Mar 02, 2023 City Council Retreat

[CALL TO ORDER]

[00:00:06]

I NOW CALL THIS SPECIAL CALL MEETING TO ORDER.

IT IS 9:00 A.M. ON THIS SPECIAL DAY, TEXAS INDEPENDENCE DAY.

I'LL TALK MORE ABOUT THAT IN A BIT.

JOIN ME AS WE GIVE THANKS. FATHER, WE'RE SO THANKFUL TO YOU AND EVERYTHING YOU'VE DONE FOR US.

THE MANY WAYS YOU BLESS US. WE INVITE YOU TO BE PART OF CONVERSATIONS AND DIALOGUE THAT ALLOW EACH ONE OF US TO SPEAK INTO THE CITY WE LOVE. WE PRAY THAT YOU GIVE US GUIDANCE AND WISDOM, AND WE OFFER BLESSING OVER THIS GATHERINGS. WE ASK YOU BLESS THE LAWS OF OUR STATE AND BLESS THE KEY STATE. AND WE ASK OF ALL THESE THINGS, AMEN. GO ON WITH THE PLEDGES.

ANNOUNCEMENTS, WE NORMALLY DURING THIS WORKSHOP, WE HAVE TWO WORKSHOPS EVERY YEAR AND IN RECENT YEARS, WE HAVE CONVENED AT THE SOUTH SIDE RANCH LIBRARY. WE CHOSE TO BE HERE THIS MORNING BECAUSE AS YOU KNOW, WE'VE MADE A COMMITMENT TO BE MORE ACCESSIBLE TO THE COMMUNITY AND IT WASN'T POSSIBLE FOR ME FOR THE SIGNING OPPORTUNITY, FOR THOSE WHO ARE HEARING IMPAIRED TO BE ABLE TO PARTICIPATE SO WE CHOSE TO BE AT THIS VENUE TO ALLOW THAT TO CONTINUE. ADDITIONALLY, MANY OF YOU MAY KNOW THIS, BUT DAVIS SCHWARTZ, ALTHOUGH NOT A COUNCIL MEMBER, KIND OF FELT LIKE ONE. DAVID PASSED LAST FRIDAY, I BELIEVE. AND I GIST WANT TO MAKE MENTION THAT TO YOU DURING THE ANNOUNCEMENT TIME AND TO KEEP HIS FAMILY IN YOUR PRAYERS. THIS IS A VERY IMPORTANT TIME FOR US TODAY. WE ARE GOING TO TALK ABOUT OPPORTUNITIES FOR THE CITY MANAGERS AND STAFF TO HEAR SOME EXPECTATIONS. THEY WILL SPEND THE BALANCE OF THE SPRING AND EARLY PART OF THE SUMMER GOING OVER THE DIRECTIVES FROM TODAY AND THEN IN JULY, THEY WILL PUT DOLLARS AND CENTS TO THE ASPIRRATIONAL GOALS AND THE COUNCIL WILL WORK IN THE PROCESS TO FORMALIZE THE BUDGET. DONNA AND I WON'T BE HERE BUT I WOULD SAY WE WILL STAY IN TUNED BUT WE MAY JUST READ THE CLIFF NOTES, BUT THIS IS AN IMPORTANT TIME AND TO GET US STARTED, ROBERT, YOU COULD GIVE US KIND OF AN OVERVIEW ON WHAT WE MAY

EXPECT TODAY? >> YES, SIR.

CERTAINLY CAN. THIS IS REALLY, THE -- EVEN THOUGH IT'S BEFORE THE STAFF GETS BUSY ON THE BUDGET, THIS IS REALLY THE FIRST COUNCIL MEETING.

IT STARTS THE BUDGET SEASON PROCESS AS STAFF TAKES DIRECTION ON THINGS THEY WOULD LIKE TO SEE AS PRIORITIES FOR THE UPCOMING FISCAL YEAR. AND MYSELF AND DIRECTORS GET BUSY TRYING TO SHAPE A RECOMMENDED BUDGET IN ACCORDANCE TO THE GUIDE AND DIRECTION FROM THE COUNCIL.

