Jul 28, 2022 City Council

[CALL TO ORDER]

[00:00:08]

>> CALL ABILENE CITY COUNCIL TO ORDER.

ASK COUNCILMAN TRAVIS CRAVER TO PROVIDE THE INVOCATION AND PLEDGE. IT IS 8:30 A.M.

>> PLEASE PRAY WITH ME. LORD GOD IN TRULY DO OUR DUE DILIGENCE, WHERE THE RESEARCH, THROUGH CONVERSATIONS, THROUGH EXPERIENCES, TO GOVERN IN A WAY THAT LEADS WITH THE KNOWLEDGE OF YOU FIRST.

GOD, I PRAY FOR THE CITY OF ABILENE, THE FIRST RESPONDERS, THOSE THAT OPERATE ON THE FRONT LINES, TO KEEP US SAFE.

THAT ARE MANY TIMES GIVING THEMSELVES, GIVING OF THEMSELVES IN THIS HEAT, TO MAKE SURE THAT FUNCTIONS GO ACCORDINGLY. GOD, I PRAY FOR THAT SINGLE MOTHER, THOSE FAMILIES THAT ARE STRUGGLING.

GOD, I PRAY FOR THE MARRIAGES THAT ARE ON THE BRINK.

GOD, I PRAY THAT AS HUMANS WE SEE ONE ANOTHER, FOR WHAT WE ARE AND THAT IS MADE IN YOUR NAME.

GOD, WHAT AN INCREDIBLE OPPORTUNITY TODAY TO TRULY LIVE IN A WAY THAT HONORS YOU. GOD, THANK YOU FOR THIS DAY.

LET TODAY BE A PRODUCTIVE DAY, A DAY WHERE WE'RE WILLING TO LISTEN AND LEARN, ON ALL ACCOUNTS.

IN YOUR NAME, WE GIVE THANKS AND WE PRAY, AMEN.

>> AMEN. >> FLAG OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, AND TO THE REPUBLIC FOR WHICH IT STANDS, 1 NATION, UNDER GOD, INDIVISIBLE, WITH LIBERTY AND JUSTICE FOR ALL NA UNDER GOD, INDIVISIBLE, WITH LIBERTY AND JUSTICE FOR ALLON , UNDER GOD, INDIVISIBLE, WITH LIBERTY AND JE NATION, UNDER GOD, INDIVISIBLE, WITH LIBERTY AND JUSTICE FOR ALL

>> NOW THE TEXAS FLAG. HONOR THE TEXAS FLAG, I PLEDGE ALLEGIANCE TO THE THEE TEXAS, ONE STATE, UNDER GOD, ONE AND

INDIVISIBLE. >> DO HAVE ONE PROCLAMATION ON THIS MORNING. PUBLIC WORKS.

[PRESENTATIONS, RECOGNITIONS, PROCLAMATIONS AND ANNOUNCEMENTS]

THE MONTH OF AUGUST 2022 IS BEING RECOGNIZED AS NATIONAL WATER QUALITY MONTH, TO REMIND OURSELVES OF THE IMPORTANCE OF PROTECTING OUR WATER RESOURCES. THE CITY OF ABILENE IS THE PROUD HOME OF SEVEN CREEKS, LAKE KIRBY, RECOGNIZE THE WATER IS ESSENTIAL TO OUR QUALITY OF LIFE, HEALTH AND ENVIRONMENT, AND THE FUTURE. IDENTIFIES THE PUBLIC OUTREACH EDUCATION AND COMMUNITY AWARENESS WILL GREATL ENHANCE OUR ABILITY TO IMPROVE OUR WATER QUALITY FOR GENERATIONS TO COME. THERE ARE MANY THINGS CITIZENS CAN DO TO PARTICIPATE IN THIS EFFORT TO PREVENT WATER POLLUTION, SUCH AS PARTICIPATING IN COMMUNITY CLEAN-UPS, PICKING UP AFTER PETS, AMEN, LIMITING USAGE OF FERTILIZERS, PESTICIDES, ATTENDING TO YARD WASTE, AND ELIMINATING THE BLOWING OF GRASS CLIPPINGS INTO THE STREET, ALLEY AND DRAINAGE WAY. AS MAYOR AND ON BEHALF OF THE MEMBERS OF ABILENE CITY COUNCIL, PROCLAIM AUGUST 2022, AS NATIONAL WATER QUALITY MONTH, IN THE CITY AND URGE ALL CITIZENS TO EVALUATE THE IMPACT INDIVIDUAL HOUSEHOLD AND BUSINESSES AND TAKE ACTION TOWARD PROTECTING OUR WATER.

IT IS OUR WATER. OUR FUTURE OUR RESPONSIBILITY.

MAX, ANYTHING YOU WANT TO SAY OR RECOGNIZE ANY INDIVIDUALS

[00:05:03]

TODAY? >> THANK YOU FOR THE OPPORTUNITY, COUNCIL, MR. MAYOR, FOR THIS OPPORTUNITY, TO COME AND RECOGNIZE WATER QUALITY MONTH.

THESE ARE YOUR PROFESSIONALS THAT TAKE CARE OF THE -- MAINTAIN THE STREAMS AND ALLEYS.

RIGHT NOW WE HAVEN'T HAD A LOT OF RAIN.

EVERYBODY KNOWS THAT. WE'RE ALL PRAYING FOR MORE RAIN. BUT THESE GUYS ARE BUSY MAKING SURE THAT WHEN THAT RAIN DOES COME, IT'S GOING TO FLOW EFFICIENTLY TO THE CREEKS. WE DO HAVE SEVERAL ACTIVITIES PLANNED OVER THE NEXT MONTH, TEAMED UP WITH THE LIBRARY, A LOT OF THE CHILDREN READINGS ARE GOING TO BE BASED ON WATER THEMES. END OF THE MONTH WE'RE DOING A KIRBY LAKE CLEAN-UP. PLEASE LOOK AT THE WEBSITE AND GET INVOLVED. THANK YOU, SIR.

APPRECIATE THE OPPORTUNITY. >> OKAY.

THERE WE GO. THANK YOU.

[CONSENT AGENDA AND PUBLIC COMMENTS]

ANY COUNCILMAN WANT TO LOOK AT ANYTHING SEPARATELY.

>> NUMBER 5. OKAY.

>> NUMBER 10. >> NUMBER 10.

ANY OTHERS FROM THE COUNCIL? OKAY.

WE'LL NOW MOVE TO THE PUBLIC COMMENT PERIOD.

THERE WILL BE NO VOTES OR ANY FORMAL ACTIONS TAKEN ON SUBJECTS TO PUBLIC COMMENT. THE PUBLIC COMMENT PERIOD WILL ONLY ALLOW MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC TO PRESENT IDEAS AND INFORMATION TO CITY OFFICIALS AND STAFF.

DO WE HAVE ANY CARDS, MAYOR PRO TEM?

>> DAVID SCHWARTZ. >> WILL BE A THREE MINUTE LIMIT ON ALL COMMENTS DURING THE PUBLIC COMMENT PERIOD.

>> GOOD MORNING, COUNCIL, DAVID SCHWART.

YOU PULLED ITEM FIVE, I'M GOING TO MENTION IT.

WE HAVE A GREAT MANAGEMENT TEAM IN PLACE, ALREADY AT THE CONVENTION CENTER. SO PLEASE GIVE THE TAXPAYERS A REASON WHY YOU WOULD WANT TO HAVE A COMPANY DO THAT.

ON ITEM 8, WE'RE GOING TO GO BACK TO THE WALKWAY, ALONG CEDAR CREEK. AGAIN, WE'RE HAVING BONKE BROTHERS LISTED HERE AS A POSSIBLE CONTRACTOR TO REPLACE CONCRETE BRIDGES AT THE GOLF COURSE.

ARE THEY ACTUALLY THE LOWER BIDDER OR IS IT ONE OF THOSE, OH, BEST VALUE THINGS. BECAUSE YOU KNOW, AFTER THAT LAST DEAL SOME TAXPAYERS HAVE WONDERED, TOOK QUESTION OF HOW THE BIDDING PROCESS IS, IF THEY PREFER ONE OVER ANOTHER, EVEN THOUGH THEY'RE NOT THE LOW BIDDER.

AND AS FAR AS THE OTHER THING, OF COURSE, WE'VE ALL HEARD THROUGH THE MEDIA ABOUT OUR NEW POLICE STATION FLOODING.

IF YOU BELIEVE THE MEDIA, THEY SAY IT'S UNUSABLE FOR SEVERAL MONTHS. WHETHER THAT IS ACCURATE OR NOT. BUT STILL.

YOU KNOW, IT'S KIND OF LIKE BUYING AN ETZEL.

YOU BOUGHT A USED BUILDING. THE LAST COUNCIL MEETING, A TIME OR TWO AGO SAID OH, WE'RE GOING TO HAVE TO PUT A ROOF ON IT BECAUSE WE DIDN'T PUT IT ON THERE.

NOW YOU'VE HAD THIS FLOODING. WHAT IS IRONIC IS NEXT DOOR TO THE POLICE STATION IS THE WATER UTILITY OFFICE.

NOBODY OVER THERE COULD TURN OFF THE WATER.

IT FLOODED THAT BAD BEFORE YOU ACTUALLY WERE ABLE TO GET THE WATER TURNED OFF. NOW, IF YOU BELIEVE THE PICTURES IN THE MEDIA, IT'S PRETTY SEVERE.

THANK GOODNESS, IT WASN'T A FIRE SUPPRESSION SPRINKLER SYSTEM. IF IT WAS, ALL THE ELECTRONICS, DITCH DISPATCH, COMPUTERS, EVERYTHING WOULD HAVE BEEN RUINED. IT'S ON THE TAXPAYERS OBVIOUSLY TO FIX THIS, UNLESS WE HAVE INSURANCE THAT WILL COVER THAT.

LAST, OF COURSE, WE'RE TALKING ABOUT THE BOND ELECTION.

YOU MENTIONED BRIEFLY YESTERDAY DURING THE BUDGET HEARINGS ABOUT STATION NINE. AND LIKE I'M GOING TO REMIND

[00:10:02]

THAT IS GOING TO BE A MAJOR PLAYER IN THAT AREA.

SO YOU DON'T WANT TO BUILD TOO SMALL ON THAT FIRE STATION OUT THERE. AND THAT IS ALL I HAVE FOR PUBLIC COMMENT. THANK YOU.

>> IS THERE ANYONE ELSE THIS MORNING?

>> GOING TO GO DOWN, PUT A MASONRY FENCE, A LOT OF THE COMMON AREAS TO TWO-STORY VERSUS THREE-STORY.

WAS WILLING TO MAKE A LOT OF THINGS LOOK LIKE A WIN-WIN SITUATION FOR THE CITY. RIGHT NOW A FIVE-STORY HOTEL COULD BE BUILT THERE. I WANTED TO APPRECIATE THE PROCESS IN HOW IT WAS DONE. I FELT LIKE IF YOU WOULD HAVE BUILT THAT IN 2017, HE WOULD NOT HAVE NEEDED OUR APPROVAL.

HE BOUGHT THAT IN 2011 AND HE DIDN'T DO IT IN TIME.

SO I JUST WANT TO SAY I APPRECIATE THAT.

APPRECIATE THE CONSIDERATION. A LOT OF THOSE HOUSES WERE BUILT IN 2018, 2019, 2020. HE HAD THAT PROPERTY IN 2011.

PURCHASED IT UNDER BEING AN APARTMENT COMPLEX GUY.

YOU KNOW, THAT IS WHAT HE DOES. SO HE HAD THAT PROPERTY, THE CITIZENS HAD THE ABILITY TO KNOW ABOUT IT.

AND SO I KNOW THAT IT IS NOT BLACK AND WHITE AND FEELINGS GET INVOLVED. BUT SO FAR AS THE WAY IT WAS HANDLED THROUGH PLANNING AND ZONING, YOU KNOW, I DON'T WANT TO GET UP HERE WHEN SOMETHING GOES WRONG, I WANT TO THANK THEM FOR THE WAY THAT THEY HANDLED IT.

SO I APPRECIATE IT. >> ANYONE ELSE?

>> MY NAME IS SAMUEL GARCIA, FIRST OF ALL, I WANT TO RECOGNIZE THE WATER DEPARTMENT. I STOOD UP HERE AND SAID THIS BEFORE. THAT IS THE MOST VITAL THING FOR EVERY CITIZEN. YOU DON'T LIVE OBVIOUSLY IF YOU DON'T GET TOUCHED BY WATER. AGAIN, THANK YOU.

ALSO, I WANTED TO THANK THE LIBRARIANS IN OUR COMMUNITY.

I USE THE LIBRARY SO MUCH FOR DIFFERENT EVENTS.

AND THERE IS NOT A BETTER GROUP OF PEOPLE THAT PROMOTE EDUCATION AND HELP SO MANY. I GO THERE EVERY DAY AND THERE IS A LOT OF PEOPLE SUFFERING FROM THE HEAT WHO ARE ABLE TO SURVIVE BECAUSE OF THEM. ONE OF THE OTHER REASONS I WANT TO SPEAK TODAY IS BECAUSE OF THE APPROVAL OF THE DEMOLITION OF THE PROPERTY ON CYPRUS, OLD ABILENE REPORTER NEWS.

WHEN I WATCHED THAT, I WAS AMAZED, THERE WAS REALLY NO DISCUSSION AS TO WHY WE WERE GOING TO SPEND ALMOST HALF A MILLION DOLLARS. I WAS WONDERING, WHERE DID THAT MONEY COME FROM. I THOUGHT WAIT A MINUTE, LAST FALL DIDN'T WE APPROVE A RESOLUTION TO BUY THAT, TO PURCHASE THAT BUILDING WITH THE SAME GROUP, THE ABILENE IMPROVEMENT, WHATEVER THEY'RE CALLED.

AND THEN WHEN I FOUND OUT ABOUT THE DEAL BACK THEN, I ASKED FOR A COPY OF IT. WELL, IT FELL THROUGH.

I THOUGHT, WELL I DON'T KNOW WHAT HAPPENED TO IT.

AND NOW, WE'RE DEMOLISHING THE BUILDING.

WHAT HAPPENED BETWEEN US WANTING TO PARTNER AND PURCHASE THE BUILDING LAST YEAR, VERSUS ACTUALLY DEMOLISHING THE BUILDING. THE RESOLUTION LAST YEAR SAID IT WAS GOING TO BE DEVELOPED, THE BUILDING WAS.

WAS IT ASBESTOS, WHAT WAS IT? TO ME IT SOUNDED LIKE IT WAS GOING TO BE A BAD DEAL. THAT IS WHAT I WAS ASSUMING.

BECAUSE I NEVER HEARD WHY THAT DEAL FELL THROUGH.

I TURN AROUND AND SAY, NOW WE'RE GOING TO PAY TO DEMOLISH IT. WHERE DID THIS MONEY COME FROM? I FOUND OUT THROUGH AN FOYA REQUEST, IT DIDN'T GIVE IT, I ASKED COUNCILMAN, WHERE IS THIS MONEY.

COMING FROM THE MINOR IMPROVEMENT FUND.

