Mar 24, 2022 City Council

[CALL TO ORDER]

[00:00:04]

I WILL CALL THIS MEETING TO ORDER THE ABILENE CITY COUNCIL.

8:30 A.M. THIS BEAUTIFUL THURSDAY MORNING.

AND THEN I WILL INTRODUCE YOU TO A VERY SPECIAL GUEST THAT WE

HAVE AMONG US. >> JOIN ME PLEASE.

COUNTING MY BLESSINGS THIS MORNING, LORD, I'M THANKFUL FOR LONG TIME EMPLOYEES LIKE DAVID GRAY WHO DEDICATED HIS LIFE TO THE CITY. WHOSE MADE AN ENORMOUS DIFFERENCE WITH OUR 4 LEGGED CITIZENS.

SINGING THE PRAISES OF EMPLOYEE CHERYL SAWYER BY WINNING THE TITLE FOR OUR DOWNTOWN GREAT PLACES IN TEXAS 2022.

WE ASK YOU TO PLEASE PROTECT OUR FIRE FIGHTERS PAID AND VOLUNTEER THAT HAVE STRUGGLED OF LATE TO KEEP US SAFE.

OFFER COMFORT TO OUR NEIGHBORS WHO HAVE LOST THEIR HOMES AND DAMAGED PROPERTY AND THE SHERIFF'S DEPUTY WHO LOST HER LIFE. BLESS ALL THOSE THAT EXTENDED A HELPING HAND IN FINANCIAL AID. PLACE A SHIELD BETWEEN THE UKRAINIAN POPULATION AND THE RUSSIAN AGGRESSORS.

WE'RE ASKING YOU TO CHANGE THE HEARTS TO THE RUSSIANS AND BRING THE WAR TO A DRASTIC START. YES WE HAVE OUR PROBLEMS ABILENE BUT THEY'RE MINIMAL, AND WITH YOUR HELP, WE CAN SOLVE THEM.

>> AMEN. >> HER PARENTS ARE AMANDA AND LUKE. I KNOW LUKE A LONG TIME.

SHE'S PRETTY EXCITED ABOUT LEADING US IN THE PLEDGE THIS MORNING. ARE YOU ALL THE BISON.

BISONS OR BUFFALOS. >> BUFFALOS.

ALL RIGHT. WE'RE GOING TO LEAD -- SHE'S GOING TO LEAD US IN THE PLEDGES THIS MORNING.

HER CLAIM TO FAME SHE ONCE LIVED NEXT TO LYNN BEARD AND SHE

SURVIVED IT. >> I PLEDGE ALLEGIANCE TO THE FLAG OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA AND TO THE REPUBLIC FOR WHICH IT STANDS, ONE NATION, UNDER GOD, INDIVISIBLE, WITH LIBERTY AND JUSTICE FOR ALL. HONOR THE TEXAS FLAG.

I PLEDGE ALLEGIANCE TO THE TEXAS ONE STATE UNDER GOD ONE

INDIVISIBLE. >> AND I WANT TO INVITE -- SINCE SHE SURVIVED THE BEARD EXPERIENCE I WANT TO INVITE LYNN TO JOIN ME. NO SMALL TASK.

[APPLAUSE] >> HAVE SOME PROCLAMATIONS THIS

[PRESENTATIONS, RECOGNITIONS, PROCLAMATIONS AND ANNOUNCEMENTS]

GOODKNIGHT TO JOIN ME AS WELL AS THE HEALTH DIRECTOR ANNETTE LEARNER. THE WHOLE TEAM OF PEOPLE NEEDS TO JOIN US. FOLLOW MY INSTRUCTIONS WELL.

NATIONAL PUBLIC HEALTH WEEK. NATIONAL PUBLIC HEALTH WEEK IS CELEBRATED EACH YEAR TO RECOGNIZE ACHIEVEMENTS OF PUBLIC HEALTH AND THE WORK OF PEOPLE THAT ADDRESS ISSUES TO HELP INDIVIDUALS AND COMMUNITIES LEAD HEALTHIER LIVES.

PUBLIC HEALTH IS WHERE YOU ARE. AND CELEBRATE APRIL FOURTH OR APRIL 10TH WITH A DIFFERENT FOCUS EVERY DAY.

WHEREAS FOLKS ON RACISM, PUBLIC HEALTH CRISIS, TUESDAY'S FOCUS IS PUBLIC HEALTH WORK FORCE ESSENTIAL TO OUR FUTURE, WEDNESDAY'S FOCUS IS COLLABORATION AND RESILIENCY.

THURSDAY IS A FOCUS ON WORLD HEALTH DAY.

FRIDAY'S FOCUS IS ACCESSIBILITY CLOSING THE HEALTH EQUITY GAP.

SATURDAY'S FOCUS IS CLIMATE CHANGE AND SUNDAY FOCUS ON MENTAL WELLNESS REDEFINING THE MEANING OF HEALTH AND WHEREAS SINCE 1995 NATIONAL PUBLIC HEALTH WEEK CELEBRATED THE REMARKABLE ROLE PUBLIC HEALTH PLAYS IN IMPROVING THE LIVES AND HEALTH OF THE RESIDENTS OF OUR COMMUNITIES.

WHEREAS BY EMPHASIZING THE POWER OF PREVENTION, ADVOCATING FOR

[00:05:02]

AND NOW THEREFORE. THIS WAS A LONG PROCLAMATION BY THE WAY. BE RESOLVED AS MAYOR I EXPRESS MY APPRECIATION TO THE HEALTH, LEADERSHIP AND TO THE STAFF OF OUR ABILENE COUNTY HEALTH DISTRICT TO THEIR COMMITMENT TO BRINGING HEALTH TO OUR CITIZENS. I'M PLEASED TO PROCLAIM APRIL FOURTH THROUGH THE 10TH, 2022 AS NATIONAL PUBLIC HEALTH WEEK.

ANY WORDS IF YOU CHOOSE TO. >> IT IS AN HONOR TO RECEIVE THIS PROCLAMATION FOR OUR WHOLE DEPARTMENT.

WE HAVE GREAT STAFF WHO ARE DEDICATED.

AS YOU KNOW WITH THE COVID INCIDENTS WE'VE BEEN DEALING WITH, THEY'VE WORKED TIRELESSLY TO MAKE SURE OUR COMMUNITY WAS

SAFE. >> I'D LIKE TO INTRODUCE A SMALL REPRESENTATION OF 70 PEOPLE THAT ARE OUR PUBLIC HEALTH TEAM.

CARRY WALLER A DIRECTOR OF NURSING.

BRANDY WALSH AND CHRISTINE LUCIO WHO IS OUR ASSISTANT DIRECTOR.

AS DR. GOODKNIGHT SAID THIS IS A WONDERFUL TEAM THAT HAS GIVEN TIRELESSLY THIS PAST COUPLE YEARS.

DON ASKED IF WE WERE HERE TO DECLARE THE PANDEMIC OVER.

TEMPTING. WE WON'T DO THAT TODAY.

WE ARE LOOKING TO FOCUSING ON OTHER THINGS THAT PUBLIC HEALTH DOES SUCH AS OBESITY PREVENTION AND THINGS LIKE THAT.