THIS PARTICULAR DAY, WE HAVE A NUMBER OF ITEMS THAT ARE BIG AND HEAVY LIFTS. HONESTLY, WE WON'T BE ABLE TO AFFORD TO DO ALL OF THEM. THE INTENT IS TO GET DIRECTION FROM COUNCIL TO RECOGNIZE THAT SOME OF THESE ARE MULTI-YEAR DISCUSSIONS. BUT THEY ARE WEIGHTY MATTERS BEFORE US AND THINGS THAT ARE FITTING AND PROPER FOR THE COUNCIL TO DISCUSS AND PROVIDE POLICY DISCUSSION ON.

>> I WOULD THEN AGAIN ARGUE THIS IS MORE SIGNIFICANT THAN THE BUDGET WORKSHOP WE HAVE IN JULY. IT PROVIDES THE OVERVIEW AND IT ALLOWS THE COMMUNITY TO E-MAIL AND OR CALL OR TALK TO US ABOUT THOSE ISSUES, SO IN PREPARATION WITH THE ADMINISTRATION, WE CAN PUT TOGETHER AN EXPECTATION THAT IS APPROPRIATE FOR THE COMMUNITY. WE WANT TO HAVE A PUBLIC COMMENT PERIOD ON TODAY. WE WILL NOT HAVE PUBLIC COMMENT DURING THE REST OF THE DAY. WE ALWAYS WANT TO GIVE THE PUBLIC AN OPPORTUNITY TO PARTICIPATE AND PROVIDE THEIR

[PUBLIC COMMENTS]

SO AT THIS TIME, WE'LL OPEN UP THE PUBLIC COMMENT PERIOD,

[00:05:05]

THE PUBLIC COMMENT WILL ONLY ALLOW MEMBERS TO THE PUBLIC TO PRESENT INFORMATION, IDEAS AND STAFF, AND THERE WILL BE A 3-MINUTE TIME LIMIT ON THE PUBLIC COMMENT.

ANYBODY WANT TO PARTICIPATE THIS MORNING? IF SO, GIVE YOUR NAME AND THE CITY THAT YOU RESIDE IN.

>> JAMES SERGEANT, THE CITY OF ABILENE.

WE'RE CURIOUS TO FIND OUT, THE PROGRESS WITH SERRIS PARK AND HOW WE'RE MOVING, HOW WE'RE GETTING THE PARK REBUILT.

THE PARK FOR THE CITIZEN AND CHILDREN TO USE.

THAT'S IT. THANK YOU VERY MUCH.

>> ROBERT, IN REGARDS TO SPECIAL SERIES PART.

YOU WANT TO GIVE A BRIEF. >> WE WILL TALK ABOUT SERRIS PARK TODAY IN FACT, IN ADDITION, THE PARKS BOARD IS CONSIDERING THE PARKS MASTER PLAN THIS COMING MONTH.

SERRIS PARK IS OBVIOUSLY GOING TO BE PART OF THAT.

WE HAVE MADE SIGNIFICANT IMPROVEMENTS IN THE PROCESS OF MAKING ADDITIONAL IMPROVEMENTS TO SERRIS PARK.

THE SERGEANT THAT'S REFERENCING TO THE FIRE THAT DESTROYED THE PLAYGROUND EQUIPMENT, THE PARKS DEPARTMENT IS SCHEDULING MEETINGS TO THE NEIGHBORHOOD, TO UNDERSTAND WHAT THEY WOULD LIKE TO SEE. I SET ASIDE EARMARKED FUNDING, AND WE'RE ALSO WORKING WITH OTHER MEMBERS OF THE COMMUNITY, AND A NUMBER OF PEOPLE REACHED OUT AND ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT THAT. WE HOPE TO PUT A PARK AMENITY THAT WAS, THAT IS EXCEPTIONAL AND WILL BE SOMETHING THAT IS CERTAINLY BETTER THAN WHAT WAS THERE BEFORE.

>> IS THERE ANYONE ELSE? SEEING NO ONE, I WILL CLOSE THE

[1. 2022 In Review]

TO KICK US OFF. >> CONGRATULATIONS.

>> CONGRATULATIONS, SIR >> THAT WAS QUICK.

>> I PLAY ONE ON TV. ALSO I PLAY ATTORNEY.

JUST ASK DAN. SO TODAY, WHAT'S BEFORE US IS, AS I MENTIONED, THIS IS THE FIRST START OF THE KICK-OFF OF THE BUDGET PROCESS. IF YOU WOULD ADD AND ALLOW -- WE'RE CHANGING THE FORMAT A TAD THAN IN THE PAST.