AS I HAVE GOTTEN BEFORE THE CITY MANAGER TO DEFINE WHAT THAT IS, THAT IS EXTRA EXTRA MONEY.

ALWAYS DEFINED IT. AFTER WE'VE SET ASIDE OUR FUND BALANCE, EXTRA MONEY THAT WE PUT INTO THE MINOR IMPROVEMENT

[00:15:01]

THAT COMES FROM GENERAL REVENUES.

INSTEAD OF FINDING A DIFFERENT WAY TO DO THAT, WE'RE GOING TO USE HALF A MILLION DOLLARS TO TEAR DOWN THE OLD ABILENE REPORTER NEWS. WOW.

WE CAN'T FIND A BETTER WAY TO SPEND OUR TAX DOLLARS THAT CAN BE USED JUST ABOUT A LOT OF OTHER DIFFERENT WAYS.

THAT WOULD HAVE HELPED PAY FOR A LOT OF REPAIRS FOR A FLOODED POLICE DEPARTMENT. SO JUST WANT TO MAKE THAT POINT. ALSO, JUST AGAIN, THANK THE LIBRARIANS IN THIS COMMUNITY AND THANK THE WATER DEPARTMENT PEOPLE. THEY SERVE VITAL ROLES AND I THINK IT'S IMPORTANT THAT YOU RECOGNIZE THEM AND CONTINUE TO DO THAT. THANK YOU.

>> WE'RE STILL ON THE PUBLIC COMMENT PERIOD.

ANYBODY ELSE TO PARTICIPATE THIS MORNING? SEEING NO ONE, I'LL CLOSE THE PUBLIC COMMENT PERIOD.

I WILL NOW TAKE A MOTION FROM ITEMS 3 THROUGH 23, WITH THE EXCEPTION OF NUMBER 5 AND NUMBER 10.

>> SO MOVED. >> WE HAVE A MOTION BY COUNCIL MEMBER HURT AND A SECOND BY COUNCIL MEMBER ALBUS.

ANY DISCUSSION? READY TO VOTE.

>> ROLL CALL. >> MOTION CARRIES.

[5. Resolution: Receive a Report, Hold a Discussion and Take Action on Authorizing the City Manager to Enter into a Management Agreement between ASM Global and the City of Abilene for Management Services for the Abilene Convention Center (Mindy Patterson)]

>> WE'LL PULL NUMBER 5. >> THAT WAS ME.

ROBERT, I WOULD JUST LIKE A BRIEF OVERVIEW OF A COUPLE OF QUESTIONS. AND I KNOW THAT THESE HAVE BEEN ANSWERED IN THE PRESS. BUT WHAT WILL HAPPEN TO THE CURRENT STAFF SITUATION WITH OUR LOCAL FOOD VENDORS AND THE FEE STRUCTURE THAT WE'RE APPROVING IN THE BUDGET.

>> INVITE PATTERSON UP TO BRIEFLY ANSWER SOME OF THESE QUESTIONS, PARTICULARLY REGARDING THE FEES.

THE OTHER TWO I KNOW I CAN REMEMBER OFF THE TOP OF MY HEAD. IN REGARDS TO THE VENDORS AND CATERERS, THIS CONTRACT ALLOWS FOR THIRD-PARTY VENDORS AND CATERERS. RIGHT NOW WE HAVE SEVERAL HUNDRED. PROBABLY THAT LIST WILL BE PAIRED DOWN. IF YOU ARE A RESTAURANT IN ABILENE, TEXAS, THIS CONTRACT DOESN'T PROHIBIT YOU FROM DOING BUSINESS WITH THE CONVENTION CENTER.

YOU'LL HAVE TO WORK THROUGH ASM GLOBAL PROCESS TO DO THAT.

BUT THIS ISN'T AN EXCLUSIVE CONTRACT FOR ASM GLOBAL.

THEY WILL PROVIDE THEIR OWN FOOD SERVICE AS WELL.

BUT PEOPLE THAT HOST, THEY ARE ABLE TO USE LOCAL RESTAURANTS AS WELL. IN REGARDS TO OUR EMPLOYEES, WE ACTUALLY MET WITH ASM GLOBAL YESTERDAY.

AND OUR EMPLOYEES. AND STARTED THE CONVERSATION OF WHAT THIS TRANSITION PERIOD MIGHT LOOK LIKE IF COUNCIL APPROVES THIS TODAY. MY HOPE IS THAT THOSE THAT WISH TO GO WITH ASM GLOBAL WILL HAVE THAT OPPORTUNITY.

ASM GLOBAL HIRES ABOUT 90 PERCENT OF WORKFORCE.

THOSE THAT THEY DON'T PICK UP DIDN'T WANT TO COME, MORE OFTEN THAN NOT. I'M HOPEFUL IF WE HAVE EMPLOYEES THAT WANT TO CONTINUE WORKING IN THE CONVENTION CENTER, WE DO HAVE A GOOD MANAGEMENT TEAM THERE, THEY WILL BE ABLE TO STAY. FOR THOSE THAT WANT TO STAY WITH THE CITY, WE HAVE OPEN POSITIONS NOW AND WE'RE ENCOURAGING FOLKS TO APPLY FOR THEM.

INDY, YOU WANT TO TALK ABOUT THE FEE SCHEDULE?

>> GOOD MORNING, MINDY PATTERSON.

DEPUTY CITY MANAGER. WE HAVE WORKED WITH ASM GLOBAL.

THEY HAVE A REPRESENTATIVE HERE.

WE DO HAVE THE FEES SET FORTH, AS FAR AS ASM, OF WHAT THEY WILL NEED TO RUN THE FACILITY ON THAT.

WE WILL, OF COURSE, HONOR EVERY CONTRACT THAT WE'VE SIGNED AND EVERYTHING THAT WE'VE ALREADY DONE.

THIS WILL BE GOING FORWARD. WE'LL HAVE A TRANSITION PERIOD FOR THEM TO NOTIFY THE EVENTS AND TO GET EVERYTHING CHANGED

AS PART OF THAT. >> WE'RE LOOKING AT THROUGHOUT THE COURSE OF THE CONTRACT, IT'S ABOUT 675,000 IN SAVINGS,

IS THAT RIGHT TO THE CITY? >> ADDITIONAL REVENUE.

SO IT'S NET INCOME. >> OKAY.

>> AND I THINK ONE OF THE OTHER THINGS TO POINT OUT IS THEY ARE ALSO CONTRIBUTING A $280,000 CAPITAL CONTRIBUTION TO BE DECIDED UPON MUTUALLY BETWEEN THE CITY MANAGER AND THEM AS FAR AS DOING THINGS AT THE CONVENTION CENTER ON TOP OF WHATEVER EXTRA REVENUE WE WOULD BE BRINGING IN.

>> PLUS WHAT, 100,000 FOR MARKETING CAMPAIGNS? IS THAT WHAT I READ? IS THAT PART OF THE 280?

YEAH. >> YESTERDAY WE TALKED ABOUT THIS DURING THE BUDGET, BUT WHAT IS IN THE BUDGET THAT WE APPROVED YESTERDAY, DOES NOT TAKE THIS INTO CONSIDERATION.

SO WHEN WE GET TO THE SECOND READING IN AUGUST, IT WILL BE TWEAKED TO ADDRESS THE CHANGES THAT NEED TO BE MADE FOR THIS.

>> YES, SIR. THAT'S CORRECT.

>> WHAT ABOUT THE HOT TAX, WILL IT CONTINUE TO GO TO THE MANAGING COMPANY OR WILL IT GO --

>> THAT CAN BE USED FOR ANY CAPITAL, UPDATES AT THE

[00:20:07]

>> I KNOW WE HAVE TO HAVE THE PUBLIC HEARING FIRST, BUT FOR WHENEVER THE MOTION IS MADE, THERE WERE UPDATING MADE YESTERDAY TO THE CONTRACT AND SO WHEN WE MAKE THE MOTION, IT'S BASED ON THAT CONTRACT. AND NOT

>> THE ORGANIZATIONAL EVENTS THERE.

MY WIFE'S QUILT GROUP, THEY HAVE HELD A QUIT SHOW THERE FOR DECADES, AS LONG AS WE'VE BEEN HERE.

WHAT I WANT TO KNOW IS WHEN THERE IS A CONFLICT, IF THERE IS -- IF THERE IS A CONVENTION THAT HAS BEEN YOU KNOW, SET ASIDE FOR TWO YEARS LATER. IS THERE SOMETHING? BECAUSE THE DEVIL IS ALWAYS IN THE DETAILS WHENEVER YOU DO THESE CONTRACTS. THERE IS A LOT OF EVENTS THAT HAPPEN, I STILL CALL IT THE CIVIC CENTER, AT THE CONVENTION CENTER, THAT MAY ACTUALLY CONFLICT.

I THINK BEFORE YOU VOTE, THIS IS NOT ABOUT MONEY.

THIS IS ABOUT THE USE OF IT. AND YOU KNOW, THERE HAS BEEN MILLIONS OF TAX DOLLARS PAID OVER THE YEARS BY THE CITIZENS.

WHO MAKES THAT DECISION? THAT MANAGEMENT COMPANY OR ARE THERE GUIDELINES THAT ARE IN THIS CONTRACT THAT ARE GOING TO HAVE CERTAIN EVENTS. DINNERS, I THINK HEB HAD THEIR DINNER THERE, YOU KNOW, THEIR FEEDING FOLKS.

THERE IS JUST A LOT OF EVENTS THAT HAVE HAPPENED THERE BEFORE, THE MEDICADO, ONE OF THE THINGS I WAS THE FOUNDING MEMBER OF. WHO MAKES THE DECISIONS IF THERE IS A CONFLICT BETWEEN QUOTE THE CONVENTION COMING IN AND THE LOCAL EVENTS THAT WE'VE ALWAYS ENJOYED AND ARE PART OF

WHO WE ARE AS ABILENANS. >> SPEAK TO THAT, MR. HANNA.

IN THE AGREEMENT, THE CITY OF ABILENE, RETAINS THE RIGHT TO IDENTIFY CERTAIN EVENTS THAT MAY BE PROVIDED AT NO COST FOR RENTAL STANDPOINT. NOW, WE'RE GOING TO, IF THE ASM GLOBAL INCURS A COST OF THAT, FOR EXAMPLE, IF THEY'RE DOING FOOD AND BEVERAGE, WE'RE PAYING FOR THAT.

BUT THE ROOM RENTAL, FOR CITY SPONSORED EVENTS, WE CAN HAVE THOSE WAIVED. IN ADDITION, JUST LIKE WE OPERATE NOW, WE HAVE CONTRACTS FOR SERVICE. SO WE'VE HAD TO LOOK AT ONE EVENT HERE RECENTLY THAT DID NOT GET RENEW THEIR CONTRACT FOR SERVICE AND THEY CAME BACK AND SAID WE'RE HOSTING OUR EVENT AND WE HAD ANOTHER CONTRACT THAT HAD ALREADY SIGNED THAT. A COUPLE OF YEARS BACK.

THE CONTRACT TOOK PRECEDENT BECAUSE WE HAVE A CONTRACTUAL AGREEMENT THERE. SO I THINK IT'S IMPORTANT FOR EVENTS TO MAKE SURE THAT THEY BOOK THEIR BOOKINGS.

WE'RE GOING TO FOLLOW THE BOOKING AGREEMENT, JUST LIKE WE DO NOW. AND WE'RE GOING TO HAVE CONTRACTS FOR SERVICE JUST LIKE WE DO NOW.

THOSE CONTRACTS WILL BE RESERVED.

SO IF THERE IS A LOCAL EVENT OR LOCAL ENTITY THAT HAS A HISTORICAL MEETING ON A REGULAR BASIS THERE OR ON AN ANNUAL BASIS, YOU KNOW, MAKE SURE WE WORK WITH THE MANAGEMENT

[00:25:01]

AND THEY BOOK A COUPLE OF YEARS IN ADVANCE.

THAT IS ALSO AN OPPORTUNITY. SO I THINK IT'S GOING TO BE, THAT IS NOT CHANGING FROM WHAT WE DO NOW.

WE HAVE THESE CONTRACTS IN PLACE.

WE HAVE A BOOKING POLICY IN PLACE.

WE CALL THE FOLKS, SAY, HEY, DON'T FORGET TO FILL OUT YOUR CONTRACT. I'M SURE THAT WILL TAKE PLACE

AGAIN WITH NEW MANAGEMENT. >> THERE IS A LIST OF DIFFERENT SPONSOR EVENTS, WE PARTNER WITH DIFFERENT NON-PROFITS THAT ARE SIGNIFICANT IN OUR COMMUNITY. THOSE WILL REMAIN INTACT.

>> WE HAVE UP TO TEN SIR. WE MAY HAVE TO LOOK AT SOME OF THOSE THINGS. I HAVE BEEN ASKED BY OUR STAFF WHAT HAPPENS TO WORLD LARGEST BARBECUE.

OBVIOUSLY THAT IS ONE OF THE EVENTS THAT WE'RE GOING TO KEEP. THAT IS SOMETHING THAT WE'LL KEEP. SO WE HAVE I THINK WE HAVE THE OPPORTUNITY TO CONTINUE ON IN THE CHARACTER THAT ABILENE HAS

HISTORICALLY DONE. >> WE'RE STILL IN PUBLIC

HEARING. >> PAM SYKES.

>> GOOD MORNING, MAYOR, COUNCIL.

ACTUALLY, I DON'T REALLY NEED TO VOICE MY QUESTIONS.

BECAUSE IT'S ALREADY BEEN ANSWERED BY MR. HANNA AND MINDY PATTERSON. ACB IS NOT HERE TO VOICE OPPOSITION OR A YES FOR THE MANAGEMENT COMPANY.

WE DO LIKE TO OR WANT TO EXPRESS THAT WE WORK VERY VERY WELL WITH THE CURRENT STAFF. AND I UNDERSTAND THAT THOSE THINGS ARE BEING TAKEN CARE OF. MOLLY AND COURTNEY AND THE ENTIRE STAFF ARE PHENOMENAL, WORKING WITH THE ABILENE CONVENTION AND VISITORS BUREAU, WHEN WE BRING IN THE CONVENTIONS. AND WE'RE GLAD TO KNOW THAT SOME OF OUR FAVORITE EVENTS ARE STILL GOING TO TAKE PRECEDENCE WHILE WE'RE STILL TRYING TO BRING AS MANY CONFERENCES AND CONVENTIONS INTO ABILENE. AGAIN, MY QUESTIONS HAVE BEEN ANSWERED. I APPRECIATE YOUR TIME.

THANK YOU. >> ANYMORE CARDS?

>> NO, SIR. >> ANYONE ELSE?

>> JUST A QUICK QUESTION. AS FAR AS PEOPLE COMING HERE TO USE OUR CONVENTION CENTER, RIGHT NOW IT'S UNDER OUR MANAGEMENT, WE'RE LOOKING TO HAND IT OFF.