>> SHE SAID OBESITY PREVENTION, SHE LOOKED AT ME.

THAT'S ANOTHER CONVERSATION. LET'S GET A GOOD PHOTO OP.

>> NATIONAL LIBRARY WEEK. WHO IS RECEIVING THIS.

ALL RIGHT. OKAY.

NATIONAL LIBRARY WEEK, LIBRARIES ARE AN ACCESSIBLE AND INCLUSIVE PLACES THAT FOSTER A SENSE OF CONNECTION AND BUILD COMMUNITY.

WHEREAS LIBRARIES CONNECT PEOPLE TO TECHNOLOGY PROVIDING ACCESS TO BROAD BAND INTERNET AND COMPUTERS AND TRAINING THAT ARE CRITICAL FOR A ACCESSING EDUCATION AND OPPORTUNITIES.

LIBRARIES AND SERVICES EXTEND FAR BEYOND THE 4 WALLS OF THE BUILDING. AND EVERYONE IS WELCOME TO USE THEIR RESOURCES. LIBRARIES STRIVE TO DEVELOP AND MAINTAIN PROGRAMS AND COLLECTIONS THAT ARE AS DIVERSE OF THE POPULATIONS THEY SERVE AND ENSURE EQUITY AND ACCESS FOR ALL. LIBRARIES ARE EXPANDING THEIR RESOURCES AND CONTINUE TO MEET THE NEEDS OF THEIR PATRONS.

WHEREAS LIBRARIES ARE THE CORNERSTONES OF DEMOCRACY.

PROVIDING THE FREE EXCHANGE OF INFORMATION AND IDEAS FOR ALL.

LIBRARIES, LIBRARIANS AND LIBRARY WORKERS ARE JOINING SUPPORTERS ACROSS THE NATION TO CELEBRATE NATIONAL LIBRARY WEEK.

>> ALMOST DONE. >> THEREFORE LET IT BE RESOLVED AS MAYOR ON BEHALF OF THE CITY COUNCIL ENCOURAGE ALL TO CONNECT BY VISITING THE LIBRARY ONLINE OR IN PERSON.

DECLARE APRIL THIRD TO THE 9TH OF 2022 AS NATIONAL LIBRARY WEEK. AMEN.

>> THANK YOU, WE'RE REALLY HAPPY TO HAVE THE SUPPORT THAT WE DO FROM COUNCIL. AND COULDN'T DO IT WITHOUT YOU.

LIBRARY STAFF WE HAVE SEVERAL LIBRARY STAFF HERE LIBRARY ADVISORY BOARD PRESIDENT CLINT BUCK.

AND MARY K. HUFF. THANK YOU SO MUCH.

>> THANK YOU FOR ALL THAT YOU DO.

[APPLAUSE] >> AND MAKE THE LOUDEST PLACE TO MEET WHEN WE GOT KICKED OUT OF OUR HOME AT CITY HALL.

>> GLAD TO HAVE YOU. >> INVITE JUSTIN TO JOIN ME UP

[00:10:15]

JUSTIN LELLISH. AN INTEGRAL PART OF ABILENE ANIMAL SUFFICIENCIES SINCE 2016. WHEREAS JUSTIN AND HIS TEAM HAVE DONE AN INCREDIBLE JOB MOVING ANIMAL SUFFICIENCIES, LIVE RELEASE RATE UP TOWARDS A GOAL OF 90% AND ENDED 2021 AT INCREDIBLY 86% SAVE RATE. GOOD JOB.

AND WHEREAS 2021 SAW THE HIGHEST SAVE RATE IN ANIMAL SERVICE HISTORY. THE LOWEST NO KILL GAP IN ALAMO SERVICE HISTORY. APPLAUSE FOR THAT IN THIS PROCLAMATION. [APPLAUSE]

>> AMONG THE ACHIEVEMENTS THAT JUSTIN OVERSAW, WHEREAS THE LIFE SAVING WORK THAT STAFF PERFORMS IS TRULY INSPIRING.

AND JUSTIN LED THEM THROUGH IT ALL.

WHEREAS WE EXPRESS OUR APPRECIATION TO JUSTIN AND ALL THE INCREDIBLE WORK THAT HE'S DONE FOR ABILENE AND ANIMAL SERVICES AND THE ENTIRE CITY OF ABILENE.

AND WISH HIM WELL ON HIS FUTURE ENDEAVORS.

THEREFORE LET IT BE RESOLVED AS MAYOR AT LEAST FOR ANOTHER 14 MONTHS ON BEHALF OF ABILENE CITY COUNCIL WE PROCLAIM TODAY JUSTIN LELLISH DAY. THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR YOUR

SERVICE. >> IT'S AN INCREDIBLE HONOR.

WE COULDN'T HAVE DONE THIS WITHOUT THE SUPPORT OF THE COMMUNITY OR THE COUNCIL. I HAVE AN INCREDIBLE STAFF.

WE GET A LOT OF HATE BECAUSE OF THE WORK THAT WE HAVE TO DO.

I'D LIKE TO THANK YOU FOR THIS HONOR.

>> AND AGAIN I WANT TO AMPLIFY SOME THINGS, THE WORK THAT JUSTIN AND HIS TEAM HAVE DONE AND YOU LOOK AT THE GOALS THAT THIS COUNCIL PUT FORTH, I THINK IT'S EXTRAORDINARY.

AND WORKING SOMETIMES IN A HARD ENVIRONMENT AND CLIMATE.

SO ON BEHALF OF THIS COMMUNITY, WE WANT TO THANK YOU FOR ALL YOU'VE DONE AND BEST WISHES TO YOU IN FUTURE ENDEAVORS.

[APPLAUSE] >> JUST TO GIVE THE COMMUNITY HOW CLOSE WE WERE TO 90%. WE MISSED THE CONSIDERED NO KILL MARK BY 238 ANIMALS. THAT'S HOW CLOSE WE WERE TO

BEING A NO KILL COMMUNITY. >> THAT WAS SOMETHING THE COUNCIL, I GUESS IT WAS 2 YEARS AGO WE HAVE AN EXPECTATION.

NOT THERE YET BUT WE ARE GETTING THERE.

SO. >> I AM GOING TO MAKE AN EARLY EXIT -- OH, BEFORE MY EARLY EXIT WE HAVE AN EMPLOYEE RECOGNITION

THAT YOU'RE HERE FOR ALSO. >> MY NAME IS J.D. GRAY AND I'VE BEEN WITH THE POLICE DEPARTMENT FOR 40 YEARS.

AND I'VE BEEN IN NARCOTICS FOR LIKE 38 OF THOSE YEARS.

WELL, WE KID ABOUT IT ALL THE TIME.

WE HAVE OFFICERS IN THIS DIVISION THAT WHEN I STARTED WITH THE POLICE DEPARTMENT WASN'T EVEN BORN.