WE HAVE A VIDEO AS PART OF THE INITIAL OFFERINGS.

IT'S 25 MINUTES, IT IS LONG, BUT IT'S ACTION PACKED AS MUNICIPAL VIDEOS GO. IT SETS THE TONE AS WHAT WE'VE BEEN ABLE TO ACCOMPLISH THE PAST FISCAL YEAR.

WE'LL IDENTIFY THE COUNCIL, REALLY ALL OF IT, AT THE ACTION AND DIRECTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL.

IT'S A GOOD RECAP ON WHAT WE'VE DONE AND WHY THE MEETING IS SO IMPORTANT. BEFORE WE GET TO THE VIDEO, WE ALWAYS START WITH THE CORE PURPOSE VALUES AND STRATEGIC PRIORITIES. OUR CORE PURPOSE MISSION STATEMENT, WE WORK TOGETHER TO MAINTAIN AND COMMUNITY OF THE HIGHEST VALLEY FOR FUTURE GENERATIONS.

I WOULD ALWAYS LIKE TO ASK COUNCIL AN OPPORTUNITY.

AND SINCE I'VE BEEN HERE TO MAINTAIN, AND AT THE VERY FIRST COUNCIL RETREAT WHEN I ARRIVED. OUR CORE VALUES, WE FOLLOW RESPECT, INTEGRITY, SERVICE ABOVE SELF AND EXCELLENCE ABOVE WHAT WE DO. THE STRATEGIC GOALS, WE DON'T ALWAYS PAY ATTENTION. IF YOU LOOK AT THE BUDGET DOCUMENT, WE STARTED TO SHAPE EVERYTHING WE DO IN LINE OF THE STRATEGIC GOALS. PRACTICE OF EFFECTIVE GOVERNMENT, EXERCISING SOUND DISCIPLINE, HIGH QUALITY OF LIFE, WELL MAINTAINED AND RELIABLE MUNICIPAL INFRASTRUCTURE, PROVIDE EXCELLENCE SERVICE.

WE'RE A SERVICE ASSOCIATION AFTER ALL.

ACTIVELY FOSTER AND SEEK AND ENGAGE COMMUNITY.

COUNCIL SET PRIORITIES THAT FIT WITHIN THE GOALS AND THE FIRST ONE HAS BEEN CONSISTENTLY INFIELD DEVELOPMENT.

LAST YEAR, WE CHANGED DOWNTOWN HOTEL TO DOWNTOWN REDEVELOPMENT.

EFFICIENT GOVERNMENT AND UNDERSTANDING OF MAINTENANCE AND CHANCE TO ADDRESS IT AND AS ALWAYS, STREET MAINTENANCE.

DOES COUNCIL WANT TO DISCUSS ANY ITEMS OR MAKE ANY CHANGES BEFORE WE MOVE ON? OKAY. NOW AS PROMISED, YOU HAVE

SOMETHING TO SAY? >> NO.

>> 25 MINUTES. POP YOUR POPCORN.

>> 2023 IS OFF TO A STRONG START FOR THE CITY OF ABILENE.

THE CITY ADMINISTRATION AND STAFF ARE PROUD TO REPORT MAJOR PROGRESS AND ACHIEVEMENT IN ALL FIVE OF THE PRIORITIES SET FORTH

[00:10:02]

IT'S WHY THE CITY DEPARTMENTS ARE CHARGED WITH CONTINUOUSLY DEVELOPING MASTER PLANNED. AND 2022, THEY HAD A THOROUGH REVIEW AND IN THE STAGES OF 18 MONTH PROCESS, TO CONTINUE THE COST OF THE PLAN AT THE MASTER PLAN OF THE CITY OF ABILENE.

PARKS & RECREATION IS IN FINAL APPROVAL STAGES OF THE PARKS MASTER PLAN, CITY COMMUNITY CITY WIDE FROM VAN PARK AND GROFBER NELSON AND WITH ABILENE'S ZOO AND SPORTS OFFERINGS.

AND THE OFFICE OF LAND MANAGEMENT CLOSED ON 14 LOTS AT LAKE PORT PHANTOM, MAKING WAY FOR THE LAKE PORT PHANTOM NOW IN REVIEW OF PROPOSALS. THE CITY OF ABILENE, IN REACHING THE GOAL OF EFFECTIVE GOVERNANCE, ENGAGING WITH EXPERTS TO FIND THE BEST VALUE AND SERVICE IN THE MANAGEMENT AND DELIVERY OF SPECIALIZED SERVICE TO THE RESIDENTS.

