effective immediately upon its passage. PASSED, APPROVED, and ADOPTED this 22nd day of May 2023. CITY OF WHARTON, TEXAS By: TIM BARKER Mayor ATTEST: PAULA FAVORS City Secretary Councilmember, Larry Pittman, seconded the motion. All voted in favor. City of Wharton City Council Regular Meeting Minutes— May 22, 2023 Page 8 of 15 The seventh item on the agenda was to review and consider a City of Wharton Proficiency Allowances: A. Resolution: A resolution of the Wharton City Council updating the proficiency allowance for the City of Wharton Employees. City Secretary, Paula Favors, presented a copy of a draft resolution updating the proficiency allowances the City offers its employees. Mrs. Favors stated that although some of the proficiency allowances had been in place for several years, the City Staff was recommending that they be updated in this resolution as well as increase some of the proficiency pay amounts. She said the City Council Finance Committee meet on Monday, May 22, 2023, and was recommending the City Council consider approving the proficiency allowances changes. After some discussion, Councilmember, Russell Machann, moved to approve City of Wharton Resolution No. 2023- 46 with an increase of the Certified Public Manager( CPM) allowance to$ 100 per month, which read as follows: CITY OF WHARTON RESOLUTION NO. 2023- 46 A RESOLUTION OF THE WHARTON CITY COUNCIL UPDATING THE PROFICIENCY ALLOWANCE FOR THE CITY OF WHARTON EMPLOYEES. WHEREAS, the Wharton City Council has determined there is a need to improve education for the City of Wharton employees; and, WHEREAS, the Wharton City Council wishes to resend any previous resolution prior to this date for proficiency allowance; and, WHEREAS, the Wharton City Council wishes to update and formalize said policy in resolution form; and, WHEREAS, the Wharton City Council hereby has established a proficiency allowance policy for the City of Wharton employees; and, WHEREAS, the Wharton City Council wishes to authorize proficiency allowance for the City of Wharton Employees who hold current certifications; and, WHEREAS, the Wharton City Council approves this policy in the fiscal year' s budget; and, WHEREAS, the Wharton City Council wishes to authorize the City Manager to implement the policies and procedures as set forth in this proficiency allowance resolution. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF WHARTON, TEXAS as follows: City of Wharton City Council Regular Meeting Minutes— May 22, 2023 Page 9 of 15 Section I. That the Wharton City Council hereby approves the City of Wharton employee' s proficiency allowance policy, as follows: Public Works Department: Water License C 100. 00 per month Water License B 150. 00 per month Water License A 200.00 per month Wastewater License C 100. 00 per month Wastewater License B 150. 00-per month Wastewater License A 200. 00 per month Sewer Collection I 75. 00 per month Sewer Collection 11 100. 00 per month Sewer Collection III 150.00 per month TDA Pesticide Applicators License 100. 00 per month Certified Applicator Technician 50. 00 per month Commercial Driver' s License Class A 50.00 per month Commercial Driver' s License Class A Haz- Maz$ 75. 00 per month Underground Storage Tank Class C 100. 00 per month Underground Storage Tank Class A& B $ 175 00 per month Police Department: Police Officer Intermediate Certificate 80. 00 per month Police Officer Advanced Certificate 120. 00 per month Police Officer Master Certificate 200. 00 per month Communications: Intermediate Telecommunicator 80. 00 per month Advanced Telecommunicator 120. 00 per month Master Telecommunicator 200. 00 per month City Secretary: Texas Registered Municipal Clerk( TRMC) $ 125. 00 per month Master Public Information Officer( FEMA) $ 50.00 per month Municipal Court: Certified Court Clerk Level I 25. 00 per month Certified Court Clerk Level 11 50. 00 per month Certified Municipal Court Clerk 75. 00 per month Code Enforcement: Certified Flood Plain Manager 100. 00 per month City of Wharton City Council Regular Meeting Minutes— May 22, 2023 Page 10 of 15 Texas Code Enforcement Officer License II $ 50. 00 per month Texas Code Enforcement Officer License III$75. 00 per month All: Certified Public Manager( CPM) 100. 00 per month Certified Public Accountant( CPA) 100. 