AS THEY LOOK AT US, IS THIS ABOUT THE SAME PRICE POINT THAT THEY WOULD SEE WITH THE MANAGEMENT COMPANY, COMPARED TO WITH US. SO WHEN THEY COME HERE, IS THERE GOING TO BE A DIFFERENCE IN PRICE BECAUSE WE HAVE A

THIRD-PARTY NOW? >> NO. THE FEE SCHEDULE THAT WE'VE ADOPTED IS THE FEE SCHEDULE, IS THAT CORRECT,

MINDY? >> SHE SAID SHE WOULD HONOR THAT WITH WHAT IS HERE. BUT AFTER THOSE ARE HONORED,

DOES IT GO UP? >> I THINK IT HAS AN OPPORTUNITY TO GO UP EVERY YEAR, RYAN, BUT THE FEES ARE

SET BY CITY COUNCIL. >> AND APPROVED EVERY YEAR BY

THE BUDGET PROCESS. >> THANK YOU.

>> IS THERE ANYONE ELSE THAT WOULD LIKE TO SPEAK EITHER FOR

OR AGAINST THIS ITEM? >> I'LL CLOSE THE PUBLIC HEARING. COUNCIL HAVE ANY ADDITIONAL QUESTIONS OR COMMENTS, IF NOT, ACCEPT A MOTION AND A SECOND.

>> WE HAVE A MOTION BY COUNCIL MEMBER PRICE.

SECOND BY MAYOR PRO TEM HURT. ANY DISCUSSION?

READY TO VOTE >> ROLL CALL.

[10. Resolution: Receive a Report, Hold a Discussion and Take Action on Authorizing the City Manager to Enter into a Memorandum of Understanding between All Kind Animal Initiative and the City of Abilene for the Development of a Pet Adoption and Resource Center on City Property (Robert Hanna)]

>> MOTION CARRIES. >> ITEM NUMBER 10 AND COUNCILMAN BEARD, DID YOU PULL THAT?

>> YEAH. I HAD A QUICK COMMENT.

I THINK READING THROUGH THE PACKET AND KNOWING A LITTLE BIT ABOUT THIS, I THINK IT'S A GOOD OPPORTUNITY FOR MR. HANNA, IF YOU WOULD, THIS IS A REALLY GOOD EXAMPLE OF A PUBLIC PRIVATE PARTNERSHIP. SO I THINK IT'S IMPORTANT FOR EVERYBODY TO UNDERSTAND WHAT THE CITY'S COMMITMENT IS AND THE CONTINGENCY THAT THE CITY'S COMMITMENT IS UNDER.

DEPENDING UPON WHAT ALL KINDS DOES AND THE FUND RAISING THEY HAVE TO DO AND THE NEW SHELTER LOCATION, AND ALL OF THAT.

IF YOU COULD JUST SPEAK BRIEFLY ABOUT THAT, PLEASE.

>> ALL KINDS IS HERE. THEY MAY WANT TO MAKE COMMENTS TOO. WE HAVE BEEN WORKING WITH ALL KIND A NUMBER OF YEARS. CONSTRUCTION OF FLAT FIELDS, WHAT WE APPROVED FOR THE SUPPORT CENTER.

IT'S CURRENTLY CONSTRUCTED AND USED.

THE SAME MODEL. THE CITY OF ABILENE'S COMMITTING FOUR MILLION DOLLARS AND ALSO THE PRO WATER AND SEWER CONNECTIONS AND THE WATER AND SEWERS ARE ON THE SITE, WE'RE GOING TO HAVE TO PROVIDE THE TAP OPPORTUNITIES.

IN EXCHANGE FOR THAT, ALL KIND IS COMMITTING TO RAISE ADDITIONAL $5.5 MILLION OF PRIVATE FUNDS OVER THE NEXT 36

[00:30:04]

LOCATED ADJACENT TO LAND THE CITY JUST PURCHASED.

610 610 EAST SOUTH 11TH STREET.

OUT OF THE FLOODPLAIN, WHICH IS IMPORTANT WHEN YOU'RE LOCATING AN ANIMAL SHELTER, AND ADJACENT TO A PARK WHICH WE THINK WILL CREATE SYNERGY OPPORTUNITIES FOR FOLKS AND WALKING TRAILS

AND THOSE SORTS OF THINGS. >> THE LAST FEW YEARS IDENTIFYING RESOURCES FROM A PRIVATE SECTOR.

THANK YOU VERY MUCH. WE'LL HAVE A PUBLIC HEARING.

YOU CAN SPEAK IF YOU CHOOSE TO AND OTHERS AS WELL.

ANY OTHER COMMENTS FROM THE COUNCIL PRIOR TO THE PUBLIC HEARING? SO AT THIS TIME, I WILL OPEN IT UP TO PUBLIC HEARING. IS THERE ANYONE THAT WOULD LIKE TO SPEAK EITHER FOR OR AGAINST THIS ITEM? IF SO, PLEASE GIVE YOUR NAME FOR THE RECORD.

SEEING NO ONE, I'LL CLOSE THE PUBLIC HEARING.

ACCEPT A MOTION AND A SECOND. SO MOVED.

WE HAVE A MOTION BY COUNCIL MEMBER CRAVER.

SECOND BY COUNCIL MEMBER BEARD. ANY CONVERSATION.

READY TO VOTE. >> ROLL CALL.

[24. Ordinance (Final Reading): Receive a Report, Hold a Discussion and Public Hearing, and Take Action on Amending Chapter 18, "Motor Vehicles and Traffic," Article XIII, "Schedules," Section 18-286, Decreased Speed Limits - School Zones," of the Abilene Municipal Code, By Amending School Zone near Dyess Elementary and Updating AISD school names (Max Johnson)]

>> MOTION CARRIES. >> WE'LL NOW MOVE TO THE REGULAR AGENDA. WE'LL MOVE TO ITEM NUMBER 24.

AND I'LL ASK MAX JOHNSON, DIRECTOR OF PUBLIC WORKS TO

PRESENT THIS ITEM. >> GOOD MORNING AGAIN, MR. MAYOR AND COUNCIL. BEFORE YOU THIS MORNING IS A FOR YOUR CONSIDERATION IS AMENDMENT FOR IN THE CODE, WHICH DEALS WITH ONE, AN EXTENSION OF THE SCHOOL ZONE, AS WELL AS CHANGING THE NAMES OF SEVERAL OF THE ISD, ABILENE ISD SCHOOLS. SO LAST YEAR, ABILENE ISD BUILT A NEW DIOCESES ELEMENTARY. THIS IS THE NEW LOCATION BETWEEN HAMPTON HILL AND JENNINGS.

THIS IS BOTH BECAUSE OF THE NEW SCHOOL AS WELL AS THE DEVELOPMENT THAT HAS BEEN INCREASING AROUND THE SCHOOL.

THE SECOND PORTION OF THIS IS JUST CORRECTING THE NAMES OF THE SCHOOLS IN THE CODE. THERE ARE THREE CHANGES THAT ARE LISTED THERE. AND THEN ONE UPDATE TO THIS, IN LAST COUNCIL, WE APPROVED A SCHOOL ZONE AT WILEY EAST ELEMENTARY. WE UNFORTUNATELY HAD THE INCORRECT NAME OF ONE OF THE STREETS.

AND THAT HAS BEEN NOW UPDATED. IT WAS COLONY HILL.

IT IS NOW MAPLE. SO THERE IS A SCHOOL ZONE BOTH ON MAPLE AS WELL AS COLONY HILL.

THOSE HAVE BEEN UPDATED. BUT I WANTED TO MAKE MENTION OF

THAT AS WELL. >> QUESTIONS OF MR. JOHNSON PRIOR TO THE PUBLIC HEARING? THANK YOU.

AT THIS TIME, I WILL OPEN UP THE PUBLIC HEARING.

IS THERE ANYONE WHO WOULD LIKE TO SPEAK EITHER FOR OR AGAINST THIS ITEM? IF SO, GIVE YOUR NAME FOR THE RECORD. AND COME FORWARD.

SEEING NO ONE, I'LL CLOSE THE PUBLIC HEARING.

COUNCIL HAVE ANY QUESTIONS AND/OR COMMENTS.

IF NOT, I'LL ACCEPT A MOTION AND A SECOND.

>> MOVE TO APPROVE WITH THE CORRECTION MENTIONED.

>> WE HAVE A MOTION BY COUNCIL MEMBER PRICE.

>> SECOND BY COUNCIL MEMBER MCALISTER.

ANY DISCUSSION? READY TO VOTE.

>> ROLL CALL. MOTION CARRIES.

[27. Resolution: Receive a Report, Hold a Discussion and Public Hearing, and Take Action on Approving the Development Corporation of Abilene's Economic Development Plan (Misty Mayo)]

>> WE'LL NOW MOVE TO ITEM NUMBER 25.

I'LL ASK MISTY MAYO TO PRESENT THIS ITEM.

>> GOOD MORNING. GOOD MORNING, MAYOR, COUNCIL

[00:35:02]

AND MOST IMPORTANTLY, CITIZENS OF ABILENE.

ON BEHALF OF THE DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION OF ABILENE'S BOARD OF DIRECTORS, I AM HERE TODAY TO PRESENT THE ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT PLAN FOR THE NEXT THREE YEARS.

AS WELL AS AN AMENDMENT TO OUR EXISTING BUDGET AND A REQUEST FOR AN APPROVAL OF OUR BUDGET FOR FISCAL YEAR 2023.

SO I STAND BEFORE YOU TODAY, JUST IMMENSELY PROUD THAT IN THE PAST TWO YEARS THIS HAS BEEN THE BEST SUCCESS STORY OF THE DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION'S 33 YEARS OF EXISTENCE.

BEST SUCCESS STORY IN CAPITAL INVESTMENT COMMITMENT AS WELL AS A BEST SUCCESS STORY IN ACCOLADES AND NATIONAL ATTENTION. MAYOR, IF YOU WILL ALLOW ME, I WOULD LIKE TO PRESENT THE BEGINNING PART OF MY PRESENTATION THAT HAS TO DO WITH OUR STRATEGIC PLAN.

THAT WILL THEN LEAD TO THE BUDGET, WHICH IS A LITTLE BIT OUT OF ORDER ON THE AGENDA. BUT THE STRATEGIC PLAN WILL HELP EXPLAIN WHY WE'VE BUDGETED IN THE MANNER WE'VE BUDGETED.

SO IF I MIGHT JUST THANK YOU CITIZENS FOR ALLOWING ME JUST A MOMENT. THERE WE GO.

SO WE WILL START WITH ABILENE'S FUTURE.

OUR FUTURE IS BRIGHT. AND IT IS SHOWING IN THE AMOUNT OF PROJECTS YOU ALL AS A CITY COUNCIL HAVE DEDICATED TO AS WELL AS THE NUMBER OF ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT SUCCESS THAT WE'VE HAD IN THE LAST FEW YEARS. THE MISSION OF THE DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION OF ABILENE IS TO LEAD ECONOMIC GROWTH IN ABILENE BY ATTRACTING AND SUSTAINING INDUSTRIES THAT SUPPORT JOB CREATION, FOSTER STRONG BUSINESS AND ENSURE A PROSPEROUS COMMUNITY. THE IMPACT ON ABILENE IN THE PAST TWO YEARS AND JUST THIS PAST YEAR HAS BEEN IMMENSE IN CURRENT EXISTING COMPANIES EXPANDING IN OUR COMMUNITY, AS WELL AS NEW COMPANIES MAKING A DECISION FOR ABILENE.

YOU'LL SEE PRIMAL PET GROUP HAS NEARLY COMPLETED THEIR EXPANSION THAT THEY COMMITTED TO.

THEY HAVE RAISED WAGES FOR THEIR EMPLOYEES.

THEY HAVE MOVED THEIR CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER TO ABILENE.

THEY HAVE TRULY MADE AN INVESTMENT IN ABILENE.

GREAT LAKES CHEESE, IF YOU HAVEN'T HAD AN OPPORTUNITY, I KNOW THE COUNCIL HAS, BUT FOR THE CITIZENS OF ABILENE, IF YOU HAVEN'T HAD AN OPPORTUNITY TO SEE THEIR FACILITY, IT IS QUITE A SIGHT TO SEE WITH ALMOST 300,000 SQUARE FEET, NEARLY COMPLETED. THEY ARE PLANNING TO OPEN IN NOVEMBER OF THIS YEAR. AMAZON IS FULLY OPERATIONAL, IF YOU RECEIVE A PACKAGE FROM AMAZON THAT SAYS WTX 3, IT CAME FROM AND WAS SOURCED OUT OF THE ABILENE FACILITY.

THE DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION CONTINUES TO SUPPORT MATCHING GRANTS FOR DIOCESES TO ENSURE THE PROSPERITY AND ENSURE THAT DIOCESE REMAINS IN OUR COMMUNITY.

LANDSIUM HAS BROKEN DOWN. HENDRICK HEALTH, EXPANSION OF THE OLD SEARS LOCATION, WILL OPEN IN THE SPRING.

THE LIST GOES ON AND ON. IT'S THE MOMENTUM THAT WE HAVE BUILT IN OUR COMMUNITY THAT IS QUITE NOT ONLY IMPRESSIVE, BUT BRINGS A TREMENDOUS AMOUNT OF ENTHUSIASM ABOUT FUTURE PROJECTS AND THE FUTURE OF ABILENE.

THE COMMITMENT SINCE 1989, WHEN THE COMMUNITY DECIDED THAT THEY KNEW THAT ABILENE NEEDED AN INTENTIONAL EFFORT FOR ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT. THAT WAS IN 1989, MAKING THE DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION THE FIRST TYPE A CORPORATION IN THE STATE OF TEXAS, THE CITIZENS UNDERSTOOD THAT IF WE CAN ENSURE THAT WE REINVEST THAT FIVE CENT PART OF OUR SALES TAX BACK INTO OUR COMMUNITY, THAT THERE WOULD BE A MULTIPLIER EFFECT. THIS SHOWS YOU OVER $3 BILLION WORTH OF CAPITAL INVESTMENT THAT HAS BEEN COMMITTED SINCE THAT TIME. WHAT IT DOESN'T HIGHLIGHT IS THE INDIRECT AND DIRECT IMPACTS OF THESE PROJECTS.

LET ME TELL YOU A STORY, JUST AMAZON ALONE, MY TEAM WAS OUT VISITING AMAZON AND REALLY UNDERSTANDING THE PROCESS OF THAT DISTRIBUTION FACILITY, UNDERSTANDING AND VISUALLY SEEING THE THREE MILLION DOLLARS THAT THE COMPANY HAS PUT INTO THE BUILDING. UNDERSTANDING THE BUDGET IMPACTS THAT AMAZON WILL NOW PAY THE DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION RENT EVERY MONTH AND WHAT THAT DOES FOR OUR ABILITY TO THEN

[00:40:03]

AND WE MET A MAN WHO IS NOT AN AMAZON EMPLOYEE.

BUT YET, HE HAS NOW STARTED HIS OWN BUSINESS.

HE IS A LOCAL ENTREPRENEUR THAT HAS BUILT A BUSINESS AROUND DELIVERING PACKAGES FOR AMAZON. SO HE IS NOT AN AMAZON EMPLOYEE. YOU WON'T SEE THAT IN THE AMAZON NUMBERS THAT THEY'VE COMMITTED.