IN 2022, CITY ADMINISTRATION ASSOCIATED A CONTRACT WITH ASM GLOBAL FOR THE MANAGEMENT OF THE ABILENE GLOBAL CENTER, GIVING IT TO THE CARE IN CONVENTION SALES AND MARKETING.

THE CITY OF ABILENE, PARTNERSHIP, ALL KIND ANIMAL INITIATIVE, THAT IS CO DEFIED, TO MANAGE THE ABILENE ANIMAL SHELTER, THAT BEGAN JANUARY 1ST, 2023.

>> WE REALLY APPRECIATED HOW OPEN THE CITY WAS TO ALL OF THIS AND SEE WHAT COULD HAPPEN WITH THE PUBLIC-PRIVATE PARTNERSHIP.

WHAT IT COULD MEAN FOR THE SHELTER, NEW FACILITY AND NOW THE MANAGEMENT OF THE CURRENT FACILITY.

IT'S GOING REALLY WELL. WE'RE REALLY EXCITED ABOUT IT.

>> MANAGEMENT OF THE SHELTER CAME AS THE CITY AND ALL KIND IN 2022, ALSO IDENTIFIED 610 EAST SOUTH 11 STREET AS THE SITE OF THE NEW ANIMAL SHELTER. ALL KIND OF ANIMAL SHELTER FUND-RAISING EFFORTS, PAIRED WITH THE CITY OF ABILENE, EXEM PLEA FYS GOVERNMENT, TO MAXIMIZE THE POWER OF A TAX DOLLAR INVESTMENT. EXCELLENT SERVICE IS NOT ONLY A PRIORITY OF CITY COUNCIL, IT IS PART OF WHAT CITY EMPLOYEES STRIFE FOR IN THE CORE VALUES OF RESPECT, INTEGRITY, SERVICE ABOVE SELF AND EXCELLENCE AND ALL WE DO.

WHILE WE ALL WORK TO BE PART OF THE SERVICE TO THE COMMUNITY, SEVERAL ACCOMPLISHMENTS STOOD OUT AS SHINING EXAMPLES OF 2022.

THE FIRE DEPARTMENT, THROUGH A COMBINATION OF RESPONSE TIMES, INFRASTRUCTURE AND COMMUNICATION, AFD DELIVERING TO THE PUBLIC SAFETY AND PROTECTION OF PROPERTY.

A.F.C. GRADUATES, 100 PERCENT OF THE FIRE ACADEMY CLASS, TO THE QUALITY OF TRAINING PROVIDED FOR THE DEPARTMENT AND REYOUTHIZATION, AND INVESTMENT OF EACH CADET.

ABILENE POLICE DEPARTMENT SERVED NO LESS THAN 110 VICTIMS OF CRIME AND THEIR FAMILIES TO THE DEPARTMENT'S UNIQUE VICTIMS ADVOCATE PROGRAM, DESIGNED TO SERVE AND SUPPORT VICTIMS OF CRIME AS THEY NAVIGATE THROUGH THE DIFFICULT TIMES OF THEIR LIVES. RESULTING IN ARREST FOR EACH OF ABILENE'S 2022 HOMICIDE INVESTIGATION.

FAMILY TAYLOR COUNTY HEALTH DISTRICT IMPROVED THE PUBLIC SERVICE OFFER, AND DEVELOPING A FOOD HANDLER TRAINING PROGRAM FOR NON-PROFIT VOLUNTEERS. SOLID WASTE SERVICES IMPROVED THE SERVICE AND EFFICIENCY BY ADDING A 15TH ROUTE TO CITY CLASS COLLECTION AND REINSTITUTING THE CARDINAL PROGRAM AFTER AN EIGHT MONTH HIATUS.

THE DEPARTMENT AND PERSONNEL WERE DRIVEN TO THE SERVICE AS THEY CAME TOGETHER IN 2022 TO REENGINEER THE CITY'S PERMITTING PROCESS, LED BY PARKS & RECREATION, THEY LAUNCHED ABILENE'S EPROFL SYSTEM, ALL NEW DIGITAL PLATFORM.