MOST OF THE PEOPLE I KNOW THAT'S IN NARCOTICS I HELPED TRAINED THEM WHEN THEY FIRST CAME UP. THE ONLY THING YOU HAVE TO REMEMBER ABOUT BEING AN UNDERCOVER OFFICER YOU CAN BE ANYTHING YOU WANT TO BE. YOU BETTER KNOW SOMETHING ABOUT WHAT YOU'RE PROCLAIMING TO BE. EVERYTHING ABOUT MY CAREER IN NARCOTICS IS NOT WORKING UNDERCOVER.

IT'S WORKING NARCOTICS INVESTIGATIONS.

AND EACH ONE OF THOSE HAS ITS OWN CHALLENGES.

JUST THE INTEREST, JUST THE EXCITEMENT AND THE ADRENALIN RUSH OF WHAT YOU DID AND RUNNING SEARCH WARRANTS AND I GUESS FOR MAYBE 25 YEARS I WAS THE GUY WITH A SLEDGE HAMMER THAT WAS FIRST PERSON IN THE DOOR. I HAVE A SON ALSO IN THE POLICE

[00:15:04]

I DIDN'T WANT TO. I DIDN'T WANT TO GIVE UP THE ENJOYMENT THAT I HAVE. I FORWARD TO COMING TO WORK EVERY DAY. OVER 40 YEARS I NEVER WOKE UP AND SAID MAN, I DON'T WANT TO GO TO WORK TODAY.

I NEVER HAVE DONE THAT [APPLAUSE]

>> YOU DON'T GET A LOT OF TIMES TO THANK SOMEBODY FOR 40 YEARS OF PUBLIC SERVICE. THANK YOU FOR 40 YEARS OF PUBLIC SERVICE. NOT AN EASY JOB AS YOU KNOW ESPECIALLY THE CAREER PATH YOU CHOSE IN LAW ENFORCEMENT.

THE CITIZENS AND MYSELF WATCH TV AND WATCH TV SHOWS.

WE THINK WE UNDERSTAND HOW IT WORKS BUT WE DON'T.

FROM MY HEART TO YOURS, SIR, I WANT TO THANK YOU FOR YOUR SERVICE. I ENJOYED YOUR WORDS WHEN WE WERE SPEAKING AT THE POLICE MEETING.

I HAVE MAD RESPECT FOR YOU. >> THANK YOU VERY MUCH.

>> WE HAVE A PLAQUE FROM THE CITY THAT COMMUNICATES OUR APPRECIATION TO YEAR SERVICE. YOU HAVE A COIN FROM THE CITY MANAGER. AND A LARGER THAN NORMAL ENVELOPE THAT COMMUNICATES IN A SMALL WAY OUR APPRECIATION FOR YOU. ON BEHALF OF THE COMMUNITY, THIS COUNCIL, ALL THE CITIZENS THAT YOU SERVE THANK YOU FOR YOUR 4 DECADES OF SERVICE TO THIS COMMUNITY.

ANYBODY YOU WANT TO RECOGNIZE THIS MORNING.

>> I HAVE MY WIFE, REGINA HERE, MY DAD AND HIS WIFE.

WAYNE GRAY AND KATHY GRAY. [APPLAUSE].

>> I HAVE MY 4 KIDS LIEUTENANT WITH THE ABILENE POLICE DEPARTMENT. LIEUTENANT BRIAN BUCKLY WITH THE SWEET WATER FIRE DEPARTMENT. MY DAUGHTER COURTNEY ROBINSON AND HER HUSBAND, PAUL. PAUL YOU CAN STAND UP.

[APPLAUSE] >> I GUESS IT'S PHOTO OP TIME.

>> WELL -- [APPLAUSE] >> I AM GOING TO MAKE THE EARLY EXIT I TALKED ABOUT 5 MINUTES AGO.

MAYOR AND MCALLISTER WILL CONDUCT THE REST OF THE MEETING.

DULY NOTED AND YOU HAVE A GOOD DAY.

>> ARE YOUR KEYS UP HERE TOO? >> GOOD MORNING, EVERYONE.

I'LL LET EVERYONE. YA'LL DON'T WANT TO STAY AROUND.

THIS EXCITING PUBLIC -- >> COME ON RONNY.

[CONSENT AGENDA AND PUBLIC COMMENTS]

>> WE WILL NOW MOVE TO THE CONSENT AGENDA WHICH CONSISTS OF AGENDA ITEMS 4 THROUGH 18. THESE ITEMS WILL BE CONSIDERED WITH ONE MOTION. NO SEPARATE DISCUSSION UNLESS A COUNCIL MEMBER REQUESTS A SEPARATE DISCUSSION.

DOES ANYONE ON THE COUNCIL WANT TO CONSIDER ANY OF THE ITEMS 4 THROUGH 18 SEPARATELY? WE NOW MOVE TO THE PUBLIC COMMENT PERIOD. PUBLIC COMMENT PERIOD ALLOWS MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC TO PRESENT IDEAS AND INFORMATION TO CITY OFFICIALS AND STAFF. WE HAVE CARDS.

>> WE HAVE CARDS. DAVID SWART.

[00:20:04]

>> DAVID SWART AND THE TIME LIMIT IS 3

MINUTES.. >> GOOD MORNING COUNCIL, DAVID SWART FORD. THERE'S BEEN IN THE NEWS THE LAST WEEK OR SO ABOUT FIRES. OF YIVENEVER BEEN THROUGH ONE YOU WOULDN'T UNDERSTAND. I'VE BEEN THROUGH 3.

WHEN I WAS 8 OR 9 I WAS AT MY GRANDMOTHER'S AND HER HOUSE WAS SO BIG SHE HAD IT DIVIDED WHERE SHE RENTED HALF OF IT AS AN APARTMENT. A FIRE BROKE OUT IN THE BATHROOM AND CAUSED THE FIRE TO GO INTO THE ATTIC.

MY GRANDMOTHER CAME TO THE BACK BEDROOM AND SAID THE HOUSE IS ON FIRE WE GOT TO GET OUT. I LEFT IN SUCH A HURRY, I DIDN'T GET MY SHOES. WE CAME TO THE FRONT AND THE RENTER WAS ON THE PHONE WITH THE OPERATOR, THEY DIDN'T HAVE 911 BACK THEN. SHE WAS TELLING HER ON NORTH 18TH STREET. MY GRANDMOTHER SAID NO GIVE ME THE PHONE. IT'S 1118 MERCHANT.

SO WE FAST FORWARD HERE TO WHEN I'M MARRIED AND MY BROTHER-IN-LAW SAYS I'VE GOT THAT OLD CAMPER.

LET'S TAKE IT DOWN TO THE LAKE LOT SO YOU CAN HAVE IT TO CAMP IN AND EVERYTHING. WE HAD IT DOWN THERE SEVERAL WEEKENDS. ONE WEEKEND IT WAS KIND OF COOL.

MY BROTHER-IN-LAW SAID LET'S LEAVE THE COLEMAN COOK STOVE ON.

THAT WILL KEEP US WARM. MY BROTHER-IN-LAW GOT READY TO TURN IT OFF. THE FUEL STARTED TO SHOOT EVERYWHERE. NEXT THING YOU KNOW THE FIRE IS ON THE CEILING. MY WIFE WAS IN THE BACK PART WHICH IS THE BEDROOM PART. SHE'S TRAPPED.