BUT IT IS A MAN THAT HAS NOW HAD AN OPPORTUNITY TO OFFER HIS FAMILY A NEW BUSINESS VENTURE BECAUSE HE IS WORKING WITH AMAZONABILENE. IN AREAS IN WHICH ON PLATFORMS IN WHICH WE'VE NEVER HAD AN OPPORTUNITY BEFORE.

THOSE OF WHICH ARE STATE OF TEXAS, HAVING AN OPPORTUNITY TO NOT ONLY HAVE THE GOVERNOR VISIT ABILENE, BUT ALSO GOING TO THE GOVERNOR'S MANSION, THOSE TYPES OF THINGS.

AS WELL AS A CAREER HONOR THAT I'VE RECEIVED TO BE NAMED TOP 50 ECONOMIC DEVELOPER IN NORTH AMERICA.

WHAT THAT HAS MEANT IS AN OPPORTUNITY FOR ME TO SPEAK, AN OPPORTUNITY FOR MY TEAM TO BE RECOGNIZED.

AN OPPORTUNITY FOR DCOA, DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION TO BE BENCHMARKED ON MANY LEVELS. SO TO SAY THAT OTHER ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT ORGANIZATIONS THROUGH THE NATION AS WELL AS INTERNATIONALLY ARE SEEKING OUT OPPORTUNITIES TO SPEAK TO MY TEAM ABOUT WHAT WE'RE DOING IN ABILENE AND HOW WE'RE EXPERIENCING THE SUCCESS WE'RE EXPERIENCING, IT'S BEEN INCREDIBLE. IT'S ALSO OFFERED MY TEAM OPPORTUNITIES. FOR EXAMPLE, JULIE JOHNCOX, COO, SERVES ON AN INTERNATIONAL DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE.

REGGIE, OUR CONTROLLER, BROCK, OUR VICE PRESIDENT FOR BUSINESS ATTRACTION. THEY SERVE ON STATEWIDE ECONOMIC COMMITTEES. I HAVE AN AMAZING TEAM AND I BRAG ABOUT THEM OFTEN BECAUSE THEY ARE THE WORLD CLASS TEAM THAT I PROMISED YOU ALL THAT I WOULD BUILD.

I'LL HAVE AN OPPORTUNITY TO HIGHLIGHT ALL OF THEM IN JUST A MOMENT. THIS IS OUR ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT STRATEGIC PLAN. YOU SEE IT IS THROUGH 2025.

THIS WAS DEVELOPED THROUGH INPUT FROM STAKEHOLDERS AND COMMUNITY LEADERS. I ALWAYS LIKE TO ACKNOWLEDGE PARTNERSHIP AND I'VE ALWAYS QUOTED THE MAYOR, THAT IT'S TEAM ABILENE. IT TAKES A TEAM TO MAKE SURE THAT OUR ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT EFFORTS ARE IMPACTFUL AND EFFECTIVE. YOU'LL SEE THE TEAM THAT CONTRIBUTED AS WELL AS THE DCOA BOARD OF DIRECTORS AND CITY COUNCIL. IT'S BASED ON SIX OBJECTIVES.

THAT IS BUSINESS RETENTION AND EXPANSION, WHICH IS TO INFLUENCE BUSINESS GROWTH IN THE COMMUNITY.

SECOND IS BUSINESS ATTRACTION. PROMOTE ABILENE AS THE PREMIER LOCATION FOR BUSINESS. MARKETING AND BRAND MANAGEMENT, MARKET THE COMMUNITY AGGRESSIVELY AND PROACTIVELY.

FOURTH IS WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT, IMPLEMENT INNOVATIVE WORKFORCE INITIATIVES TO SUPPORT TYPE A COMPANIES. REAL ESTATE IS PRIORITIZE REAL ESTATE ASSETS THAT SPUR ABILENE'S FUTURE GROWTH AND EFFECTIVE OPERATIONS. ENSURE DCOA'S EFFECTIVENESS TO CONTINUE LONG-TERM SUCCESS AND IMPACT FOR ABILENE AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT. I'VE OUTLINED THE STRATEGIES.

EACH OF THE STRATEGIES HAVE ACTION ITEMS THAT OUR TEAM HAS DEVELOPED. AND WE ARE ALREADY EXECUTING ON

[00:45:03]

YOU'LL HAVE AN OPPORTUNITY TO ACCESS THIS PRESENTATION.

SO I WILL SIMPLY HIGHLIGHT EACH OF THE SIX OBJECTIVES AND SOME OF THE PROGRESS THAT HAS OCCURRED ALREADY THIS YEAR.

BUSINESS RETENTION AND EXPANSION IS CRITICAL.

WE WANT TO ENSURE THAT LOCAL EXISTING TYPE A COMPANIES HAVE AN ENVIRONMENT IN WHICH THEY CAN STAY IN ABILENE, GROW IN ABILENE AND ULTIMATELY PROSPER IN ABILENE.

SUCCESS OF HAVING COMPANIES LIKE BRIDGETON IN ABILENE FOR 50 YEARS IS SUCH A TESTAMENT TO THE BUSINESS FRIENDLY ENVIRONMENT THAT WE ARE CREATING AND HAVE CREATED IN ABILENE FOR MANY YEARS. BLUE CROSS BLUE SHIELD CELEBRATED THEIR 25TH ANNIVERSARY IN ABILENE.

AND THE DCOA NEGOTIATED A CONTRACT WHERE BLUE CROSS BLUE SHIELD IS PAYING MONTHLY RENT. AS I MENTIONED, MY TEAM AND MYSELF HAVE HAD INCREDIBLE OPPORTUNITY TO TRAVEL THROUGHOUT THE NATION, PROMOTING ABILENE.

OUR NEW WEBSITE, AGAIN, PLEASE VISIT DEVELOP ABILENE.COM.

MARKETING AND BRAND MANAGEMENT. THIS IS MULTI-FACETED.

THERE ARE SO MANY THINGS THAT HAPPEN FROM ADVERTISING TO SPECIFIC STRATEGIC CAMPAIGNS TO SITE CONSULTANTS, AS WELL AS SOCIAL MEDIA VIDEO AND OTHER AVENUES TO REACH OUR PROSPECTIVE TARGETS. THIS IS A HIGHLIGHT OF SOME OF THE ADVERTISING IMPRESSIONS WITH THESE PARTICULAR PARTNERS.

AS WELL AS SOME OF THE ADS. THIS IS A RECENT AD, IN TEXAS MONTHLY, YOU'LL SEE SOME OF OUR ADS BEGIN TO ALSO BE ABOUT ENTICING PEOPLE TO CALL ABILENE HOME.

BECAUSE AS WE GROW, THAT MEANS NEW CITIZENS THAT WE HAVE AN OPPORTUNITY TO WELCOME TO OUR COMMUNITY.

WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT, BECAUSE WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT IS SO CRITICAL, NUMBER ONE TOPIC OF ALL EXISTING TYPE A COMPANIES, AS WELL AS MOST BUSINESSES RIGHT NOW.

YOU'LL FIND THAT THEIR QUESTIONS ARE AROUND HOW DO WE NOT ONLY RECRUIT TALENT, BUT HOW DO WE CONTINUE TO RETAIN TALENT AND EDUCATE AND UPSCALE THE TALENT THAT WE HAVE EXISTING. WE HAVE VERY SPECIFIC OBJECTIVE FOR THAT AS WELL AS STRATEGIES, WE ARE ALREADY IMPLEMENTING SUCCESSES LIKE WELCOMING WILEY ISD INTO OUR NEXT YOU PROGRAM, PROGRAM IS A WAY TO ENSURE OUR FUTURE TALENT PIPELINE FOR ABILENE. WE ARE EDUCATING EXISTING HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS IN CAREER AND TECHNICAL EDUCATION IN A PARTNERSHIP WITH AISD. NOW WE'LL WELCOME WILEY ISD.

WE'RE WORKING WITH BIG COUNTRY SHERM, HR PROFESSIONAL ORGANIZATION, TO HIGHLIGHT OPPORTUNITIES TO EDUCATE NEW PIPELINE FOR HR PROFESSIONALS. DOING A NUMBER OF VERY CREATIVE THINGS TO ENSURE THAT WE ARE FILLING THE FUTURE PIPELINE FOR WORKFORCE. REAL ESTATE AGAIN, ANOTHER OBJECTIVE, WHICH IS CRITICAL FOR THE DCOA IN ENSURING A FUTURE OPPORTUNITY OR A FUTURE PLAN, MAKING CERTAIN THAT GROWTH IS POSSIBLE FOR THE FUTURE.

EFFECTIVE OPERATIONS. YOU'LL SEE THINGS FROM EDUCATING OUR DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION BOARD MEMBERS AS WELL AS OUR STAFF. 100 PERCENT OF OUR DCOA TEAM HAS A CERTIFICATION IN ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT, WE'LL CONTINUE THOSE STRATEGIES AS WELL AS THE BUDGET AND OUR COMMITMENT TO MULTIPLYING ONE DOLLAR INTO MANY.

I ALWAYS SAY THAT THE DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION'S JOB IS TO BE A MULTIPLIER OF THE MONEY THAT WE'VE BEEN ENTRUSTED WITH. MULTIPLYING ONE DOLLAR INTO MANY. NOW, WITH OUR STRATEGIC PLAN, OF COURSE, ALL OF OUR STAKEHOLDERS AS WELL AS OUR COMMUNITY LEADERS, HAD THE OPPORTUNITY TO TALK ABOUT A SWAT, STRENGTH, WEAKNESSES, OPPORTUNITIES AND THREATS.

IN ORDER TO REALLY UNDERSTAND WHERE WE NEED TO GO AND MOVE FORWARD FOR THE FUTURE IN OUR ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT EFFORTS, WE DID ADDRESS A VERY EXTENSIVE SWAT.

THIS IS JUST A HIGHLIGHT OF THOSE AREAS.

ALL OF THE SWAT WAS CONSIDERED FOR THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE STRATEGIC PLAN. YOU'LL SEE OPPORTUNITIES LIKE THE DIVERSIFICATION OF OUR ECONOMIC BASE.

YOU HEAR ME TALK ABOUT ENSURING THAT WE'RE DIVERSIFYING THE

[00:50:01]

THREATS ARE COMPETITION FROM OTHER ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT ORGANIZATIONS AND OTHER COMMUNITIES, AS WELL AS WORKFORCE, WORKFORCE COMPETITION FROM LARGER COMMUNITIES AS WELL. AS I WRAP UP OUR ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT PLAN, I AGAIN, WANT TO HIGHLIGHT THE DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION TEAM, JULIE JOHNCOX, REGGIE, BROCK, AMY, COMMITTED AND FORWARD THINKING. THEY'RE VOLUNTEERS.

THEY'RE VOLUNTEERS WHO HAVE COMMITTED THEIR VAST KNOWLEDGE AND EXPERIENCE FOR THE BENEFIT OF ABILENE'S FUTURE.

AND SAM, THANK YOU FOR LEADING THAT EFFORT.

THANK YOU TO OUR BOARD FOR THE MANY THINGS THAT THEY'VE -- MANY OPPORTUNITIES THAT THEY'VE BROUGHT FOR OUR COMMUNITY.

MORE IMPORTANTLY, I THINK OR EQUALLY IMPORTANT, IS TO THANK CITY MANAGER AND HIS TEAM, THE STAFF TEAM'S RESPONSIVENESS TO OPPORTUNITIES THAT WE GET IS CRITICAL.

AND TO THANK YOU ALL. YOU ALL AS OUR COMMUNITY LEADERS, COUNCIL MEMBERS, MAYOR, WE HAVE TO ENSURE THAT IT IS THE ENTIRE COMMUNITY DEDICATED TO ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT IN ORDER FOR US TO BE SUCCESSFUL.

AND THAT IS A SPECIAL THANK YOU TO THE CITIZENS OF ABILENE FOR UNDERSTANDING BACK IN 1989, HAVING THE FORESIGHT TO UNDERSTAND THE IMPACT OF HAVING A SPECIFIC EFFORT FOR ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT, THE IMPACT ON ABILENE.

WE'RE SEEING THE FRUITS OF OUR COMMITMENT AND THE LEADERSHIP FROM COUNCILS BEFORE YOU. AND WE'RE ALSO SEEING THE SUCCESS FROM YOU, AS AN EXISTING COUNCIL, THE SUCCESS WE CAN HAVE BY THE COMMITMENT YOU ALL HAVE MADE TO THE COMMUNITY. SO I APPRECIATE THE EXTRA OPPORTUNITY TO CALL OUT THAT ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT HAPPENS WITH THE RIGHT LEADERSHIP AND THE RIGHT EXECUTION ON STRATEGIES AND THAT IS WHAT WE HAVE IN PLACE.

SO THANK YOU. >> MISTY, THANK YOU.

YOU KNOW, SAM, YOU AND YOUR BOARD, AND YOUR STAFF MISTY, I THINK ARE GREAT SUPPORT IN PROVIDING THEIR OWN CONTRIBUTION. BUT THE FOREFRONT IN OUR INITIAL CONVERSATIONS THAT WE HAD I GUESS NOW THREE YEARS AGO, EVERYTHING THAT YOU TALKED ABOUT DOING HAS BEEN DONE WITHOUT EXCEPTION. FOR ABILENE TO BE RECOGNIZED AS ONE OF THE TOP TEN IN ITS CLASSIFICATION IN THE NATION, TO RECEIVE BACK TO BACK AWARDS IS SIGNIFICANT.

COMMUNITY ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AWARD, IS GIVEN TO OUR STATE.

MORE IMPORTANTLY, THE OPPORTUNITIES THAT HAVE BEEN GARNERED BECAUSE OF AGREEMENTS WITH THE PRIVATE SECTOR THAT WILL ALLOW OUR CITIZENS TO BE ABLE TO HAVE A HIGH QUALITY OF LIFE IN THE FOREFRONT, WHILE THE ENTITY WAS CREATED.

SO THANK YOU FOR YOUR LEADERSHIP AND HOW YOU ARE LEADING IN A FINE WAY. SHE WOULDN'T SAY THIS, BUT I CAN. IF YOU LOOK AT THE LAST 30 YEARS, 32 I GUESS THIS YEAR, YOU LOOK AT MISTY MAYO'S TENURE, IN SOME MATRIX, SHE HAS OUT-PERFORMED, YOU LOOK AT THE CAPEX, MORE IN THE LAST THREE YEARS THAN THE PREVIOUS 32 YEARS. IF YOU LOOK AT OTHER MATRIX, SHE HAS PERFORMED TEN YEAR, THE LAST THREE, THE PREVIOUS 15 YEARS. THAT IS SIGNIFICANT AND HAS GENERATIONAL BENEFIT TO THIS COMMUNITY.

MS. MAYO, THANK YOU FOR YOUR CONTRIBUTION AND LEADERSHIP.

ANY QUESTIONS OR COMMENTS FROM THE COUNCIL?

>> I'LL JUST MENTION ANOTHER -- SOMETHING THAT IS NOT IN YOUR PRESENTATION, BUT SOMETHING THAT IS VERY TANGIBLE THAT MANY PEOPLE USE ON A DAILY BASIS. CONTRIBUTIONS TO THE DCOA MAKES INTO THE STREET MAINTENANCE FUND.