EPROFL PROVIDING RESIDENTS AND ORGANIZATION WITH A ONE STOP

[00:15:04]

>> THE BEST THING ABOUT THIS, WE WERE ABLE TO CUSTOMIZE THE APPLICATION TO ABILENE. BUT MORE SPECIFICALLY, EACH EVENT PERSON, WHEN THEY ARE APPLYING, BY THE WAY THEY ANSWER YES OR NO TO QUESTIONS, IT CUSTOMIZES THE APPLICATION TO THEIR NEEDS. WE ARE -- WE HAVE DONE OUR ABSOLUTE BEST, TO MAKE IT AS CUSTOMER FRIENDLY AS WE CAN AND TO GET AT THE HEART OF WHY WE ARE HERE AND HOW WE CAN GIVE

BACK TO THE COMMUNITY. >> THE PRACTICE OF SOUND FINANCIAL DISCIPLINE IS WHAT INSURES THE CITY OF ABILENE WILL BE ABLE TO FULFILL THE EXCELLENCE OF SERVICE NOW AND WELL INTO THE FUTURE. WE'RE PROUD TO ONCE AGAIN RECEIVE THE DISTINGUISHED BUDGET REPRESENTATION AWARD FROM 2022, GOVERNMENT FINANCE ASSOCIATION. RECOGNITION OF THE CITY'S COMMITMENT TO FISCAL RESPONSIBILITY AND FINANCIAL TRANSPARENCY TO OUR ENTIRE COMMUNITY.

EMPLOYEE TRAINING AND RETENTION COSTS WERE MINIMIZED WITH THE 6 PERCENT WITH A NONCIVIL PAY RAISE.

RESULT OF DILIGENT PLANNING AND CNSERVATIVE SPENDING GIVING EMPLOYEES A WELL-DESERVED BOOST AND IN A CHANGING MARKETPLACE.

WATER UTILITIES ESTABLISHED THE CAPITOL DEVELOPMENT FUND, THAT RECEIVES A PORTION OF WATER UTILITY REVENUES TO SUPPORT FUTURE PROJECTS, WITHOUT TAKING ON DEBT.

THE ABILENE TAYLOR COUNTY DISSTRICK, TO ADDRESS WORKFORCE NEEDS AND TACKLE HEALTH DISPARITIES AT ABILENE AT RISK.

AND THE CITY ASKED VOTERS TO DECIDE AN $8 MILLION, IN ABILENE'S FIRE SERVICE. TAXPAYERS OVERWHELMINGLY SUPPORTED THE MEASURE, MAKING WAY FOR ABILENE'S FIRE DEPARTMENT, 9TH STATION SOON UNDER CONSTRUCTION AND HIGHWAY 83, 84. SOUND DISCIPLINE WAS A DRIVING FORCE, CITY WIDE ASSESSMENT OF FLEET UTILIZATION IN 2022.

THAT EXTENSIVE RESOURCES, WILL BRING A REDUCTION IN ROLLING STOCK FLEET AS A MANAGE AM SYSTEM IS DEPLOYED IN 2023.

PUBLIC WORKS EFFORT TO KEEP ENGINEERING SERVICE IN-HOUSE, TO CREATE EFFICIENCIES WITH THE COMPLETION OF $9 MILLION IN ROADWAY DESIGN AND 4 MILLION IN RIGHT OF WAY, ALL DONE BY CITY ENGINEERS. THE PRACTICE OF SOUND DISCIPLINE IS PERHAPS NO MORE EVIDENT THAN IN THE AB LEAP'S STREET MAINTENANCE FUND AND ADMINISTRATION.

2022, TO ADDRESS CITY REPAIR NEEDS THROUGH A MAINTENANCE FEE, A -- TO PROACTIVELY BUILD STREET MAINTENANCE INTO FUTURE CITY BUDGETS. THE STREET MAINTENANCE ADVISORY BOARD VOTED IN 22 TO REAFFIRM THE XHUPITIES COMMITMENT TO THE FUND AND ITS USE TO IMPROVE ABILENE'S STREET CONDITIONS.

>> THIS IS A MODEL THAT OTHER COMMUNITIES HAVE LOOKED TO.