SHE CAN'T GET OUT. I PANIC TRIED TO GRAB THE 5 GALLON WATER TO PUT ON IT. I PULL IT UP.

IT HITS THE FLOOR. SPILLS EVERY BIT OF IT.

MY BROTHER-IN-LAW GRABBED THE COLEMAN STOVE AND PULLED IT OUTSIDE. IT SCORCHED THE CEILING.

IT WAS SCARY FOR A BIT. I DIDN'T KNOW IF SHE WAS GOING TO BE ABLE TO GET OUT. WE FAST FORWARD TO WHEN I WAS WORKING AT WEST GATE CINEMA. WE HAVE A STORAGE ROOM AND THE POPCORN ROOM WAS IN THE BACK OF THAT.

THE POPCORN POPPER IT WAS AN EXTRA LARGE ONE, A 32 OUNCE ONE.

SOMEBODY PUT THE POPCORN IN AND PUT THE OIL IN.

THEY DIDN'T TURN ON THE MOTOR TO START THE SPINNING TO COOK THE POPCORN. PRETTY SOON IT TURNED INTO LIQUID LAVA. NEXT THING YOU KNOW FLAMES AND SMOKE IS POURING OUT OF THE STORAGE ROOM OUT INTO THE CORRIDOR THERE. I CALLED 911 AND GOT HELP AND I -- IT WAS A SMOKE WAS SO BAD THAT WHEN I SHOT THE EXTINGUISHER, I HAD TO SHOOT IT FROM THE OTHER ROOM.

PETER TOO HAD TO THE AUDACITY TO SAY IT'S NOT MY THEATER TOO.

CAN WE STAY AND KEEP WATCHING THE MOVIE.

YOU GOT TO GO OUTSIDE AND WE'LL GIVE YOU PASSES. ALL THIS IN THE NEWS ABOUT THE FIRE. IS MY TIME UP YET, SECRETARY?

>> YES IT IS. >> I SLEPT THROUGH THE NEIGHBORHOOD FIRE. I WISH EVERYONE CONSIDER FIRE

SERVICE FOR THE BOND ELECTION. >> CHARLES BURN.

>> GOOD MORNING MY NAME IS CHARLES BURN I'M UP HERE TO DISCUSS A PRODUCT THAT I THINK YOU MIGHT BE INTERESTED IN.

MY FRIEND, THE MAYOR OF BIG SPRING E OFFERED A PRODUCT THAT WAS SENT TO ME. CALLED AMERICAN ROAD PATCH.

IT IS A PATCH FOR POT HOLES THAT COVERS THE POTHOLE.

39 INCHES BY 29 FEET. $390 PER ROLL.

THE POT HOLE COVER LASTS 10 YEARS.

IT TAKES 45 MINUTES TO PUT THE COVERING DOWN WHICH CUTS BACK ON YOUR MAINTENANCE, YOUR GAS TO SEND PEOPLE OUT.

IF YOU'RE INTERESTED AFTER THE MEETING I HAVE THE INFORMATION

[00:25:04]

AND I'D BE WILLING TO SHARE THAT INFORMATION WITH YOU.

>> CHARLES. >> SEAN MARTIN.

>> GOOD MORNING MAYOR. MAYOR PRO TEM AND COUNCIL.

MAYOR EARLIER.ELCOME TO THE - MY NAME IS SEAN MARTIN, HERE TODAY IS VICE CHAIR OF THE ABILENE INDUSTRIAL FOUNDATION BOARD OF DIRECTORS. ASK ANY BUSINESS OWNER HERE IN THIS ROOM OR ON THE COUNCIL, ONE THING THEY THINK THEY NEED THE MOST TO BE SUCCESSFUL TODAY AND PROBABLY YOU'LL GET A LIKELY ONE WORD ANSWER OF WORK FORCE. WE ALL ARE FULLY AWARE OF THE STRAINS AND PAINS THAT THE PANDEMIC PLACED ON OUR CURRENT EMPLOYEES AND THOSE IN THE FUTURE AND CERTAINLY CHANGED ATTITUDES ABOUT WEEKING. THE ABILENE CHAMBER OF COMMERS AND INDUSTRIAL FOUNDATION DEVELOPED A PROJECT TO ADDRESS WORK FORCE NEEDS. INITIALLY WE WERE TARGETING THE FAMILIES, SPOUSES OF OUR AIRMEN AT AIR FORCE BASE.

TOLD ALL COMMUNITIES WITH AIR FORCE BASES HOW GOOD THEY DO IN HELPING THOSE PEOPLE FIND JOBS WILL BE ONE OF THE DETERMINING FACTORS THE PENTAGON CONSIDERS FOR LOCAL BASES AND MISSIONS GOING FORWARD. AS A RESULT WE CREATED A WEBSITE. ABILENEWORKS.COM.

THAT SERVES AS A PLACE WHERE LOCAL BUSINESSES CAN POST FOR FREE ALL THE JOBS THEY NEED TO FILL.

JOB SEEKERS HAVE THE OPPORTUNITY TO GO TO A SOLID SITE TO TURN IN TO FINDING THAT NEXT EMPLOYER. THE MORE WE GOT INTO IT AND THE MORE IT'S BECOME OBVIOUS OVER THE LAST COUPLE OF YEARS THAT THIS SERVICE WAS NOT JUST NEEDED FOR MILITARY RELATED FAMILIES OR MEMBERS. ON A NORMAL DAY THE JOB SITE WILL HAVE MORE THAN 100 ABILENE JOBS LISTED.

IT IS SERVICE -- IT'S A FREE SERVICE USED BY A WIDE VARIETY OF BUSINESSES. HEND RICK MEDICAL CENTER, THE CITY ITSELF, MANY LOCAL NON-PROFITS, INSURANCE AGENCIES YOU NAME IT HAVE AN OPPORTUNITY TO POST TO THAT SITE.

WE KNOW THERE ARE OTHER FREE JOB LISTING SITES OUT THERE AND PEOPLE DOING GREAT WORK IN OUR COMMUNITY.

THIS IS ONE EXCLUSIVELY PERTAINING TO ABILENE AND THE IMMEDIATE SURROUNDING YARES. ON BEHALF OF THE CHAMBER, THE ABILENE INDUSTRIAL FOUNDATION WANTED TO THANK YOU GUYS FOR YOUR PROBUSINESS SUPPORT AND EVERYTHING YOU DO TO SUPPORT THOSE EFFORTS. AND APPLAUD THE CITY AND D.C.O.

FOR THEIR EFFORTS IN THAT. ABILENE.COM CAN BE A VITAL FORCE

FOR SOLUTIONS. >> IS THERE ANYONE ELSE WHO WOULD LIKE TO SPEAK DURING THE PUBLIC COMMENT TIME.

>> THANK YOU MEMBERS OF THE COUNCIL.

I NEED TO FIRST APOLOGIZE TO THE COUNCIL.

I AM ONE OF THOSE PEOPLE -- THERE WE GO.

I AM ONE OF THE PEOPLE WHO HAS HAD THE OPPORTUNITY TO WRITE PROCLAMATIONS FOR THE COUNCIL. I'VE WRITTEN LONG WINDED ONES.