SO I APPRECIATE THAT AS WELL. AS ALL OF THE OTHER HARD WORK

[00:55:02]

IT'S VERY EXEMPLARY. >> THANK YOU, COUNCILMAN PRICE, FOR THAT RECOGNITION. IT'S NICE TO HAVE A BOARD OF DIRECTORS THAT UNDERSTANDS THAT ULTIMATELY WE ARE HERE TO SUPPORT THE COMMUNITY AND HELP ENSURE THAT WE'RE BUILDING A

FUTURE FOR ABILENE. >> ANYMORE COMMENTS AS FAR AS PUBLIC HEARING? YOU KNOW, ON AVERAGE THE LAST SIX YEARS, I HAVE TO GET THIS IN, YOU KNOW, IN REGARD TO NEW DOLLARS BEING PUT ON THE TAX ROLL IN THE CITY PROPER, THAT IS AVERAGE FROM 2 TO 250 MILLION.

IF YOU LOOK AT THE CAP EX FROM GREAT LAKES CHEESE AND PRIMAL PET, IT EXCEEDS $200 MILLION. WITHIN ITSELF IS VERY VERY SIGNIFICANT. YOU LOOK AT ADLANSIUM, 2.4 BILLION. I THINK IT'S PHENOMENAL.

I WILL QUIT BECAUSE I COULD GO ON FOR ANOTHER TEN MINUTES.

THANK YOU AGAIN. AND WITH THAT, I WILL OPEN UP THE PUBLIC HEARING. IS THERE ANYONE THAT WOULD LIKE TO SPEAK EITHER FOR OR AGAINST THIS ITEM? IF SO, PLEASE COME FORWARD, GIVE YOUR NAME FOR THE RECORD.

>> DAVID SCHWART. >> THANK YOU, COUNCIL, DAVID SCHWART, FOR THE RECORD. WELL, ACCORDING TO THE AGENDA HERE, IT'S SUPPOSED TO BE THE BUDGET.

I DID NOT SEE ONE THING ABOUT ANY BUDGET ITEMS. YOU KNOW, KIND OF LIKE A DAVID COPPER FIELD SHOW, TELL ABOUT ALL OF THE GOOD THINGS GOING ON.

BUT YOU DON'T SHOW ANY SLIDES, YESTERDAY, JUST YESTERDAY MR. HANNA GOT UP HERE, HE DETAILED EVERYTHING ABOUT WHAT OUR LOCAL GOVERNMENT WAS GOING TO SPEND OR IS SPENDING.

YOU KNOW, IT'S WHAT THEY CALL AN ACCOUNTING 101.

LIST YOUR ASSETS AS WELL AS YOUR EXPENDITURES.

WE DID NOT SEE ONE THING. WE SAW THIS GREAT PRESENTATION ABOUT HOW THEY'RE DOING SO GOOD FOR THE COMMUNITY.

BUT NOT ONE THING ACCORDING TO THIS SCHEDULE, IT SAYS A BUDGET FOR THIS AND THEN THE NEXT ITEM IS GOING TO BE FOR THE 23 BUDGET. BUT NOT ONE THING ABOUT IT.

YOU KNOW, AGAIN, IT'S COME BACK, YOU KNOW, ON THE SALARIES. YOU KNOW, IF THEY'RE PAID OUT OF THE TAXPAYER CONTRIBUTION OF THE HALF CENT.

LIKE AGAIN, I'VE SAID MANY TIME, SOMEBODY THAT PULLS DOWN MORE MONEY, THAN WILLIAM JEFFERSON, IF THAT MONEY COMING OUT OF THE HALF CENT SALES TAX, IT'S VERY SAD.

GREAT PRESENTATION, BUT ACCORDING TO THE AGENDA, IT'S SUPPOSED TO BE ABOUT A BUDGET. NOW, SHE SAID AT THE BEGINNING THAT WE'RE GOING TO DO THIS IN A DIFFERENT ORDER.

AGAIN, ACCOUNTING 101, YOU KNOW, YESTERDAY WHEN MR. HANNA GOT UP HERE, IT WAS HIGHLY DETAILED.

TODAY, IT WAS LIKE WELL, THIS IS WHAT WE'RE DOING FOR THE COMMUNITY. THANK YOU VERY MUCH, COUNCIL.

>> WE'RE STILL IN THE PUBLIC HEARING.

ANYONE ELSE LIKE TO SPEAK EITHER FOR OR AGAINST THIS ITEM? I'LL CLOSE THE PUBLIC HEARING.

SO I WANT TO BE SURE THAT WE COMMUNICATE THIS.

ANY BUDGET IN REGARDS TO DCOA OR THE CITY, ALL THOSE THINGS ARE APPLICABLE. THIS AGENDAS ITEM IS THE AMENDED BUDGET FOR THIS CURRENT CYCLE.

ANYTHING YOU WANT TO SAY IN REGARDS TO THE AMENDED BUDGET

ITEM NUMBER 25. >> GO TO 27, WHICH IS THE

DEVELOPMENT PLAN. >> SO FOR THE RECORD, COUNCILMAN PRICE, I APPRECIATE THAT.

WHAT I WAS REQUESTING IS TO BE ABLE TO SKIP TO THE ITEM THAT ALLOWS ME TO TALK ABOUT THE STRATEGIC PLAN, THE ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT PLAN. THEN I WILL GET TO THE BUDGET BY HAVING HIGHLIGHTED THE THINGS WE'RE DOING AND HAVE DONE TO BE ABLE TO EXPLAIN WHERE THE MONEY IS BEING SPENT.

SO THE NEXT ITEM OUT OF ORDER, SO THANK YOU FOR LETTING ME ADDRESS THIS OUT OF ORDER, THE NEXT ITEM WILL BE THE AMENDED

BUDGET >> WE WILL HAVE AN OPPORTUNITY FOR ITEM 25. WE'RE GOING TO LOOK AT ITEM NUMBER 27. I WILL IN FACT, OPEN BACK UP THE PUBLIC HEARING, IF ANYBODY WANTS TO SPEAK TO THIS ITEM.

[01:00:02]

>> SO MOVED. >> MOTION BY COUNCIL MEMBER

BEARD. >> SECOND.

>> SECONDED BY COUNCIL MEMBER CRAVER.

ANY DISCUSSION? READY TO VOTE.

>> ROLL CALL. >> MOTION CARRIES. 174 CYPRUS

[25. Resolution: Receive a Report, Hold a Discussion and Public Hearing, and Take Action on Approving the Amended 2021-2022 Fiscal Year Budget for the Development Corporation of Abilene (Misty Mayo)]

AND YOU CAN SEE THE ABILENE INDUSTRIAL FOUNDATION, THE $130,000 INCREASE OR DECREASE FROM AIF BUDGET.

OUR NEW CONTRACT, OUR DCOA'S NEW CONTRACT WITH THE AIF HAS GIVEN THEM THE OPPORTUNITY TO PURSUE THEIR PRIORITIES, THAT ENSURES THAT THE DCOA NOW, WITHIN OUR OBJECTIVES IS ALLOCATING STAFF DIRECTLY FOR WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT AS WELL AS BUSINESS RETENTION AND EXPANSION.

WHEREIN IN THE PAST, IT HAD BEEN AN AIF CONTRACT.

THAT COMPLETES MY BUDGET PRESENTATION

>> THANK YOU. QUESTIONS FROM COUNCIL PRIOR TO THE PUBLIC HEARING? SO I WILL OPEN UP THE PUBLIC HEARING ON ITEM NUMBER 25. DOES ANYBODY WANT TO SPEAK FOR OR AGAINST THIS ITEM? IF SO, GIVE YOUR NAME FOR THE

RECORD AND COME FORTH. >> THANK YOU, COUNCIL.

DAVID SCHWART. SINCE WE'RE OUT OF ORDER, GO BACK TO THE PRESENTATION, NAMED OUT ALL OF THESE WONDERFUL PLACES. NOT ONCE DID SHE SAY THIS AMAZON IS LOCATED AT XXX LOCATION.

THE CHEESE FACTORY IS BEING BUILT AT XXX LOCATION.

PEOPLE ARE WATCHING THIS LIVE OR WILL SEE IT SOMETIME IN THE FUTURE, PLEASE TELL THE PEOPLE IF YOU'RE GOING TO TALK ABOUT THESE WONDERFUL PLACES WHERE EXACTLY THEY'RE LOCATED AT.

YOU KNOW, I DON'T HAVE ANY IDEA WHERE AMAZON IS.

I'M ASSUMING, YOU KNOW WHAT HAPPENS WHEN YOU ASSUME, IS IT MAY BE ON THE WEST SIDE OF TOWN.

YOU KNOW, AND THE CHEESE FACTORY, I DROVE OUT THERE BY THE AIRPORT AND TRIED TO LOOK FOR IT.

I SAID WELL, I DON'T KNOW IF THIS IS IT OR NOT.

I MEAN, PLEASE TELL THE PEOPLE IF YOU'RE GOING TO BRAG ON THESE THINGS EXACTLY WHERE THEY'RE AT.

AS FAR AS YOUR BUDGET GOES, AGAIN, IT'S THE HIGHLIGHTS AND EVERYTHING. I HOPE THAT WE ACTUALLY GET TO SEE FUTURE DEVELOPMENT LIKE SINCE WE THESE OUT OF ORDER, I'M GOING TO SUGGEST AGAIN, IN THE OLD DAYS, WE HAD ALL KINDS OF MANUFACTURING, '60S, '70S, '80S, AGAIN, SUGGEST IF YOU GET A CAR PARTS DISTRIBUTOR HERE, OR AN AMMO PLANT THAT GETS THE NEW GOVERNMENT CONTRACT, THEN WE'RE GOING TO BE TALKING ABOUT ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT. THANK YOU COUNCIL.

>> WE'RE STILL IN THE PUBLIC HEARING.

IS THERE ANYONE ELSE THAT WOULD LIKE TO SPEAK EITHER FOR OR AGAINST THIS ITEM? SEEING NO ONE, I'LL CLOSE THE PUBLIC HEARING. COUNCIL HAVE ANY QUESTIONS OR COMMENTS? IF NOT, I'LL ACCEPT A MOTION

AND A SECOND. >> IF YOU'RE TRYING TO FIND THE CHEESE FACTORY, GO BY THE AIRPORT, BIG BUILDING THAT

[01:05:03]

AMAZON, SO IT'S RIGHT THERE BY BOATS, AMAZON IS IN WHAT USED TO BE ZOLTEC THAT AREA. FIVE POINTS.

RIGHT OFF OF INTERSTATE 20, THAT IS WHERE AMAZON IS.

>> IS THAT A MOTION? >> YES.

IT'S A MOTION. >> HAVE A MOTION BY MEMBER MCALISTER. WE HAVE A SECOND BY MAYOR PRO TEM HURT. ANY FURTHER DISCUSSION?

WE ARE READY TO VOTE. >> ROLL CALL.

[26. Resolution: Receive a Report, Hold a Discussion and Public Hearing, and Take Action on Approving the Fiscal Year 2023 Budget for the Development Corporation of Abilene (Misty Mayo)]

>> MOTION CARRIES. >> NOW WE'LL MOVE TO ITEM

NUMBER 26. >> AND MAYOR AND COUNCIL MEMBERS, I WILL BEGIN WITH AN ACKNOWLEDGMENT THAT IT IS VERY DIFFICULT IN A SHORT AMOUNT OF TIME TO ENSURE THAT I HIGHLIGHT EVERYTHING. THAT IS WHY I DRIVE CITIZENS TO DEVELOP ABILENE ON SOCIAL MEDIA AS WELL AS OUR WEBSITE.

WHICH IS DEVELOP ABILENE.COM. WHERE YOU CAN FIND MANY FACTS AND DETAILS, NOT ONLY ABOUT THE DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION, BUT ABOUT OUR COMMUNITY DEMOGRAPHICS, ALL SORTS OF COMPETITIVE INFORMATION THAT WOULD BE VERY USEFUL FOR COMPANIES AS WELL AS CITIZENS. NOW, I'M PRESENTING THE PROPOSED BUDGET FOR FISCAL YEAR 2023.

YOU'LL SEE AT THE TOP, WE'RE TALKING ABOUT REVENUES.

I HAVE ALREADY MENTIONED PREVIOUSLY THE LEASE REVENUE CELEBRATION AROUND THE FACT THAT THE DCOA HAS HAD AN OPPORTUNITY TO CONTRACTUALLY NEGOTIATE A LEASE SITUATION FOR BLUE CROSS BLUE SHIELD. AFTER CELEBRATING THEIR 25 YEARS IN ABILENE. THEIR COMMITMENT BACK TO STAY IN OUR COMMUNITY THROUGH THAT LEASE NEGOTIATED CONTRACT.

AS WELL AS LEASE REVENUE FROM A LOCATION IN BOVARIAN, WHICH IS A NEW INDUSTRY, WHICH IS ALSO AT FIVE POINTS, BLUE CROSS BLUE SHIELD IS ON MAPLE. YOU'LL SEE INVESTMENT INCOME.

THE DCOA IS LIMITED BY STATE STATUTE AND HOW WE INVEST OUR REVENUES AND OUR INCOME. SO WITHIN THOSE PARAMETERS, WE FOLLOW A STATE REQUIRED INVESTMENT POLICY THAT HAS BEEN CREATED FOR THE ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION BY OUR BOARD OF DIRECTORS. ALIGNING WITH STATE LEGISLATIVE CODES. SO THOSE ALL ATTRIBUTE TO OUR REVENUES. YOU'LL SEE THAT WE ESTIMATE SALES TAX REVENUE AT ABOUT ONE PERCENT MARGIN OF WHAT THE CITY ESTIMATES. WE'RE ONE PERCENT A LITTLE BIT MORE AGGRESSIVE ON OUR PROJECTION, BUT THAT IS JUST A SLIGHT MARGIN. SO WE HAVE THE TOTAL PROJECTED BUDGET JUST OVER $18 MILLION. AND YOU'LL SEE THAT HIGHLIGHTED IN BLUE. SO THEN I AM GOING TO HIGHLIGHT THE PROPOSED BUDGET THAT ALIGNS WITH THOSE $18 MILLION.

YOU'LL SEE ALSO PERCENT CHANGE FROM THE BUDGET YOU HAVE JUST VOTED, AMENDED BUDGET, TO THE PROPOSED FISCAL YEAR 23 BUDGET.

I'LL HIGHLIGHT SOME OF THE LARGER ITEMS IN WHICH MARKETING IS ONE. BY STATE LEGISLATIVE STATUTE, WE CAN ALLOCATE TEN PERCENT OF OUR SALES TAX REVENUE FOR MARKETING AND BRAND MANAGEMENT. THAT IS A KEY OBJECTIVE IN OUR STRATEGIC PLAN. YOU'VE ALREADY SEEN SOME OF THE OUTCOMES OF AND SOME OF THE EFFORTS OF OUR MARKETING.

THAT ALSO INCLUDES MARKETING MISSIONS, WHICH INCLUDES TRAVEL JUST THIS YEAR ALONE, WE HAVE TRAVELLED TREMENDOUSLY.

I'VE HAD FIVE TRIPS THIS SUMMER.

I HAVE TWO MORE BEFORE THE SUMMER IS COMPLETE.