00 per month Section. II. That the Wharton City Council hereby authorizes the City Manager to implement the policies and procedures as set forth in this policy. Section III. That this resolution shall become effective immediately upon its passage. d Passed, Approved, and Adopted this the 22° day of May 2023. CITY OF WHARTON By: TIM BARKER Mayor ATTEST: PAULA FAVORS City Secretary Councilmember, Terry Freese, 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 accepting a Deed of Gift from Greater St. Stephens Baptist Church and authorizing the Mayor of theCity of Wharton to execute all documents related to said deed. Director of Planning & Development, Gwyn Teves, stated the City Staff was contacted by Mr. Louis Byars, President of Trust for the Greater St. Stephens Baptist Church, to inquire about donating a lot to the City, as they had received several weedy lot letters and the church was no longer meeting actively and able to maintain the property. Mrs. Teves said the request was forwarded to City Attorney, Paul Webb, for a title search and concurrence on the advantages of accepting the donation. She said the lot abutted another City of Wharton lot on Harris Street and would connect to this one creating a sizeable lot for future possible development. Councilmember, Russell Machann, moved to approve City of Wharton Resolution No. 2023- 47, which read as follows: CITY OF WHARTON RESOLUTION NO. 2023- 47 City of Wharton City Council Regular Meeting Minutes— May 22, 2023 Page 11 of 15 A RESOLUTION OF THE WHARTON CITY COUNCIL ACCEPTING A DEED OF GIFT FROM GREATER ST. STEPHENS BAPTIST CHURCH, AND AUTHORIZING THE MAYOR OF THE CITY OF WHARTON TO EXECUTE ALL DOCUMENTS RELATED TO SAID DEED. WHEREAS, Greater St. Stephens Baptist Church, Kendleton, Texas, wishes to donate Lot 12 of Block 2 in the Harrison Addition to the City of Wharton; and, WHEREAS, Attached to the Deed of Gift is the Resolution of the meeting of the Greater St. Stephens Board of Trustees, executed by Mr. Louis Byars, President of Trust; and, WHEREAS, The City of Wharton wishes to accept said parcel from Greater St. Stephens Baptist Church; and, WHEREAS, The Wharton City Council wishes to authorize the Mayor of the City of Wharton to execute the deed. NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF WHARTON, TEXAS THAT: Section I: The Wharton City Council hereby accepts the following parcel from Greater St. Stephens Baptist Church, Kendleton, Texas: 1. Lot 12 of Block 2 in the Harrison Addition Section II: The Wharton City Council hereby authorizes the Mayor of the City of Wharton to execute the agreement. Section III: This resolution will become effective immediately upon its passage. d Passed, Approved and Adopted this 22" day of May 2023. CITY OF WHARTON, TEXAS By: TIM BARKER Mayor ATTEST: PAULA FAVORS City Secretary Councilmember, Terry Freese, seconded the motion. All voted in favor. City of Wharton City Council Regular Meeting Minutes— May 22, 2023 Page 12 of 15 The ninth item on the agenda was to review and consider a resolution of the Wharton City Council approving Amendment No. 2 for the Grantworks, Inc., Hazard Mitigation Services Agreement for the Hazard Mitigation Grant Program Generator Project, Contract No. 4332- 0105, and authorizing the Mayor to execute all documents related to the amendment. Director of Planning & Development, Gwyn Teves, stated the City Council approved the original agreement with GrantWorks, Inc., in May of 2018 for the Hazard Mitigation Services. Mrs. Teves said the agreement was for two( 2) years with three( 3) one( I)- year extensions for a total of five( 5) years. She said the administration services provided were for the Hazard Mitigation Grant Program Generator Project, Contract No. 4332- 0105, and the project was ongoing and required administration services and closeout administration. After some discussion, Councilmember, Terry Freese, moved to approve City of Wharton Resolution No. 2023- 48, which read as follows: CITY OF WHARTON RESOLUTION NO. 2023- 48 A RESOLUTION OF THE WHARTON CITY COUNCIL APPROVING AMENDMENT NO. 2 FOR THE GRANTWORKS, INC., HAZARD MITIGATION SERVICES AGREEMENT FOR THE HAZARD MITIGATION GRANT PROGRAM GENERATOR PROJECT, CONTRACT NO. 4332- 0105, AND AUTHORIZING THE MAYOR TO EXECUTE ALL DOCUMENTS RELATED TO THE AMENDMENT. WHEREAS, The Wharton City Council wishes to approve Amendment No. 2 for the GrantWorks, Inc., Hazard Mitigation Services Agreement for the Hazard Mitigation Grant Program Generator Project, Contract No. 4332- 0105; and, WHEREAS, The additional time is requested due to required project extensions from supply shortages; 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 hereby authorizes Amendment Council No. 2 for the GrantWorks, Inc. Hazard Mitigation Services Agreement for the Hazard Mitigation Grant Program Generator Project, Contract No. 4332- 0105. Section H. 