I'M GOING TO REPENT TO YOU TODAY I WILL NOT THOSE LONG

PROCLAMATIONS IN THE FUTURE. >> WHEREAS WE ACCEPT THAT.

>> WHEREAS WELL PLAYED. I'M HERE TO INVITE YOU TO HABITAT FOR ARE HUMANITY ABILENE'S UPCOMING BLITZ BUILD.

DRY IN A HOME AT 1257 GENET. SICILY HICKS LIVES AT HOME FOR CHILDREN WITH HER SON. THIS BUILD MARKS ONE OF THE SPECIAL OPPORTUNITIES THAT WE HAVE TO PARTNER WITH OTHER LOCAL NON-PROFITS TO BLESS A FAMILY. WE INTEND TO RAISE ENOUGH MONEY TO BUILD 2 MORE HOMES IN THE UPCOMING MONTHS.

I INVITE YOU TO PARTICIPATE IN THE FIRST DAY OF THIS BUILD SATURDAY MORNING. WE'LL BE FRAMING THAT DAY.

READY TO COME TO WORK. THERE WON'T BE A BIG CEREMONY.

JUST -- WHICH I KNOW THAT YOU LOVE HAVING LOTS OF GOLD SHOVELS SITTING AROUND. AN OPPORTUNITY TO JOIN TOGETHER TO FIT IN THE OPPORTUNITY TO JOIN A WORLD WHERE EVERYONE HAS

[00:30:03]

YOUR COMMUNITY. >> WHAT WAS THAT ADDRESS FOR

FOLKS. >> 1257 GENET.

>> APRIL 23 AT 8:30. >> THAT'S CORRECT.

>> WE ARE STILL IN OUR PUBLIC COMMENT PEOPLE.

WOULD ANYONE LIKE TO COME FORWARD FOR PUBLIC COMMENT.

>> SYNTH YEAH ALVEED RESFOR THE RECORD.

WE HAVE 3 MINUTES AND THERE'S 10 OR 11 ITEMS AND WE'RE NOT ALLOWED TO DISCUSS THOSE ITEMS. WE'RE HAVING TO SQUISH THAT IN 3 MINUTES. REGARDING THE SANCTUARY CITIES FOR THE UNBORN. THAT CAN BE PLACED ON THE AGENDA. THERE'S NO NEED FOR THE PUBLIC TO GET A PETITION FOR REGISTERED VOTERS TO SIGN.

YOU ARE FIXING TO SPEND 70,000 SOME ODD DOLLARS ON VEHICLES WHEN YOU CAN HIRE A VETERINARIAN AND OUTSOURCE THE SPAY AND NEUTERING OF ANIMALS. AND YOU'RE GOING TO HAVE THOSE SAME ANIMALS RIGHT BACK IN YOUR SHELTER.

DOESN'T MAKE SENSE. I'M GLAD MR. MARTIN FROM ATMAS ENERGY IS HERE. I HAVE EMAILED YOU GUYS AND ASKED YOU GUYS IF WE COULD HAVE ACCESS TO A MAP THAT LETS US KNOW HOW MANY CROSS BORES ARE THROUGHOUT THE CITY.

AND I DON'T KNOW IF YOU KNOW WHAT A CROSS BORE IS.

IT'S EXTREMELY DANGEROUS. WE OBVIOUSLY HAVE THOSE IN OUR CITY. FOR ATMAS NOT WILLING TO RELEASE THAT TO THE PUBLIC IT'S CONCERNING.

THESE ARE ITEMS ON THE AGENDA THAT WE HAVE 3 MINUTES TO SQUEEZE INTO A PUBLIC COMMENT WHICH IS NOT FAIR.

OVER $3 MILLION IS TRANSFERRED INTO OUR MINOR IMPROVEMENT FUNDS. WHY ARE TAXES CONTINUING TO GET RAISED AND WE HAVE $3 MILLION LEFT OVER IN OUR BUDGET.

WHAT IS OUR TOTAL NOW. THAT'S GOING TO BEING TRANSFERRED INTO OUR MINOR KNIFEMENT FUNDS WHAT IS OUR TOTAL NOW? FACTUAL QUESTION.

>> DO WE HAVE AN AMOUNT? >> AND IF YOU COULD HURRY.

I ONLY HAVE 3 MINUTES. >> I DON'T HAVE THAT NUMBER ON THE TOP OF MY HEAD MAYOR PRO TEM.

>> YOU CANNOT BE SERIES. I GET THAT EVERY TIME.

I GET AT THE COUNCIL. HOW DO WE HAVE A CITY MANAGER WHO DOES NOT KNOW THE TOTAL IN THE MINOR IMPROVEMENT FUNDS.

>> WE WILL GET YOU THAT INFORMATION.

>> I WANT TO KNOW IT NOW. >> I'M NOT GOING TO DO THAT.

>> WHY NOT? IS THAT NOT YOUR JOB? YOU ALL CAN'T TELL ME HOW MUCH WE HAVE IN THE MINOR KNIFEMENT FUNDS. WE HAVE RENOVATIONS THAT WE WANT AT SEERS. I KNOW YOU HAVE $4 MILLION IN THERE. WE HAVE TO BEG.

LAST WEEK I WALK AT A PARK. I GO TO A FEMALE RESTROOM THERE'S A MALE TRANSIENT INDIVIDUAL SLEEPING IN THERE.

I DON'T UNDERSTAND. YEAN WHY YOU ALL DON'T GET.

I DON'T KNOW WHY YOU ALL DON'T GET IT.

IT'S DISGUSTING. >> THANK YOU CYNTHIA.

>> ANYONE ELSE LIKE TO SPEAK IN OUR PUBLIC COMMENT PERIOD.

GIVE YEAR NAME FOR THE RECORD PLEASE.

>> MY NAME IS RYAN GOODWIN AND I'D LIKE TO THANK SHAWNA AND WELL WHOEVER PARTICIPATED WITH THE SAFE SANCT AREA STUFF AND EVERYTHING TURNED IN. EVERYTHING'S BEEN FILED.

THE SIGNATURES HAVE BEEN RECORDED.

EVERYTHING IS PUSHING FORWARD TO GO TO A VOTE IN NOVEMBER.

I'D LIKE TO THANK THE ABOVE BOARD STUFF.

I'D LIKE TO ACKNOWLEDGE THE CITY CHARTER.

ON THE CITY CHARTER WE HAD A DIFFICULT PROCESS HAVING A VOICE. LIKE A LOT OF CITIES WOULD HAVE THE REGISTERED VOTERS COME IN AND 10% OF THE PEOPLE THAT ACTUALLY VOTED GOT TO SIGN A PETITION AND BRING IT FORWARD.

WE HAVE 10% OF THE REGISTERED VOTERS 65,000 PEOPLE WE NEEDED

[00:35:06]

IT WAS A HUGE DIFFERENCE IN THE NUMBER OF PEOPLE NEEDED TO SIGN IT. WHEN IT COMES TO PEOPLE HAVING A VOICE AND WE REACHED OUT FOR 3 YEARS TO PEOPLE ABOUT THIS AND COULDN'T GET ANYWHERE. FOR THE PEOPLE TO HAVE A VOICE WE SHOULD COME FORWARD WITH AN EASIER TASK TO PUT IT BEFORE YOU. AND ALSO IT'S GOING TO GET VOTED ON. IT'S NOT A PASS THROUGH.