AND ARE LOOKING TO CREATE A PROGRAM IN THEIR CITIES LIKE WE HAVE HERE IN ABILENE. WE HAVE BEEN DOING THIS GOING ON FOUR YEARS NOW. WE ARE CONTINUING TO KIND OF RAMP UP TO HOPEFULLY GET THROUGH ALL OF THE ROADS IN ABILENE AS

QUICKLY AS WE CAN. >> IN 2022 ALONE THE STREET MAINTENANCE FUND MADE THE DESIGN AND CONSTRUCTION OF $9 MILLION OF ROAD WORK POSSIBLE. THAT APPLICATION OF SOUND FINANCIAL DISCIPLINE RECONSTRUCTED SOULT 27 FROM BARROW TO SALES, NORTH 10TH STREET, AND NUMEROUS RAILWAY CROSSINGS ALONG SOUTH 14TH STREET.

DRAINAGE REPAIRS REMAIN AT BROKEN BOW ALLEY AND STREETS WERE RESURFACED ACROSS CITY WIDE WORK ZONES WELL, MAINTAINED AND RELIABLE INFRASTRUCTURE IS WHAT THE GOVERNMENT SHOULD PROVIDE THE RESIDENTS AND ABILENE SPECIAL COMMITMENT. AND IN 2022, THAT WAS EVIDENT FROM EVERYTHING FROM THE 20,000 PLUS LABOR HOURS LOGGED BY PARKS MAINTENANCE CREWS. 2300 FACILITY WORK ORDERS COMPLETED AND 14H VAK SYSTEMS REPLACED BY CITY PERSONNEL.

THE CITY'S REINVESTMENT IN INFRASTRUCTURE HAS BEEN CLEAR TO SEE IN CITY HALL THIS YEAR. RENOVATIONS OF THE BUILDINGS' 1ST 234R50R, TO IMPROVE CUSTOMER SERVICE AND RESOURCES TO THE

[00:20:02]

AND FIREFIGHTING STATION ALONG WITH IMPROVEMENTS TO THE AIRPORT TERMINAL WILL KEEP AVI FLYING HIGH.

OVER THE CITY LINK, DESIGN WORKS IS GEARING COMPLETION, TO ADDRESS RESIDENCES CHANGING PUBLICATION NEEDS IN ON DEMAND WORLD. BEYOND THE HEAVY LIFTING OF STREET RECONSTRUCTION AND REPAIR MANAGED THROUGH THE STREET MAINTENANCE FUND, PUBLIC WORKS STREET CREWS FOCUSED JUST AS MUCH ATTENTION IN 2022, 43 LANE MILES OF CRACKED SEAL AND REPAIRING MORE THAN 30,000 POTHOLES WITHIN AN AVERAGE 48 HOUR TURN AROUND TIME. STREETS ALSO COMPLETED A TOTAL OF 120 HOURS OF EMPLOYEE TRAINING IN VITAL EQUIPMENT AND MACHINERY. NO INFRASTRUCTURE MAY BE MORE IMPORTANT THAN THAT THAN ABILENE'S WATER SYSTEM.

IT'S PARAMOUNT TO THE SURVIVAL OF FUTURE AS A COMMUNITY.

THE PROTECTING AND CARING FOR THE SYSTEM OF 1.4 MILES OF REPLACEMENT WATER MAINS IN INSTALLED.

AND A FULL REPLACEMENT OF THE CEDAR CREST MAIN.

GREASE TRACK CITY WIDE, ALONG WITH 22 MILES OF SEWER MAINS.

AND 132 SEWER POINT REPAIRS WERE COMPLETED.

1.33 MILES REPLACEMENT MAINS WERE INSTALLED.

ALL OF THIS AND WATER UTILITIES BEGAN THE IMPLEMENTATION OF A CAPITOL IMPROVEMENTS PLANNED PROJECTS.

>> RIGHT NOW, WE HAVE PROJECTS AROUND THE BOULEVARD.

WE HAVE IMPROVEMENTS ON THE NORTHWEST SIDE OF TOWN.

WE HAVE STREET WATERLINE REPLACEMENTS.

THOSE ARE THINGS THAT ARE VISIBLE TO THE PUBLIC THAT ARE, THAT HAVE GREAT BENEFIT TO THE PUBLIC AND THEY HAVE A LONG LIFE. IT'S REALLY NEAT TO SEE THE PROJECTS GO FROM THE CONCEPT THROUGH THE PLANNING STAGE AND ALL THE WAY THROUGH COMPLETION AND HAVE SOME SATISFACTION AND THAT A GREAT JOB HAS BEEN DONE AND A GREAT SERVICE HAS BEEN PROVIDED TO THE CITY AND THE CITIZENS OF ABILENE.