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. d Passed, Approved, and Adopted this 22° day of May 2023. City of Wharton City Council Regular Meeting Minutes— May 22, 2023 Page 13 of 15 CITY OF WHARTON, TEXAS By: TIM BARKER Mayor ATTEST: PAULA FAVORS City Secretary Councilmember, Burnell Neal, seconded the motion. All voted in favor. The tenth item on the agenda was to review and consider the Donation of Live Oak Trees and Crepe Myrtles to the City of Wharton from the Caney Creek Conservation Foundation& Friends of Caney Creek. Director of Planning& Development, Gwyn Teves, stated Mr. Walter Garrett on behalf of the Caney Creek Conservation Foundation wished to donate to the City of Wharton approximately seven Live Oak Trees and several Crepe Myrtle Trees for planting along Caney Creek on Park Lane. Mrs. Teves said the City Staff had been meeting monthly with the Friends of Caney Creek at the Wharton Chamber of Commerce and Agriculture to discuss improvements that can be made to the current Caney Creek areas within the City of Wharton. She said the Friends of Caney Creek would also be utilizing the expertise of Mr. Braxton Mitchell of the Wharton County AgriLife Extension Office on the planting recommendations for spacing, setbacks, and watering schedule recommendations in which, Mr. Garrett had also offered to perform the regular watering of the trees until they are established in this location to lessen the burden on City Staff of the maintenance. After some discussion, Councilmember, Terry Freese, moved to approve the donation of Live Oak Trees and Crepe Myrtles to the City of Wharton from the Caney Creek Friends of Creek. Councilmember, Russell Machann, Conservation Foundation & Caney seconded the motion. All voted in favor. The eleventh item on the agenda was to review and consider Pay Request No. 11 from E- Contractors for the Wharton Well and Water Plant Contract No. 1 — General Construction. Director of Planning& Development, Gwyn Teves, presented a copy of Pay Request No. 11 in the amount of$ 93, 707. 31 from E-Contractors for the Wharton Well and Water Plant Contract No. 1 General Construction. After some discussion, Councilmember, Steve Schneider, moved to approve Pay Request No. 11 from E- Contractors for the Wharton Well and Water Plant Contract No. 1 — General Construction. Councilmember, Don Mueller, seconded the motion. All voted in favor. The twelfth item on the agenda was to review and consider an update on the City of Wharton Grant Programs. Director of Planning and Development, Gwyn Teves, presented her update on the City of Wharton Grant Programs. After some discussion, no action was taken City of Wharton City Council Regular Meeting Minutes— May 22, 2023 Page 14 of 15 The thirteenth item on the agenda was to review and consider appointments, resignations, and vacancies to the City of Wharton Boards, Commissions, and Committees: A. Appointments. B. Resignations. C. Vacancies. After some discussion, Councilmember, Russell Machann, moved to appoint the following: A. Appointments. Planning Committee Term Expiring: Johnnie Gonzales June 30, 2023 Burnell Neal Public Works Committee June 30, 2023 Telecommunications Committee Housing Committee Economic Development Committee Wharton Economic Development Board June 30, 2023 Larry Pittman of Directors Selection Committee Councilmember, Steve Schneider, seconded the motion. All voted in favor. The fourteenth item on the agenda was to review and consider City Council Boards, Commissions, and Committee Reports: A. Parks and Recreation meeting held May 8, 2023. After some discussion, no action was taken. The fifteenth 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. City of Wharton City Council Regular Meeting Minutes— May 22, 2023 Page 15 of 15 After some discussion, no action was taken. There being no further discussion, Councilmember, Don Mueller, moved to adjourn. Councilmember, Larry Pittman, seconded the motion. All voted in favor. The meeting adjourned at 7: 30 p. m. CITY OF WHARTON, TEXAS By: A J/` TIM BARKER Mayor A E P ULA FAVORS Ci ecretary trig,: ` _ '. ice^