IT ALLOWS PEOPLE TO HAVE A VOICE.

IT'S EASIER. DOES THAT MAKE SENSE? I'D LIKE US TO ACKNOWLEDGE THAT AS WE APPROACH THE CHARTER AND TALK ABOUT CHANGES THAT MAY NEED TO HAPPEN.

THANK YOU. >> RYAN, THANK YOU.

>> WE ARE STILL IN THE PUBLIC COMMENT PERIOD.

WOULD ANYONE ELSE LIKE TO PUBLIC COMMENT? PUBLICLY COMMENT. SEEING NO ONE, I WILL CLOSE THE PUBLIC COMMENT PERIOD. I WOULD LIKE TO ASK FOR A MOTION FROM THE COUNCIL ON THE CONSENT AGENDA CONSISTING ON ITEMS 4

THROUGH 18. >> SO MOVED.

>> SECOND. >> I KNOW ANTHONY CAN SAY IT AND WRITE AT THE SAME TIME. I CANNOT.

A MOTION BY COUNCIL MEMBER BEARD AND A SECOND BY COUNCIL MEMBER .

>> WE ARE READY TO VOTE. >> AND MAYOR WILLIAMS IS ABSENT.

MOTION CARRIES. >> OKAY.

NOW I GO TO NUMBER 19. >> WHICH ONE.

>> 19..

[19. Resolution: Receive a Report, Hold a Discussion and Public Hearing, and Take Action to Approve an Extended Term Street Use License with EE&G, Inc. (Max Johnson)]

>> ALL RIGHT WE ARE NOW ON ITEM 19.

I WILL ASK MAX JOHNSON TO PRESENT THIS ITEM.

HOW ARE YOU? >> GOOD MORNING HOW ARE YOU.

>> WE HAVE AN EXTENDED TERM STREET USE LICENSE FOR I THINK I CAN MOVE THIS. THIS IS FOR 2 MONITORING WELLS AND THE MAP HERE APOLOGIZE FOR THE WAY IT LOOKS.

THE CROSS STREET THERE IS SOUTH 14TH.

THE NORTH AND SOUTH STREET IS BUTTER NUT.

THE 2 HIGHLIGHTED PLACES THE 2 SPOTS THAT THE MONITORING WELLS WILL BE PLACED. THEY ARE IN GROUND MONITORING WELLS. NO TRIPPING HAZARDS OR ANYTHING TO THAT EFFECT. E.E.N.G. SUBMITTED THIS FOR THE PREVIOUSLY SKINNIES CONVENIENCE TORE THAT USED TO BE LOCATED AT THIS SPOT. IT IS A REQUIREMENT OF THE TEXAS COMMISSION OF ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY.

AND WE HAVE REVIEWED THIS AND RECOMMEND APPROVAL. ARE THERE

ANY QUESTIONS? >> NICE AND QUICK.

>> THANK YOU, MAX. DOES THE COUNCIL HAVE QUESTIONS OF MR. JOHNSON? AT THIS TIME I WOULD LIKE TO OPEN UP THE PUBLIC HEARING. WOULD ANYONE LIKE TO SPEAK ON THIS ITEM. IF SO GIVE YOUR NAME AND ADDRESS

FOR THE RECORD PLEASE. >> CYNTHIA.

I WOULD LIKE THE COUNCIL TO KNOW OBVIOUSLY WHAT DAVID SCHWARTZ STATED THERE HAVE BEEN SEVERAL FIRES IN THE AREA.

2 COULD BE RELATED TO METHAMPHETAMINE LABS THAT HAVE BLOWN UP. 2 ARE BEING INVESTIGATED.

IF YOU DON'T KNOW ALREADY WE HAVE A HUGE HOMELESSNESS PROBLEM IN ABILENE. SQUATTERS ARE GETTING INSIDE OF HOMES AND STARTING FIRES WHETHER THAT HAD BEEN BE INTENTIONALLY OR ACCIDENTALLY BECAUSE OF A LACK OF HEAT THEY HAVE ACCESS TO. CAUSED AT LEAST 4 HOMES TO GO UP IN FLAMES. ONE AS RECENT AS LAST NIGHT THAT WASN'T DUE TO A SQUATTER. SUNDAY MORNING IN WHICH 2 HOMES WERE ENGULFED. THAT'S SOMETHING YOU NEED TO PAY ATTENTION TO. HABITAT FOR HUMANITY THEY BUILD HOMES. WE HAVE NON-PROFITS IN ABILENE WHICH IS GREAT. NONE OF THIS IS WORKING.

THE NON-PROFITS AREN'T WORKING. HABITAT FOR HUMANITY.

THE PROBLEM IS THE WAY IN WHICH THE FUNDS ARE ALLOCATED.

AND THE ENVIRONMENT THAT HAS CAUSE SIDE AN IMPOVERISHED ENVIRONMENT. YOU HAVE DRUG USAGE, HOMELESSNESS, HEALTH ISSUES, ISSUES REGARDING EMPLOYMENT.

THIS PROGRAM THAT MR. MARTIN BROUGHT UP IS WONDERFUL.

[00:40:01]

IF INDIVIDUALS CAN'T GO TO WORK BECAUSE THEY DON'T HAVE ACCESS TO CHILD CARE, YOU'RE WASTING YOU'RE TIME AND WASTING OUR MONIES. IF YOU DID RIGHT BY THE TAXPAYER AND AFTER THE ACCIDENT LOTTED THE MONIES WHERE THEY SHOULD GO.

I HAVE 3 MINUTES. I CAN SAY WHATEVER I WANT.

>> IT'S IN REGARDS TO ITEM NUMBER 19.

AM I CORRECT? >> SHE CAN SPEAK.

>> MY APOLOGIES. >> THE WAY IN WHICH YOU'RE ALLOCATING FUNDS IS CAUSING AN IMPOVVISHED ENVIRONMENT.

THOSE ARE ISSUES PEOPLE LIVING IN THOSE S ARE HAVING TO DEAL WITH. PEOPLE CAN'T SLEEP BECAUSE THEY DON'T KNOW WHETHER THE HOUSE NEXT TO THEM IS A METH LAB.

TRAILERS PARKED ALL NIGHT LONG WITH HEAT LAMPS OUTSIDE.

THERE'S THINGS THAT NEED TO BE CHANGED.

I'VE SAID IT OVER AND OVER AND OVER AGAIN.

I'M GOING TO KEEP COMING UP HERE.

IF YOU DON'T WANT TO HEAR ME ANYMORE.

TIRED OF ME COMPLAINING ABOUT THINGS, FIX THEM.

I DON'T COME UP HERE JASTE FOR MYSELF.

THERE'S A GROUP OF PEOPLE WHO ARE TIRED OF LIVING LIKE THAT.

>> WE'RE STILL IN PUBLIC COMMENT PERIOD.

>> SO MY NAME'S CHARLES BURN FOR THE RECORD.