AND THAT IS JUST MY TRAVEL SCHEDULE ALONE.

EVERY OPPORTUNITY THAT WE CAN PROMOTE ABILENE, WE ARE CERTAINLY LEVERAGING THAT VERY EFFECTIVELY.

ALSO ADVERTISING WEBSITES, MAPS, HOSTING COMPANIES THAT ARE VISITING ABILENE, ALL OF THOSE THINGS CONTRIBUTE.

THE PULL-OUT, THE MARKETING EXPENSE EXAMPLES IS SIMPLY JUST AN EXAMPLE OF THE ITEMS IN WHICH CONTRIBUTE TO THAT TOTAL BUDGET ITEM. ALSO HIGHLIGHT ON THE NEXT PAGE, THE DECREASE IN PROFESSIONAL SERVICES, PROFESSIONAL SERVICES INCLUDES EVERYTHING FROM CONSULTANTS

[01:10:03]

YOU'LL SEE IN THE ORANGE WE'VE HIGHLIGHTED ANTICIPATED AREAS OF FUNDING, WHICH COULD BE EXPANSION INCENTIVES, ATTRACTION INCENTIVES, CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PROJECTS, THE DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION OWNS FACILITIES LIKE THE FACILITY THAT AMAZON IS IN, AT FIVE POINTS, THAT IS OWNED AND OPERATED, NOW OPERATED OBVIOUSLY BY AMAZON THROUGH CONTRACT, BUT IT IS AN OWNED FACILITY OF THE DCOA AND REMAINS SO. AND THEN A PLAN WITHIN OUR STRATEGIC PLAN, EXCUSE ME, AN OBJECTIVE IN OUR STRATEGIC PLAN, THAT RECOGNIZES THAT LAND ACQUISITION IS SOMETHING THAT THE DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION NEEDS TO CONSIDER UNDERSTANDING THAT WE NEED TO PREPARE FOR 20 AND 30 YEARS OUT, TO ENSURE THAT THERE ARE OPPORTUNITIES TO ATTRACT FUTURE COMPANIES FOR OUR COMMUNITY. YOU'LL SEE WE'VE COLOR CODED IT TO SHOW THE REVENUE, PROPOSED OPERATING EXPENSE BUDGET, AT 7.6 MILLION. THE TOTAL PROPOSED INCENTIVES AND FIXED ASSETS BUDGET THAT IS TO THE LEFT IN ORANGE, AT 10.4 MILLION. THAT SHOWS YOU A TOTAL CHANGE IN NET ASSETS FOR FISCAL YEAR 2023 AT ZERO.

THE LAST TWO PAGES, AGAIN, I WILL TOGGLE, SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION. IT IS SUPPLEMENTAL BECAUSE THESE TWO ARE AREAS THAT HAVE PREVIOUSLY BEEN SUPPORTED BY THE COUNCIL. SO THESE ARE NOT ITEMS NECESSARILY THAT REQUIRE A VOTE.

BECAUSE THEY PREVIOUSLY HAVE BEEN VOTED ON.

BUT WE LIKE TO ENSURE THAT THE COMMUNITY CAN SEE THE ENTIRE PICTURE. AND IN ORDER TO SEE THE ENTIRE PICTURE, YOU NEED TO SEE WHERE THE NON-CASH ITEMS ARE HAPPENING. THOSE ARE COMMITMENTS THAT WE'VE MADE TO CONTRACTUAL COMMITMENTS THAT WE'VE MADE TO PARTICULAR PROJECTS, WHERE THEY ARE EARNING THE INCENTIVE THAT THEY HAVE BEEN AWARDED. THEN IN THE GREEN ARE THE CASH COMMITMENTS THAT THE DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION HAS MADE IN PARTNERSHIP WITH THESE COMPANIES.

AGAIN, THESE ARE ALL CONTRACTS AND BY LAW, ALL HAVE A CLAWBACK, WHICH TO TRANSLATE WHAT THAT MEANS, IS THERE IS A HOOK. SO WE ENSURE THAT WE ARE LOOKING TO INVEST THE COMMUNITY'S MONEY BACK INTO THE COMMUNITY. SO TAKING THAT DOLLAR AND MULTIPLYING IT INTO MANY, BUT ENSURING AS WELL THAT IT'S CONTRACTUALLY OBLIGATED. THOSE CONTRACTUAL OBLIGATIONS LOOK LIKE JOB CREATION, JOB RETENTION, SOMETIMES IT COMES WITH PAYROLL REQUIREMENTS. THERE ARE MANY DIFFERENT CASE SCENARIOS, DEPENDING ON THE TYPE OF INCENTIVE AND THE TYPE OF PROJECT. SO THOSE ARE TWO SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION ITEMS THAT HELP TO SHOW THE ENTIRE BUDGET PICTURE.

[01:15:01]

AND OUR REQUEST TO CITY COUNCIL TO RATIFY THIS BUDGET.

>> THANK YOU SO MUCH. QUESTIONS OF MS. MAYO FROM THE COUNCIL, PRIOR TO THE PUBLIC HEARING? AT THIS TIME, I WILL OPEN UP THE PUBLIC HEARING.

IS THERE ANYONE THAT WOULD LIKE TO SPEAK EITHER FOR OR AGAINST THIS ITEM? IF SO, PLEASE COME FORWARD TO

GIVE YOUR NAME FOR THE RECORD. >> ONCE AGAIN, COUNCIL, DAVID SCHWART. SHE MENTIONED IN THE PRESENTATION ABOUT AMAZON THERE.

SHE SAID THEY OWN THE BUILDING. AND I GUESS THE INCENTIVE IS THEY BROUGHT SOME PEOPLE JOBS. SO I DON'T KNOW WILL THEY EVER PAY US ANY RENT? YOU KNOW, AND SPEAKING OF THE BUILDING, THAT IS ZOTECH, IN THE PREVIOUS PRESENTATION, YOU SAID ABOUT HOW THE LAST THREE YEARS SINCE SHE'S BEEN IN CHARGE IT'S BEEN A LOT BETTER. I CAN REMEMBER, LIKE YOU WERE SAYING, MAYOR, PREVIOUSLY THE OTHER GUY, YOU KNOW, ZOTECH, THEY WAS GOING TO BUILD SOME KIND OF FIBER STUFF OUT THERE.

THEY PRETTY MUCH I GUESS SKIPPED TOWN OR SOMETHING ON US. THEY WERE GOING TO HAVE TO BE SUED BECAUSE THEY WASN'T FULFILLING THEIR CONTRACT. AND THE GUY THAT WAS IN CHARGE OF DCOA THEN BOUGHT THE BUILDING BACK FROM THEM. IT WAS SO CONTAMINATED, THEY HAD TO SPEND OUT, IT WAS EITHER SIX OR EIGHT MILLION DOLLARS TO CLEAN IT UP. YOU KNOW, I'M THINKING LIKE IN THE OIL FIELD DAYS, WENT OUT TO THE OIL FIELD AND SAY HEY, LET'S GET SOME CAT D-12S AND WE'LL FLATTEN THAT.

START OVER AGAIN. THAT SOUNDS EXCESSIVE THAT YOU HAVE TO SPEND $8 MILLION. AMAZON IS IN THERE NOW.

I DID NOT SEE ONE ITEM ANYWHERE IN A NEWSPAPER OR ANYTHING ABOUT ADVERTISING JOBS. SO I DON'T KNOW IF THEY DID ALL OF THAT ONLINE, TO HIRE PEOPLE. YOU KNOW, IT'S GOING TO BE A PRETTY MUCH BUMMER, YOU'RE TALKING ABOUT IF IT SAYS TX-3 ON IT. THAT YOU ORDER SOMETHING FROM AMAZON, I HOPE YOU DIDN'T PAY ANY SHIPPING TO SHIP IT ACROSS TOWN. I CAN SITUATE THERE IS DEFINITELY SOMEWHAT OF AN IMPROVEMENT FROM THE PREVIOUS PERSON THAT WAS IN CHARGE OF THE DCOA.

AS FAR AS THE BUDGET GOES, WELL, YOU KNOW, I'M NOT AN ACCOUNTANT AND I DON'T PLAY ONE ON TV, AND I JUST LIKE TO BRING UP AND POINT OUT TO THE CITIZENS EXACTLY WHAT WE'RE DOING HERE. YOU KNOW, YOU SAID THAT WE BROUGHT IN AMAZON, BRINGING IN THIS CHEESE COMPANY, BRINGING IN THE BIT COIN THING. WITH ALL OF THESE -- AGAIN, I'M GOING TO SAY YOU GET SOMETHING MORE COMMON, LIKE I SUGGESTED THOSE TWO THINGS, IT WOULD BE MORE FOR THE AVERAGE PERSON TO GET A JOB. YOU SAY THE CHEESE FACTORY IS GOING TO BRING IN A LOT OF JOBS.

NOT EVERYBODY IS CUT OUT FOR FOOD SERVICE.

THANK YOU VERY MUCH, COUNCIL. >> WE ARE STILL IN THE PUBLIC HEARING. IS THERE ANYONE ELSE THAT WOULD LIKE TO SPEAK EITHER FOR OR AGAINST

>> YEAH. I JUST WANTED TO SAY WE CAN'T REALLY READ THIS. I WAS WONDERING IF IN THE FUTURE MAYBE WE CAN GET LIKE A HAND-OUT SO WE CAN HAVE IT.

AND THEN BE ABLE TO KEEP UP WITH YOU.

I KNOW I'M 35, I DON'T KNOW, IF MY EYES ARE BAD OR NOT.

IT'S A SMALL SCREEN. I KNOW YOU GUYS HAVE THE SMALL MONITORS IN FRONT. BUT I LIKE TO BE ABLE TO KEEP UP WITH YOU WHEN YOU'RE TALKING.

THANK YOU. >> IF I CAN TAKE THAT AS A POINT TO EDUCATE THE COMMUNITY TOO, ALL OF THIS INFORMATION IS ONLINE IN THE CITY'S WEBSITE IN A PACKET FOR THIS ITEM, THEY CAN DOWNLOAD IT, FOLLOW IT, PRINT IT OFF AT HOME.

RYAN RAISES A GOOD POINT. I WANT TO MAKE SURE THE CITIZENS KNOW THAT THEY CAN ACCESS THIS INFORMATION ONLINE AND SEE IT PRIOR TO THE MEETING.

>> STILL IN PUBLIC HEARING. IS THERE ANYONE ELSE THAT WOULD LIKE TO SPEAK EITHER FOR OR AGAINST THIS ITEM? SEEING NO ONE, I'LL CLOSE THE PUBLIC HEARING.

COUNCIL HAVE ANY COMMENTS OR QUESTIONS? IF NOT, I WOULD ACCEPT A MOTION AND A SECOND.

>> MOVE FOR APPROVAL >> MOTION BY COUNCIL MEMBER PRICE. SECONDED BY COUNCIL MEMBER BEARD. ANY DISCUSSION?

WE'RE READY TO VOTE. >> ROLL CALL.

>> MOTION CARRIES. >> BECAUSE IN A VERY EFFICIENT

[EXECUTIVE SESSION]

[01:20:07]

[33. Resolution: Receive a Report, Hold a Discussion and Public Hearing, and Take Possible Action on a Request for Extended Line of Duty Illness or Injury Leave of Absence Made By Police Officer (Marcus Dudley)]

(ENCODER OUT. >> SHE WAS GIVEN A SUSPECT LOCATION, LAST KNOWN LOCATION. SHE RESPONDED TO THE ROBBERY CALL. IN DOING SO, SHE OBSERVED THE SUSPECT ON FOOT. SHE INITIATED HER EMERGENCY OVERHEADLIGHTS TO TRY AND STOP AND TALK WITH THE ROBBERY SUSPECT. ANOTHER APD OFFICER, OFFICER WOODY ARRIVED IN THE AREA TO HELP APPREHEND THE SUSPECT AS WELL. OFFICER WOODY PASSED OFFICER GATAR, SHE PARKED THE CAR AND RAN AFTER THE SUSPECT AS WELL.

THE SUSPECT AND OFFICER WOODY TURNED THE CORNER AND OFFICER GATAR LOST SIGHT OF HIM. SHE OBSERVED THE SIX-FOOT-THREE ROBBERY SUSPECT ON TOP OF OFFICER WOODY, WHO IS FIVE FOOT SIX WITH HIS SHOES ON. THE SUSPECT WAS PUNCHING HIM IN THE FACE REPEATEDLY. OFFICER GATAR FIRED THE TASER.

BUT THE TASER DIDN'T HAVE ANY EFFECT.

ALMOST IMMEDIATELY THE SUSPECT GOT OFF OF OFFICER WOODY AND CHARGED WITH OFFICER GATAR, BY THE WAY, STANDING HERE TODAY WITH ME. WHEN HE CHARGED AT HER, HE HAD A KNIFE IN HIS RIGHT HAND. OFFICER GATAR TRIED TO SHOOT THE SUSPECT. BUT HE CRASHED INTO HER AND HER GUN JAMMED. THIS IS SIX FOOT THREE SUSPECT BEGAN PUNCHING OFFICER GATAR IN THE HEAD.

SHE FELL TO THE GROUND. SHE REMEMBERS DOING EVERYTHING SHE COULD TO MAKE SURE THAT THE SUSPECT WAS NOT ABLE TO TAKE HER GUN. SHE KNEW SHE WOULD BE EXECUTED RIGHT THERE IN THE STREET. SHE WAS PINNED UNDER HIS WEIGHT. SHE COULD NOT MOVE.

THE SUSPECT TOOK HIS KNIFE AND STARTED STABBING OFFICER GATAR REPEATEDLY IN THE HEAD AND FACE.

OFFICER GATAR WAS CERTAIN THAT SHE WAS ABOUT TO BE MURDERED.

SHE CALLED OUT OFFICER WOODY FOR HELP.

AND THEN MOMENTS LATER, HEARD GUNSHOTS.

[01:25:02]

OFFICER GATAR WAS STILL PINNED UNDER THE SUSPECT. THE TRAUMA LARGE CRIMINAL SUSPECT TRYING TO BEAT THE LIFE OUT OF YOUR PARTNER, BEING IN A FIGHT FOR YOUR LIFE OVER YOUR GUN, GETTING PUNCHED AND STABBED IN THE HEAD AND FACE, WHILE BEING HELPLESSLY PINNED UNDER THE BODY OF YOUR ATTACKER, AND HAVING YOUR ATTACKER UNFORTUNATELY SHOT WHILE HE'S STILL ON TOP OF YOU, LEFT SOME EMOTIONAL WOUNDS AND INJURIES SLOWER TO HEAL THAN THE PHYSICAL.

BECAUSE I'M SURE YOU CAN EASILY IMAGINE, OFFICER GATAR DOESN'T MIND ME SHARING THIS OPENLY, SHE WAS DIAGNOSED WITH POSTTRAUMATIC STRESS DISORDER. SHE HAS BEEN FIGHTING THAT SINCE MARCH 18, 2020. SHE HAS BEEN FIGHTING TO RETURN TO WORK TO PATROL THE STREETS OF ABILENE.

