CITY OF SULPHUR SPRINGS, TEXAS

SPECIAL MEETING OF THE

CITY COUNCIL

SEPTEMBER 28, 2004

7:00 p.m.

Mayor Pro Tem Clay Walker called the regular meeting of the Sulphur Springs City Council to order at 6:00 p.m.  The following council members and staff were present:

                                                Mayor Pro Tem Clay Walker

                                                Councilman Joe Crouch

                                                Councilman Freddie Taylor

                                                Councilman Larry Powers

                                                Councilwoman Lydia Bryant

                                                Councilman Garry Jordan

Absent:                                   Mayor Chris Brown

Staff:              Marc Maxwell, City Manager

                                                Sharon Ricketson, City Secretary

                                                Gale Roberts, City Secretary Trainee

                                                Peter Karstens, Finance Director

PLEDGE AND INVOCATION

Mayor Pro Tem Walker led in the pledge to the flag and the invocation was presented by Councilman Jordan.

DISCUSSION/ACTION ON PUBLIC HEARING, SECOND AND FINAL READING OF ORDINANCE NO. 2406 , THE APPROPRIATIONS ORDINANCE FOR THE CITY OF SULPHUR SPRINGS 2004-2005

A public hearing, second and final reading of Ordinance No. 2406 was heard on setting the budget for the City of Sulphur Springs for 2004 - 2005.  A change to the fee schedule to include certain airport fees have been incorporated in the budget.  The budget also includes a 2-year implementation plan for the police and fire fighter raises and an increased budget for salary for Municipal Court Judge.  The budget also includes $55,000 for a water park in Pacific Park and $35,000 for a restroom in Coleman Park, each of these is included in the General Fund Capital on page 31.  There is no CPI increase for Water and Sewer Utilities.  However, the CPI increase for sanitation rates is included.  There was no one present to speak on the issue.  Councilman Powers moved to approve the ordinance on the second and final reading.  Councilman Walker seconded and the vote was unanimous.

DISCUSSION/ACTION ON PUBLIC HEARING, SECOND AND FINAL READING OF ORDINANCE NO. 2407 SETTING THE TAX RATE FOR THE CITY OF SULPHUR SPRINGS 2004

A public hearing, second and final reading of Ordinance No. 2407 was held setting the tax rate for 2004. The tax rate will remain the same at 44¢ per $100 valuation.  There was no one present to speak on the issue.  Councilman Crouch moved to approve the ordinance on the second and final reading.  Councilwoman Bryant seconded and the vote was unanimous.

DISCUSSION/ACTION ON PUBLIC HEARING, SECOND AND FINAL READING OF ORDINANCE NO. 2408 INCREASING THE SANITATION RATES

A public hearing, second and final reading of Ordinance No. 2408 was held regarding the contract for trash pick up which increases each year by 90% of CPI as published in January.  The contract on the landfill increases by 100% of CPI.  This ordinance will increase the sanitation rates by 2.75% CPI increase.  There was no one present to speak on the issue. Councilwoman Bryant moved to approve the ordinance on second and final reading.  Councilman Crouch seconded and the vote was unanimous.

DISCUSSION/ACTION ON PUBLIC HEARING, SECOND AND FINAL READING OF ORDINANCE NO. 2405 UPDATING SERVICE CREDITS FOR CITY EMPLOYEES AND RETIREES

A public hearing, second and final reading of Ordinance No. 2405 was held regarding the authorization of “Updated Service Credits” and the provision for increase in retirement annuities for CPI increases.  There was no one present to speak on the issue.  Councilman Jordan moved to approve the ordinance on the second and final reading.  Councilman Taylor seconded and the vote was unanimous.

DISCUSSION/ACTION ON PUBLIC HEARING, SECOND AND FINAL READING OF ORDINANCE NO. 2409 REDUCING THE SPEED LIMIT ON S.H. 19 DURING CONSTRUCTION

A public hearing, second and final reading of Ordinance No. 2409 was held regarding a part of the construction project on State Highway 19.  Texas Department of Transportation is requesting the speed limits be reduced for safety of the workers during the time of construction.  The ordinance changes the speed limits on State Highway 19 in the corporate city limits of Sulphur Springs from mile point 16.523 northerly for a distance of approximately 0.419 miles to 40 mph and northerly 0.200 miles to mile point 17.149 a speed limit of 50 mph. There was no one present to speak on the issue.  Councilwoman Bryant moved to approve the ordinance on the second and final reading.  Councilman Jordan seconded and the vote was unanimous.

DISCUSSION/ACTION ON INVESTMENT POLICY RESOLUTION NO. 875

These policies are mandated by state law which also outlines their contents.  State law calls for annual review and adoption by the City Council.  This year the only change recommended is to raise the level of CD investment from 30% to 40%.  With the overall portfolio going down in size, staff recommends additional flexibility in use of CD’s which are collateralized by US securities.  Because they have to be collateralized, the interest rate earned is not much different from that of government securities.  Councilwoman Bryant moved to approve the resolution as presented.  Councilman Jordan seconded and the vote was unanimous.

VISITORS/PUBLIC FORUM

None.

ADJOURN

With all business complete the meeting adjourned at 6:35 p.m.