>> WHILE CITY COUNCIL'S GOAL OF ECONOMIC GROWTH IS DEPENDENT ON A NUMBER OF VARIABLES, THE CITY OF ABILENE COULD DO A LOT TO FOSTER AND FACILITATE THE GROWTH IN EVERY DEPARTMENT LEVEL.

PLANNING AND DEVELOPMENT SERVICE IS A KEY COMPONENT IN THE REALIZATION, DETERMINING THE EASE AND SPEED OF ABILENE DEVELOPERS AND ENTREPRENEURS ARE ABLE TO MOVE FORWARD WITH NEW BUSINESS. IN 2022, PLANNING AND REDEVELOPMENT FINISHED THE REVIEW AND ADDITION TO THE ESTABLISHMENT OF THE CODE. AND ALSO COMPLETED IS A COMPLETE INVENTORY OF TARGETED INFIELD DEVELOPMENT AREAS, ALONG WITH STRUCTURES AND TARGET AREAS FOR BUILDING INSPECTORS TO REVIEW AND ADDRESS. ENGINEERING SERVICES HELPED GREEN LIGHT DEVELOPMENT PROJECTS, WITH MORE THAN 171 PLATT, INSIGHT PLAN REVIEWS COMPLETED IN 2022.

ABILENE, AIRPORT, WITH THE EXECUTION OF THE LAND LEASE AND CONCESSION AGREEMENT FOR A NEW BUOY'S FUEL STATION, CONVENIENCE STORE AND RESTAURANT, IN HIGHWAY 36 AND FM18 THE GOAL OF ECONOMIC GROWTH FUELED COLLABORATION AND COMMUNITY STAKEHOLDERS FOR TWO MAJOR PROJECTS IN 202.

CITY STAFF WITH THE DEVELOPMENT OF ABILENE TO LANSING INCORPORATION. TECHNOLOGY AND INFRASTRUCTURE COMPANY WORKING TO ADVANCE THE DECARBONIZATION AND STABILITY OF POWER GRID. LANSING BROKE GROUND IN NORTHEAST ABILENE, AND FUTURE HIGH-TECH JOBS POWERED BY LOW COST RENEWABLE ENERGY. NORTHEAST ABILENE WILL SOON SEE THE DEVELOPMENT OF 900 NEW HOMES BETWEEN EAST 10TH STREET AND LUKE 22, THANKS IN PART TO THE ESTABLISHMENT OF THE CITY'S 3RD TAX INCREMENT REINVESTMENT ZONE. THE DOWNTOWN AND INFILL DEVELOPMENT HAS THE LASER FOCUS AS THE THRIVING CITY CORP, ECONOMIC GROWTH CITY WIDE. IN 2022, ECONOMIC GROWTH AND REDEVELOPMENT OF ABILENE'S DOWNTOWN REACHED NEW HEIGHTS.

WALLS OF THE DOWNTOWN HOTEL TOOK SHAPE AND IN A FEW SHORT MONTHS WILL WELCOME VISITORS FROM ACROSS THE COUNTRY.

ABILENE'S CONVENTION CENTERS WILL WELCOME WITH THE COMPLETELY REDESIGNED NORTH SIDE CONCOURSE UNDER CONSTRUCTION AND COMPLETED IN 2022, IT FEATURES UPDATED ACCESSIBILITY AND MODERN

[00:25:03]

STORYBOOK CENTER IN 2022. >> ECONOMIC REDEVELOPMENT, AS A COMMUNITY OF SOMETHING, WE HAVE TO LEAN TO DO THE LOCAL GOVERNMENT JOB, IS TO CREATE A FERTILE PLAYING FIELD TO THRIVE. I THINK WE DONE THAT WELL WITH

THE DOWNTOWN. >> AND ECONOMIC GROWTH WOULD NOT BE POSSIBLE FOR OUR COMMUNITY, THE CITY TO NOT SUCCESSFULLY PROVIDE ADEQUATE RESOURCES AND AMENITIES TO HELP INSURE THE RESIDENTS ENJOY A HIGH QUALITY OF LIFE.