THE JOURNEY SINCE THAT DAY OVER TWO YEARS AGO HAS NOT BEEN EASY. AT TIMES IT'S BEEN DOWN RIGHT UGLY. BUT WE STAND HERE BEFORE YOU TODAY, TO LET YOU KNOW THAT THANK GOD OFFICER GATAR HAS MADE TREMENDOUS PROGRESS TOWARDS RETURNING TO THE OFFICE. THE CITY, I DON'T MIND SHARING WITH YOU PUBLICLY, THAT THE CITY HAS RECENTLY SENT OFFICER GATAR TO SEVERAL DOCTORS TO EVALUATE HER PROGRESS AND THE CONSENSUS AMONG THOSE DOCTORS IS THAT AGAIN, OFFICER GATAR HAS MADE TREMENDOUS PROGRESS AND THAT THEY EXPECT THAT SHE WILL BE FULLY FIT FOR DUTY IN THE FORESEEABLE FUTURE.

THAT IS THEIR WORDS, FORESEEABLE FUTURE.

AS YOU CAN IMAGINE, OFFICER GATAR'S ROAD TO RECOVERY HAS NOT BEEN QUICK. ACCORDING TO THE CITY RECORDS, SHE HAS EXHAUSTED THE LINE OF DUTY INJURY TIME THAT IS AVAILABLE UNDER THE CIVIL SERVICE LAWS OF THE STATE.

THOSE CIVIL SERVICE LAWS GIVE THIS BODY THE OPTION, AT ITS DISCRETION OF EXTENDING THAT LINE OF DUTY TIME.

AS YOU SEE FIT. THAT IS WHAT WE'RE HERE, WHAT WE'VE COME BEFORE YOU TO ASK TODAY.

WE'RE ASKING THIS BODY TO EXTEND OFFICER GATAR'S CIVIL SERVICE LINE OF DUTY PAY, FOR FOUR MONTHS, AT 100 PERCENT, OUR BELIEF AND OUR HOPE THAT THIS WILL ALLOW SUFFICIENT TIME FOR OFFICER GATAR TO RETURN TO FULL DUTY, CONTINUING TO SERVE THE CITIZENS OF ABILENE. THAT IS OUR REQUEST TODAY AND THE COUNCIL HAS ANY QUESTIONS, HAPPY TO ANSWER THEM.

>> THANK YOU. THANK YOU VERY MUCH.

COUNCIL HAVE ANY QUESTIONS AT ALL? THANK YOU. CHIEF DUDLEY.

>> GOOD MORNING, COUNCIL. MR. MAYOR.

CITY MANAGER, HANNA. THANK YOU ALL FOR AFFORDING US THE OPPORTUNITY TO BE ABLE TO HAVE THIS PRESENTATION.

IT'S UNFORTUNATE. NO ONE WOULD HAVE EVER WISHED THIS FOR AN OFFICER OF OUR CITY TO BE GOING THROUGH THE KINDS OF THINGS THAT OFFICER GATAR IS GOING THROUGH AND TO HAVE TO PUBLICLY HAVE THIS KIND OF A HEARING.

BUT AT THE SAME TIME, I THINK IT'S IMPORTANT THAT WE POINT OUT ALL OF THE THINGS THAT THE CITY HAS DONE UP TO THIS POINT.

AND WHY WE'VE COME TO THIS POINT WHERE WE NEED TO DO SOMETHING DIFFERENTLY. IT LOOKS LIKE MY SLIDES HAVE GOTTEN CHANGED. OKAY.

WELL, THERE IS NO DISPUTE THAT A CRITICAL INCIDENT TOOK PLACE AND DURING THE RECOVERY PERIOD AFTER THAT INCIDENT ON

[01:30:05]

A COUPLE OF MONTHS LATER, SHE WAS ABLE TO WORK THE FRONT DESK. AND SO IN MAY OF 2020, SHE WAS ON A FOUR-TEN SCHEDULE, WHAT THAT MEANS IS FOUR DAYS A WEEK SHE WORKED TEN-HOUR SHIFTS. DURING THAT TIME, IT WAS REPORTED BY A CO-WORKER THAT SHE HAD MADE COMMENTS ABOUT IT WOULD HAVE BEEN BETTER IF THE SUSPECT HAD JUST KILLED HER.

MORE COUNSELING WAS RECOMMENDED.

IT WAS CLEAR THAT MORE NEEDED TO BE DONE TO ASSURE HER WELL-BEING. IN OCTOBER, SO FROM MAY TO OCTOBER 2020, SHE WAS PUT OR SHE WAS ON DESK DUTY AND THE SCHEDULE WAS GOING TO BE CHANGED.

INSTEAD OF THE FOUR-TEN SCHEDULE, SHE WAS GOING TO BE PUT ON A FIVE-DAY WORK DAY, AND AN EIGHT-HOUR SHIFT TO MEET THE NEEDS OF THE FRONT DESK. SHE WAS VERY UPSET BY THAT.

AND AGAIN, THE CITY SAID YOU KNOW, LET'S PUT HER BACK ON THE 4/10S. A PART OF THE CONCERN WAS IT WAS INDICATED THAT SHE WOULD JUST CALL IN SICK FOR THAT FIFTH DAY IF SHE WAS REQUIRED TO WORK A 4/10 SCHEDULE.

SO THE CITY MADE SOME ADJUSTMENTS AND SAID PUT HER BACK ON THE 4/10 SCHEDULE. IN NOVEMBER OF 2020, SEVERAL INCIDENTS HAPPENED. OFFICER GATAR HAD SELF-INITIATED CONTACT WITH MEMBERS OF THE DEPARTMENT.

OUT OF CONCERN, THOSE MEMBERS WENT TO CHECK ON HER WELFARE.

THEY DISCOVERED THAT SHE WAS INTOXICATED.

THEY HAD CONCERNS ABOUT THAT. AT ONE POINT A FAMILY MEMBER INDICATED THAT OFFICER GATAR WAS UNRESPONSIVE AND NEEDED TO BE TRANSPORTED TO THE HOSPITAL. THERE AT THE HOSPITAL, SHE WAS TREATED FOR SUBSTANCE ABUSE. IT WAS DETERMINED AT THAT TIME BY THE CITY THAT BECAUSE OF HER PTSD, BECAUSE OF THE DISCLOSURE OF THE CHEMICAL DEPENDENCY, THAT THE CITY WOULD TAKE CARE OF HER TREATMENT. SHE WAS SENT TO A TREATMENT FACILITY. THIS FIRST ONE WAS DETERMINED TO BE UNACCEPTABLE. IT WASN'T GOOD FOR AN OFFICER TO BE IN. SO THEY FOUND A FACILITY IN SOUTH TEXAS CALLED WARRIOR'S HEART, WHICH SEEMED TO BE A BETTER FIT. I WANT YOU TO KNOW THAT I DIDN'T BEGIN MY EMPLOYMENT WITH THE CITY UNTIL JANUARY 1ST OF 2021. BUT I WAS BRIEFED BECAUSE I KNEW I HAD THE POSITION, I WAS BRIEFED THAT OFFICER GATAR WAS GOING THROUGH SOME THINGS. AND I ASKED ASSISTANT CHIEF DOUG TO PROVIDE ME WITH MARY'S PHONE NUMBER SO I COULD REACH OUT TO HER WHILE SHE WAS IN THE HOSPITAL.

BECAUSE I WANTED HER TO KNOW THAT I WANTED HER TO BE A PART OF THIS TEAM AND A PART OF THE NEW BEGINNINGS ONCE I GOT HERE.

SHE RETURNED FROM THAT FACILITY IN FEBRUARY AND IN MARCH, SHE HAD RECEIVED A PHYSICAL CLEARANCE, BUT WE STILL HAD NOT RECEIVED THE MENTAL HEALTH CLEARANCE.

OFFICER GATAR WAS UP SET THAT MARCH OF 2021, SHE WAS STILL ON THE FRONT DESK AND NOT ALLOWED TO GO BACK OUT TO PATROL.

IT WASN'T UNTIL MAY OF 2021 THAT WE WERE ABLE TO GET THE MENTAL HEALTH CLEARANCE THAT RETURNED HER TO FULL DUTY AND AT THAT POINT, WE HAD DECIDED TO PUT HER OUT WITH A FIELD TRAINING OFFICER, PTO FOR A PERIOD OF TIME.

THAT WAS SO THAT SHE COULD GRADUALLY GET BACK UP TO SPEED ON WORKING PATROL. THERE IS A LOT THAT WE EXPECT OF OUR OFFICERS, ANSWERING CALLS FOR SERVICE AND WE WANTED TO MAKE SURE THAT SHE WAS READY TO DO THAT.

FROM THE PERIOD OF MAY 2021, THROUGH JUNE 2021, HER FIELD TRAINING OFFICERS REPORTED ISSUES OR CONCERNS WITH HER LEVEL OF FRUSTRATION, WITH OTHER OFFICERS.

HER SUFFERING PANIC ATTACKS IN THE CAR.

UNABLE TO DRIVE THE PATROL CAR. DIFFICULTY FOCUS, MAINTAINING FOCUS. AND AT ONE POINT SHE HAD DISCLOSED TO AN OFFICER THAT SHE HAD RELAPSED.

AND THAT WAS BECAUSE SHE HAD THROWN UP WHILE AT THE STATION.

AND THIS WAS DURING THAT PHYSICAL OBSERVATION PERIOD.

AFTER HEARING THOSE CONCERNS, I MADE THE DECISION OUT OF

[01:35:04]

AND TO PUT HER BACK ON THE DESK. WHAT THE PROCESS WOULD ENTAIL. ON AUGUST 3RD, BECAUSE WE WERE NOT ABLE TO COORDINATE GETTING OFFICER GATAR INTO THE OFFICE, MYSELF AND ASSISTANT CHIEF WREN ACTUALLY WENT TO HER HOME TO VISIT WITH HER. AT THAT TIME, OUR OBSERVATIONS WAS THAT SHE WAS CLEARLY STILL DEALING, SHE BEHAVED IN A MANNER THAT WOULD BE AS IF SOMEONE WAS DEALING WITH AN ADDICTION. FIDGETING.

A LOT OF RAMBLING. AND SHE ADVISED US THAT SHE WAS PLANNING TO GO BACK INTO A SUBSTANCE ABUSE TREATMENT FACILITY. SHE WENT INTO THAT FACILITY FROM AUGUST 2020 UNTIL OCTOBER OF 2021.

AT THAT POINT, SHE WAS REQUESTED TO GET SOME THINGS DONE TO MEET THE FITNESS FOR DUTY PROCESS.

AND WE DID GET THOSE COMPLETED. AFTER GOING THROUGH THE FITNESS FOR DUTY PROCESS, AT THE END OF JULY, I'M SORRY, AT THE END OF -- ACTUALLY, EITHER THE END OF JUNE OR THE EARLY IN JULY, IT WAS DETERMINED THAT SHE WAS NOT FIT FOR DUTY.

AND AS WAS STATED BY ATTORNEY HORN, THAT WAS THROUGH A SERIES OF ASSESSMENTS THAT WERE DONE BY PSYCHOLOGISTS.

BASED ON THE FACT THAT SO MUCH TIME HAD GONE BY, AND SHE STILL IS NOT FIT FOR DUTY, WE ADVISED HER THAT HER ADMINISTRATIVE LEAVE WAS -- HAD BEEN FULFILLED.

THERE IS ABOUT 17 MONTHS IN TOTAL OVER THE 28-MONTH PERIOD SINCE THE INCIDENT OFFICER GATAR HAD BEEN INVOLVED IN AND WAS HONORED FOR. AFTER 28 MONTHS, 17 OF THAT WAS POLICE ADMINISTRATIVE DUTY, WHERE SHE WAS PAID TO NOT HAVE TO WORK TO BE ABLE TO GET THROUGH SOME THINGS.

ABOUT 11 MONTHS OF THAT WAS DESK DUTY.

THAT CONCLUDES MY REPORT. AND IT IS MY RECOMMENDATION THAT THE EXTENSION NOT BE GRANTED.

>> CHIEF, JUST BASED ON YOUR PROFESSIONAL OPINION, YOUR APPRAISAL, YOUR INTERACTION WITH MENTAL HEALTH SPECIALISTS THAT YOU'VE CONFERRED WITH, YOU DON'T SEE FROM YOUR STANDPOINT AN OPPORTUNITY FOR THIS OFFICER TO BE REINSTATED IN A WAY THAT IS GOOD FOR HERSELF OR THE COMMUNITY OR HER FURTHER OFFICERS, IS THAT YOUR ASSESSMENT?

>> MR. MAYOR, MY ASSESSMENT IS THERE HAS BEEN A NUMBER OF TIMES WHEN IT WAS BELIEVED BY PROFESSIONALS THAT OFFICER GATAR WAS READY TO COME BACK AND PERFORM THE DUTIES OF A POLICE OFFICER. AND AT MULTIPLE DIFFERENT MILESTONES, THROUGH HER ACTIONS AND BEHAVIOR, IT WAS DEMONSTRATED THAT SHE WAS NOT CAPABLE OF DOING IT.

AND IT IS THAT REASON WHY WE'VE HAD TO PUT, YOU KNOW, PRETTY MUCH THAT LINE IN THE SAND, TO SAY IT'S TIME FOR US TO TRY SOMETHING DIFFERENT. AND SO NO. I AM NOT COMFORTABLE UNDER THE CIRCUMSTANCES, WITH ACCEPTING THAT ANOTHER FOUR MONTHS THINGS WILL BE DIFFERENT.

>> THANK YOU. >> WHAT IS THE NEGATIVE TO PAY FOR ANOTHER FOUR MONTHS, WHAT WOULD BE THE DOWNSIDE?

>> FOR OUR TAXPAYERS, IT'S THAT YOU KNOW, THEY'VE HAD A CHIEF

[01:40:07]

AND IT'S BECAUSE WE HAVE A BIT OF DISCRETION BUILT IN THERE.

AND EVEN WITH THAT DISCRETION, WE HAVEN'T SEEN THINGS CHANGE.

SO THE CONCERN IS THAT ADDING ANOTHER FOUR MONTHS ONLY PROLONG WHAT ULTIMATELY WILL BE A POTENTIAL OTHER OPPORTUNITY TO HAVE TO FIGURE OUT WHAT COMES NEXT.

AND YOU KNOW, I DON'T THINK I'M ALLOWED TO SAY OR CITY ATTORNEY WOULD BE ABLE TO PROVIDE MORE INFORMATION ABOUT WHAT HAPPENS IF A PERSON IS NOT GRANTED THE EXTENSION.

BECAUSE IT DOESN'T MEAN THAT IS THE END OF THIS.

THAT WOULD BE THE CONCERN, GRANTING FOUR MONTHS ONLY

DELAYS MORE OF THE PROCESS. >> STANLEY, HELP US NAVIGATE THIS A BIT. THIS IS A SITUATION THAT HASN'T BEEN BROUGHT BEFORE THE COUNCIL.

I'M ASKING QUESTIONS OUT OF IGNORANCE, JUST FOR CLARITY.

SO IF WE WERE, IF THIS BODY WERE TO GRANT ANOTHER FOUR MONTHS AND THE ASSESSMENT BY THE POLICE ADMINISTRATION, CITY ADMINISTRATION IS NOT CHANGED, THEN WE'RE STILL IN THE SAME PREDICAMENT IN REGARDS TO A RESOLUTION MOVING FORWARD.