I HAVE A QUESTION OF MAX. HOW DO WE KNOW AND MONITOR THE WATER FLOW THROUGH THESE AREAS THAT WE DON'T MIX THE STUFF INTO THE WATER SYSTEM. HOW IS THAT MONITORED.

>> THESE ARE THROUGH T.E.C.Q. CEEPS A RECORD OF THESE.

MONITORING WELLS ARE LOOKING FOR THE PREVIOUS CONVENIENCE STORE HAD AN IN GROUND TANK. WHEN THAT IS REMOVED THIS IS A REQUIREMENT THAT YOU PUT MONITORING IN WELLS TO ENSURE IF THERE WERE RESIDUE THAT CAME OUT OF THAT TANK THAT YOU KNOW WHERE THAT PLUME OF FUELED IS GOING. THERE COULD BE NONE.

THERE COULD BE SOME. THIS IS A REQUIREMENT THAT T.C.E.Q. HAS TO MONITOR WHAT'S IN THE GROUND.

>> ANYONE ELSE LIKE TO SPEAK ON ITEM 19.

IF NOT I WILL CLOSE THE PUBLIC HEARING.

DOES COUNCIL HAVE QUESTIONS OR COMMENTS?

IF NOT I WILL TAKE A MOTION. >> AND A SECOND.

>> SECOND. >> OKAY.

SO WE HAVE A MOTION BY COUNCIL MEMBER CRAVER AND A SECOND BY COUNCIL MEMBER HURT. MAYOR PRO TEM AND COUNSELOR.

[EXECUTIVE SESSION]

>> YES. >> MOTION CARRIES.

>> ALL RIGHT. IT IS NOW.

9:13. >> 9:13.

WE WILL RECESS INTO EXECUTIVE SESSION PURSUANT TO THE OPEN MEETINGS OUR CONSULTATION WITH ATTORNEY.

SECTION 551.074 PERSONNEL MATTERS.

SECTION 551.076 DELIBERATION ABOUT SECURITY DEVICES.

SECTION 551.087 DELIBERATION ABOUT BUSINESS PROSPECTS AND ECONOMIC DEVELOP WANT. AND WE

>> WE RECONVENE TO OPEN SESSION. NO VOTES NOR ACTIONS WERE TAKEN

[21. Resolution: Receive a Report, Hold a Discussion and Public Hearing, and Take Action on appointing members to a Blue Ribbon Committee for a November Bond Election (Robert Hanna)]

AND I WILL ASK ROBERT HANNAH TO PRESENT THIS ITEM.

>> THIS IS AN ITEM A CONTINUATION OF DISCUSSIONS THAT WE HAD AT THE COUNCIL RETREAT. WHAT I'M ASKING COUNCIL TO CONSIDER THE APPOINTMENT OF A BLUE RIBBON COMMITTEE TO DISCUSS THE BOND THAT WE DISCUSSED AT THE COUNCIL RETREAT TO MAKE SURE THEY'RE PROPERLY VETTED AND DISCUSS HOW BEST WE PROPERLY EDUCATE THE COMMUNITY SO THEY CAN MAKE AN INFORMED DECISION IN

THE BALLOT BOX. >> DOES COUNCIL HAVE QUESTIONS OF MR. HANNAH. AND I BELIEVE WE ALL HAVE SUBMITTED AT THIS TIME I WILL OPEN THE PUBLIC HEARING.

>> DAVID SWART. >> DAVID SWART FOR THE RECORD.

[00:45:06]

I THINK IT'S A GOOD THING. CRUDE OIL OVER $7 CAN YOU IMAGINE WHAT IT'S GOING TO BE TO FIX THE STREETS ASPHALT WISE.

USE THE HOTEL AS AN EXAMPLE. 66 MILLION GOT WORKING ON 80 MILLION. SAME THING WITH THE FIRE STATION OR THE REC CENTERS OR ANYTHING LIKE THAT.

AS FAR AS ME PERSONALLY, I THINK THE TOP IS FIRE SERVICE, SECOND IS POLICE, THIRD IS WATER SEWAGE AND REFUSE, AND FOURTH IS PARKS AND RECS IN WHAT THE CITIZENS ARE INTERESTED OUT OF THE CITY GOVERNMENT. YOU WANT TO BUILD A FIRE STATION 9 OUT IN THE NEW PART OF ABILENE AND IT'S GOING TO EXPAND OUT THERE. I WOULD SUGGEST BUILD BIGGER INSTEAD OF GOING BACK AND I WISH I WOULD HAVE BUILT A 4 BAY STATION OUT THERE. WHEN YOU CONSIDER THAT IN YOUR BOND BE SURE TO CONSIDER THAT. CHIEF FLORES SAID SOMETHING ABOUT COMMANDS. I THINK HE MEANS SOMETHING LIKE BATTALION 9 OUT THERE. I WOULD SUGGEST A 4 BAY STATION, POSSIBLY A MEDIC TRUCK AND THEN POSSIBLY THE BATTALION 9 VEHICLE. GOING FOR THE FUTURE HERE.

IT COULD BE SEVERAL YEARS DOWN THE ROAD.

YOU MIGHT WANT TO PUT A LETTER COMPANY OUT THERE.

IF YOU BUILD BIG NOW AND HAVE AN EXTRA BAY, YOU WON'T HAVE TO GO BACK AND SAY, DANG, I WISH WE WOULD HAVE BUILT THAT BIGGER.

I KNOW PEOPLE SAY THEY'RE HISTORIC.

I DON'T KNOW IF THERE ARE HISTORIC MARKERS ON THOSE YET.

BUT TO IMPROVE THAT NEIGHBORHOOD I THINK IT'S A GOOD THING THAT SEARS AND G.B. DANIELS ARE GOING TO HAVE RENOVATED FROM THE GROUND UP CENTERS. IT WILL HELP THE YITHE.

IT WILL HELP US SENIOR CITIZENS WHEN WE HAVE LUNCH AT THOSE DIFFERENT CENTERS. AND MAYBE THEY'LL HAVE WIRELESS INTERNET. THE YOUTH CAN TAKE ADVANTAGE OF THE PHONES THEY'RE GLUED TO ALL THE TIME.

SOME OF US OLD FOLKS CAN BRING A LAPTOP OR SOMETHING AND DO WORK THERE. AT SEARS YOU HAVE TO GO UP AN ANGLE. HOPEFULLY THEY'LL TAKE INTO CONSIDERATION IT'S FLAT. ROSE PARK CENTER THEY HAVE AN ANGLE. OLD PEOPLE ARE COMING TO THIS PLACE ON WALKERS OR CANES AND THEY HAVE TO GO UP THE INCLINE.

IF THEY PASS AND REDO SEARS PLEASE MAKE IT MORE FLAT.

A LONG RAMP WHEN YOU'RE ON A WALKER OR CANE, IT'S HARD FOR PEOPLE. THANK YOU VERY MUCH.

BOND COMMITTEE PLEASE CONSIDER THE FIRE SERVICE AS YOUR NUMBER

ONE PRIORITY. >> THANK YOU, DAVID.