SO WHAT DOES THAT LOOK LIKE IN REGARDS TO OR WHAT WOULD OCCUR AFTER, WOULD THEY HAVE AN OPPORTUNITY TO COME BEFORE US AGAIN? IS THERE OTHER PROCEEDINGS, HELP ME UNDERSTAND WHAT WOULD OCCUR AFTER THAT FOUR MONTHS? Ô> THE ONLY THING THAT COMES BEFORE THE COUNCIL IS WHAT IS COMING BEFORE THE COUNCIL TODAY IS WHETHER TO EXTEND THE PAID LEAVE AND WHAT PERIOD OF TIME TO EXTEND IT.

IF YOU DO, WHAT PAY DURING THAT EXTENSION OF LEAVE.

THERE IS A SEPARATE PROCESS AND THE CHIEF HAS ALLUDED TO, FITNESS FOR DUTY. THERE ARE OPPORTUNITIES FOR AN OFFICER WHO IS DEEMED UNFIT FOR DUTY TO BE REEVALUATED TO BE DETERMINED TO BE FIT FOR DUTY. AGAIN, THAT IS THROUGH THE COMMISSION, NOT THROUGH THE COUNCIL.

SO YOU KNOW, THERE IS AN OPPORTUNITY FOR THE OFFICER TO BE REEVALUATED. THERE IS NO HARD AND FAST DEADLINES ABOUT THAT. BUT THE OFFICER HAS AN OPPORTUNITY TO BE DECLARED FIT FOR DUTY AT A LATER TIME AND THEN COME BACK. SO IT'S REALLY A SEPARATE ISSUE ALTOGETHER. SO THE ISSUE OF THE COUNCIL TODAY WHETHER TO EXTEND THE LEAVE OR NOT DOES THAT HINDER OR GRANT ANYTHING TO THE OFFICER AS FAR AS THE

REEVALUATION FOR FIT FOR DUTY. >> I THINK WHAT I HEARD HIM SAY, BECAUSE THIS WAS A QUESTION I HAD, IF WE DO AN EXTENSION FOR FOUR MONTHS, IS THERE AN OPPORTUNITY AT THE END OF THE FOUR MONTHS FOR THIS TO HAPPEN AGAIN FR THE APPEAL?

OR IS THIS A SINGLE APPEAL? >> SINGLE OPPORTUNITY.

>> OKAY. >> I GUESS I WANTED TO ASK THE ATTORNEY, WHAT DO YOU THINK THE UPSIDE IS TO EXTENDING FOR FOUR

MONTHS? >> THANK YOU, MA'AM.

UPSIDE IS OUR EXPECTATION THAT BASED ON THE EVALUATION OF THE CITY'S DOCTORS, THESE AREN'T DOCTORS THAT I CHOSE, THE EXPECTATION IS THAT IN FOUR MONTHS TIME SHE WILL BE FIT TO RESUME FULL PATROL DUTIES. AND IF I MAY, I'M GOING TO SEGUE, BECAUSE I HAVE, I DON'T MIND READING IN OPEN COUNCIL, THE LATEST REPORT OF THE CITY'S DOCTOR.

AGAIN, THIS IS A DOCTOR SELECTED BY THE CIVIL SERVICE COMMISSION, NOT BY ME. THIS IS Y'ALL'S DOCTOR.

AND IT SAYS, IN MY MEDICAL OPINION, OFFICER GATAR IS CURRENTLY FIT TO RESUME LIGHT DUTIES AS AN APD OFFICER, MY MEDICAL OPINION AFTER 3 MONTHS OF LIGHT DUTY, SHE WILL BE READY TO TRANSITION TO REGULAR PATROL DUTIES.

Y'ALL'S DOCTOR. >> WHAT IS THE DATE ON THAT?

>> THIS DATE IS JUNEAU, JUNE. >> JUNE OF THIS YEAR.

>> JUNE OF THIS YEAR. >> IS THAT THE SAME DOCTOR THAT HAS DONE TWO, CHIEF, HAVE WE DONE TWO FIT FOR DUTY

EVALUATIONS, PRIOR TO THIS ONE? >> THIS WAS I BELIEVE THE FIRST

FITNESS FOR DUTY PROCESS. >> SO WITHIN THE FITNESS FOR DUTY PROCESS, THERE ARE THREE DOCTORS THAT ARE SELECTED TO CONDUCT THE REVIEW OR ASSESSMENT.

AND THAT WAS ONE OF THE ASSESSMENTS.

I GUESS I WOULD JUST, I'M NOT SURE IF I CAN ELABORATE HERE.

BUT THE REASON WHY THE FITNESS FOR DUTY WAS BROUGHT FORWARD TO

[01:45:01]

IT SIMPLY INDICATED THAT OFFICER GATAR HAD COMPLETED THE PROGRAM. SHE HAD ALSO COMPLETED

>> DISCUSSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS.

KEEPING -- AGAIN, MARCH. SO IN MARCH, HE SAID IN 3 MONTHS, IF OFFICER GATAR IS STILL STABLE AT THAT POINT, IN 3 MONTHS FROM MARCH. SO JUNE.

SHE COULD RETURN TO AN ADMINISTRATIVE OR LIGHT DUTY TO KEEP WORKING TOWARDS BECOMING FULL DUTY.

I WILL POINT OUT SOMETHING ELSE, THAT I WASN'T GOING TO POINT OUT TODAY. BUT I WAS PRETTY STUNNED BY THE CHIEF'S PRESENTATION. I'M REALLY GLAD IT'S RECORDED FOR EVERYBODY TO SEE. I WILL POINT OUT THAT ABILENE POLICE DEPARTMENT, IN ITS POLICIES, HAS LIGHT DUTY PROGRAM FOR OFFICERS THAT ARE ROUTINELY UTILIZED BY MULTIPLE OFFICERS ON A DAILY BASIS. PART OF MY CURIOSITY IS IF THE CITY'S DOCTORS, DOCTORS THAT WERE APPOINTED BY THE CITY CIVIL SERVICE COMMISSION, ONE SAYS SHE'S FULLY EQUIPPED FOR FULL DUTY AND THE OTHER TWO SAYS SHE NEEDS LIGHT DUTY BUT WE SEE IN THE FORESEEABLE FUTURE THAT SHE WILL BE FULL DUTY. BUT SHE CAN DO LIGHT DUTY.

CURIOUS AS TO WHY SHE'S NOT ON LIGHT DUTY RIGHT NOW.

THAT MAY BE A CONVERSATION AND DISCUSSION FOR ANOTHER TIME, ANOTHER PLACE AND ANOTHER VENUE.

BUT I HOPE THAT ANSWERS YOUR QUESTION.

>> WELL, I'M JUST TRYING TO MAKE SURE I HAVE THE TIMELINE DOWN IN MY HEAD CORRECT. IF I UNDERSTAND WHAT YOU'RE TELLING ME IS THERE WAS AN EVALUATION IN MARCH.

THAT DOCTOR SAID SHOULD IMPROVE IN 3 MONTHS.

SHE HAD ANOTHER EVALUATION 3 MONTHS LATER THAT IS SAYING

SHOULD IMPROVE IN 3 MONTHS. >> I DON'T THINK THAT IS ACCURATE. MR. SMITH CAN -- THERE WAS A LAG TIME. I THINK ALL OF THE APPOINTMENTS OCCURRED -- HELP ME, MR. SMITH, IN THE LATE WINTER OF THIS YEAR. SO DR. CLAYTON WHO IS THE ONE THAT SAID SHE IS READY FOR LIGHT DUTY RIGHT NOW, AND THE FORESEEABLE FUTURE. I THINK THOSE APPOINTMENTS OCCURRED AROUND THE SAME TIME. WE DIDN'T RECEIVE HER REPORT

UNTIL JUNE. >> THAT MAKES SENSE.

>> I DON'T KNOW THE TIMELINE. AGAIN, WHEN YOU GET TO THE END OF THE PROCESS FOR FITNESS FOR DUTY.

THERE IS THREE DOCTORS APPOINTED.

THE PHYSICAL DOCTOR SAID SHE'S PHYSICALLY FIT.

THE TWO PSYCHOLOGISTS SAID SHE'S CURRENTLY NOT FIT.

SHE MAY BE FIT FOR LIGHT DUTY AT A LATER TIME.

THAT IS MY UNDERSTANDING OF WHERE WE ARE.

>> THAT TOOK PLACE IN MARCH. >> WELL, THEY TOOK PLACE WITHIN THE LAST SEVERAL MONTHS. THE DOCTORS HAD DIFFERENT TIMELINES. ONE DOCTOR TOOK A LONG TIME TO GET SOMETHING TO US, WHICH EXTENDED THE PROCESS ALTOGETHER. BUT ULTIMATELY TWO OF THE THREE FOUND ARE CURRENTLY UNFIT. THE COMMISSION HAD A HEARING AND THEY ACCEPTED THOSE REPORTS AND THE COMMISSION FOUND HER TO

BE CURRENTLY UNFIT. >> ANY QUESTIONS PRIOR TO THE

PUBLIC HEARING FROM COUNCIL? >> CHIEF, I THINK YOU MENTIONED THIS, MAYBE YOU DID TOO, SO IF WE DENY THIS TODAY, WHAT IS THE NEXT STEP? ARE WE ALLOWED TO TALK ABOUT

THAT, STANLEY? >> WELL, I MEAN, WE SPOKE, THERE ARE PROVISIONS IN 143, THE CIVIL SERVICE LAW THAT SPEAKS ABOUT OPPORTUNITIES FOR THE OFFICER TO DO THINGS BEYOND TODAY, IF THEY ARE NOT GRANTED THE EXTENSION OF LEAVE, THERE ARE OTHER OPPORTUNITIES THAT THEY HAVE.

ONE IS TO SEEK TEMPORARY PENSION OR THE OTHER ONE IS TO

[01:50:04]

SO THOSE ARE TWO OPTIONS. IF THE COUNCIL DETERMINES NOT TO EXTEND OR TO EXTEND WITH THE SALARY BELOW 60 PERCENT.

>> AT FULL SALARY FOR FOUR MONTHS, WHAT DOLLAR AMOUNT IS THAT, WHEN YOU LOOK AT BENEFITS, APPROXIMATELY WHAT IS

THE DOLLAR AMOUNT? >> MAYOR, IT'S GOING TO DEPEND UPON OFFICER GATAR'S TIME AND GRADE.

I DON'T HAVE THAT NUMBER ON THE TOP OF MY HEAD.

I WOULDN'T WANT TO PUT SOMETHING IN THE RECORD THAT IS

NOT ACCURATE. >> I HAVE NOT SEEN IT.

>> WE CAN GET THAT NUMBER. IT WON'T TAKE LONG.

BUT I'M GOING TO NEED TO HAVE A RUNNER GO DOWN TO HR.

AND TO RUN THAT CALCULATION. BUT IT'S GOING TO BE TENS OF THOUSANDS OF DOLLARS. IT WON'T BE HUNDREDS OF THOUSANDS OF DOLLARS. IT WILL BE TENS OF THOUSANDS.

>> JUST THE APPROXIMATE NUMBER WHAT THAT WOULD LOOK LIKE, I WOULD APPRECIATE THAT. ANY OTHER QUESTIONS FROM THE COUNCIL PRIOR TO THE PUBLIC HEARING? ALL RIGHT. THANK YOU BOTH.

>> APPRECIATE YOUR TIME. THANK YOU.

>> AT THIS TIME I WILL OPEN UP THE PUBLIC HEARING.

IS THERE ANYONE THAT WOULD LIKE TO SPEAK EITHER FOR OR AGAINST THIS ITEM? IF SO, COME FORTH, GIVE YOUR NAME FOR THE RECORD. SEEING NO ONE, I'LL CLOSE THE PUBLIC HEARING. DOES COUNCIL HAVE ADDITIONAL QUESTIONS AND/OR COMMENTS? AS I THINK I'VE SAID, YOU KNOW, IN MY TENURE, I'VE NOT BEEN FACED WITH A SITUATION LIKE THIS. AS A COMMUNITY AND PERSONALLY, I ASSESS GREAT VALUE TO THOSE MEN AND WOMEN WHO PROTECT AND SERVE US AND DO SO PUTTING THEMSELVES AT HARM.

I WAS AWARE IN 2020 OF MARCH OF THIS SITUATION.

AND THOSE ADDITIONAL DETAILS ARE HORRIFIC.

IT WAS. I AM VERY RESPECTFUL IN REGARDS TO THE DUE DILIGENCE AND THE COMPASSION I THINK SHOWN BY THE ADMINISTRATION POLICE DEPARTMENT AND AS WELL AS THE CITY ADMINISTRATION. IT WILL BE THREE YEARS THIS COMING SPRING. HAVING SAID THAT, AND BECAUSE PERSONALLY, MY JUST MY BELIEF IN REGARDS TO SOME THINGS THAT WE OUGHT TO BE ABLE TO DO, I AM COMFORTABLE WITH GRANTING EXTENSION OF FOUR MONTHS. THAT IS WHERE I AM.

BUT I'M A MEMBER OF A SEVEN MEMBER GROUP.

BUT WITH THAT, I WOULD -- THAT WOULD BE MY MOTION.

IS THERE A SECOND? >> SECOND.

>> OFFICER, I WANT YOU TO KNOW THAT I'M SECONDING THIS BECAUSE I BELIEVE IN YOU. I WANT YOU TO GET YOUR LIFE TOGETHER AND IF YOU NEED TO CALL DAY OR NIGHT, WE'RE HERE

FOR YOU. >> THERE IS A MOTION AND THERE IS INDEED A SECOND. ANY ADDITIONAL COMMENTS AND/OR DISCUSSION? WE'RE READY TO VOTE.

>> ROLL CALL. >> COUNCIL MEMBER PRICE.

>> I'M STRUGGLING WITH THIS. I'M GOING TO VOTE YES.

I ENCOURAGE YOU, IF GIVEN DESK DUTY, TO BE MORE ACCOMMODATING FROM THE REPORT OF YOU KNOW, NOT WANTING THE 5/8 AND ONLY THE 4/10. THAT IS THE PART THAT CONCERNED ME ABOUT THE DESK DUTY OPTION, WAS I GUESS IN MY EXPERIENCE, IT'S BEEN IF YOU'RE ASKED TO DO SOMETHING BY YOUR BOSS, THEN THAT IS WHAT YOU'RE EXPECTED TO DO.

IF IT'S A REASONABLE REQUEST. THAT SEEMS A REASONABLE REQUEST. SO MY VOTE IS YES, BUT MY ENCOURAGEMENT TO YOU TO WORK WITH THEM AND TO WORK ON

IMPROVING YOURSELF. >> COUNCIL MEMBER BEARD.

[01:55:02]

>> NO. >> MAYOR WILLIAMS.

>> YES. >> MOTION CARRIES.

>> MAYOR, FOR YOUR INFORMATION, WE BELIEVE THE FOUR MONTHS OF SALARY AND BENEFITS IS AROUND $35,000.

THA

* This transcript was compiled from uncorrected Closed Captioning.