>> WE ARE ON OUR PUBLIC COMMENT PERIOD FOR ITEM 21.

ANYONE LIKE TO SPEAK FOR OR AGAINST THIS.

PLEASE COME FORWARD PLEASE. >> CHARLES BURN.

ONE OF THE QUESTIONS I HAD IS CAN YOU PUBLISH THE MEMBERS THAT

ARE ON THIS COMMITTEE. >> I BELIEVE WE WILL, YES.

>> THANK YOU. >> YOU'RE WELCOME.

>> WE ARE STILL IN PUBLIC COMMENT PERIOD FOR ITEM 21.

ANYONE LIKE TO SPEAK FOR OR AGAINST THIS ITEM.

GIVE YOUR NAME AND COME FORWARD FOR THE RECORD.

>> CYNTHIA FOR THE RECORD. SO I'M JOIST A LITTLE CONFUSED AS TO WHY WE'RE HAVING A BOND ELECTION WHEN YOU LOOK AT ALL THE EXCESS MONEYS THAT WE'VE HAD LEFT OVER YEAR AFTER YEAR AFTER YEAR AND LIKE DAVID SCHWARTZ MENTIONED $80 MILLION ON A HOTEL ON WHICH BILL OF OBLIGATIONS WERE ISSUED.

BASICALLY THE TAXPAYERS WERE MADE TO PAY FOR A HOTEL THAT THEY VOTED ON AND TOLD YOU ALL THAT THEY DIDN'T WANT.

WE HAVE 60 IF NOT 70% OF OUR STREETS IN ABILENE THAT FAILING.

NOW WE DON'T HAVE A PUBLIC WORKS DIRECTOR.

MR. GREG MCAFRY WHO WAS FORCED TO RESIGN. AND HALF OF THAT DEPARTMENT IS QUITTING OR ALREADY QUIT.

SO I DON'T KNOW WHAT'S GOING ON UP AT CITY HALL.

A CITY MANAGER WHO CAN'T TELL US HOW MANY MONIES IN A MINOR KNIFEMENT FUND. A PUBLIC WORKS DIRECTOR WHO IS

[00:50:03]

HAVING A BOND ELECTION. YOU ARE ASKING IF WE WANT OUR STREETS FIXED. 6 S AGO I WALKED AROUND WITH MR. DALTON TOOK PICTURES OF YOUR RECREATION CENTERS, LEAKS IN EVERY ONE, CRACKS IN THE GYM FLOORS, SUBMITTED FACTS TO YOU GUYS, 6 YEARS AGO. HERE WE ARE WITH OUR RECREATION CENTERS IN A BOND ELECTION. FIXING OVER $20 MILLION IN AMERICAN RESCUE PLAN MONIES THAT COULD HAVE SAVED US TO PUT SO MUCH MONEY ON OUR BONDS. WHAT ARE YOU ALL DOING? WHAT ARE YOU ALL DOING AN IMPOVERISHED ENVIRONMENT WHERE THE MAJORITY OF THE CITIZENS WHO LIVE HERE FALL BELOW THE POVERTY GUIDELINES. MEANWHILE MR. MCALLISTER'S WIFE'S EMPLOYER, ANTHONY WILLIAMS'S EMPLOYER GETS MONEY TO BUILD A SHOPPING CENTER WHERE THEY GET INVESTMENT MONEY HIS EVERY MONTH. WHO DO YOU WORK FOR? DO YOU WORK FOR THE TAXPAYER OR ABILENE CHRISTIAN UNIVERSITY? WHEN YOU LOOK AT OUR INFRASTRUCTURE THAT HOLE I'VE BEEN TALKING ABOUT THE DONUT HOLE IN THE MIDDLE IS STILL DETERIORATING. WHAT ARE YOU ALL DOING? DO YOU ALL ENJOY STARVING OUT THE TAXPAYER? DO YOU ENJOY WATCHING PEOPLE STRUGGLE? BECAUSE WITH THE WAY IN WHICH YOU ALLOCATE FUNDS I CAN'T HELP BUT THINK THAT'S WHAT YOU ENJOY DOING IS STARVING US ALL.

>> THANK YOU, CYNTHIA. ANYONE LIKE TO SPEAK FOR OR AGAINST THIS ITEM. PLEASE COME FORWARD AND GIVE

YOUR NAME FOR THE RECORD. >> JIMES SERGEANT FOR THE

RECORD. >> MY CONCERN I THINK EXPANSION OF GROWTH CAN BE A GOOD THING. WHEN WE'RE NOT TAKING CARE OF OUR BASIC NEEDS, WE'RE OVERLOOKING THE MASSIVE AMOUNT PERCENTAGES OF DEBT THAT WE'RE INCURRING.

CLOSE TO 30% OF THE WATER SERVICES PRINCIPLE AND INTEREST.

I THINK SOME OF THAT NEEDS TO BE HANDLED.

NEEDS TO BE ADDRESSED. AND A LOT OF SITUATIONS.

IN THE STREETS, EVERYONE KNOWS ABOUT THE STREETS.

THERE'S GROWTH THAT'S GOING ON. WE'RE THANKFUL FOR THAT.

I THINK THERE NEEDS TO BE A HIGHER INTEREST IN IT.

G.B. DANIELS ONE OF MY OLDEST DAUGHTERS GOES THERE.

IT DOES NEED SOME WORK. WHY DO WE DO AN OUTSIDE FITNESS EQUIPMENT AT RED HOOK PARK INSTEAD OF LOOKING AT THATTLER.

I WOULD LIKE TO RECOMMEND SOME OF THESE BASIC CORE THINGS GET ADDRESSED FIRST BEFORE WE GET OURSELVES MORE IN DEBT.

THANK YOU. >> THANK YOU, JAMES.

>> WE ARE STILL IN THE PUBLIC COMMENT PERIOD FOR ITEM 21 WHICH IS THE ESTABLISHMENT OF A BLUE RIBBON COMMITTEE TO LOOK AT THE BOND THAT WILL BE DECIDED ON AND TAKING INTO ACCOUNT ALL OF WHAT WE TALKED ABOUT TODAY. ANYONE LIKE TO SPEAK OUT FOR OR AGAINST THIS ITEM? GOING ONCE, TWICE.

ALL RIGHT. NO ONE IS GOING TO GET UP AGAIN.

I WILL CLOSE THE PUBLIC HEARING. >> DOES THE COUNCIL HAVE QUESTIONS OR COMMENTS BEFORE WE GET A MOTION AND A SECOND FROM

THE COUNCIL. >> MOVE FOR A PRECISELY.

>> WE HAVE A MOTION BY COUNCIL MEMBER PRICE.

AND A SECOND BY COUNCIL MEMBER BEARD.

ANY FURTHER DISCUSSION. >> COUNCIL MEMBER PRICE.

>> YES. >> COUNCIL MEMBER HURT.

>> YES. >> MAYOR PRO TEM.

>> YES. >> AND MAYOR WILLIAMS IS ABSENT.

MOTION CARRIES. >> IT IS 9:43 THIS MORNING.

I APPRECIATE EVERYONE BEING HERE TODAY.

WE APPRECI

* This transcript was compiled from uncorrected Closed Captioning.