CITY DEPARTMENTS, AND ABILENE RESIDENTS EXPECT BUT TO EXPAND PROGRAMS AND EVENTS THAT WERE FORCED TO SHUT DURING COVID.

ABILENE PUBLIC LIBRARY STAFF HAS WORKED DILIGENTLY TO MEET THE CHALLENGE AND THEY DID IT WITH FLYING COLORS.

IN 2022, ABILENE SAW 110 PERCENT PARTICIPATION IN READING PROGRAMS, WITH DIVING INTO THE POSSIBILITY ALL SEASON LONG.

LIBRARY STAFF HAS ADDED TO THE OFFERINGS, WITH THE EXPANSION OF WONDER BOOKS. BOOKS EQUIPPED WITH AUDIO DEVICE, READING TO KIDS ALLOWED AND HEAD PHONES, BUILDING A STRONG LITERACY FOUNDATION. SPECIAL COLLECTIONS WERE, AND TO CHECK OUT AN ENTIRE KIT OF ITEMS, ESPECIALLY CURE RATED ALONG STEM. AND ALLEN PARKS & RECREATION HAS SIMILARLY WORKED TO BRING THE PROGRAMMING BACK TO FULL FORCE IN 2022, WITH EQUALLY IMPRESSIVE RESULTS.

AFTERNOON PROGRAMS HAVE BEEN RUNNING THROUGH FULL CAPACITY.

AND ATTENDANCE, SHOWING YEAR OVER YEAR GROWTH, 29 PERCENT WITHIN THE LUNCH PROGRAM ALONE. 70,000, 470 MEALS SERVED TO PATRONS IN 2022. AQUALITYICS DIDN'T LET THE SHORTAGE DOWN. AND SWIMMING LESSONS WERE BACK ON DECK WITH, WITH A FIRST TIME SENIOR WATER EXERCISE PROGRAM.

RECREATION IS, OF COURSE, ONE-HALF OF HOW PARKS & RECREATION IMPROVES THE QUALITY OF LIFE, OFFERINGS WITHIN THE COMMUNITY. THE LAST YEAR, THE DEPARTMENT OVERSAW THE PAVING OF 10 FOOT WIDE WALKING, SEARS, RED BUD.

THE WALKING TRAIL WENT UNDER CONSTRUCTION AFTER SEVERAL YEAR OF TEDIOUS NEGOTIATION, PROPERTY ACQUISITION AND YARD WORK.

THEY WENT OVER RENOVATION, REST ROOM, UPDATED SPORTS COURTS, LIGHTING AND FENCING. ROSE PARK OFFERS A NEW PLAYGROUND EXPERIENCE. MORE ON THAT IN A MOMENT.

ROSE SKATE PARK WAS HOST TO THE CITY'S 180 SKATEBOARD COMPETITION AND STREET SHOW. THE ABILENE ZOO.

THE COUNTRY'S NUMBER ONE TOURIST ATTRACTION COULD LIGHT THINGS UP FROM CHRISTMAS CELEBRATION, ILLUMINATION TO SPRING BREAK, WILD DAYS, ZOO AT THE ZOOS. RECORDS WERE BROKE AT THE ABILENE ZOO. ZOO'S WILD DAYS BROUGHT IN.

AND CATAPULTED FOR THE MOST EVER BOO EVER, MORE THAN 21,000 GUESTS, 55 PERCENT INCREASE FROM LAST YEAR ALONE.

ALL OF IT PREPPED BY THE VERY OWN ZOO STAFF.

CONNECTS AND EDUCATING RESIDENTS WITH WILDLIFE IS AT THE CORE OF THE MISSION AND PROGRAMMING. THIS PAST YEAR, ANIMAL ADDITIONS AND FACILITY UPGRADES PROVIDED UNPARALLEL LIFE EXPERIENCES FOR ZOO MEMBERS AND GUESTS. FROM THE BIRTH OF GIRAFFES, GIANT ANTEATERS, PORK PINES, TO ACQUIRING OF CROWN LEMERS, AND ZOO VISITORS WERE IN FOR A TREAT.

AND ZOO OFFICIALS, REMODELS OF THE EXHIBIT AND REIMAGINING LANDSCAPING FOR THE PRAIRIE DOG EXHIBIT WERE A WARM-UP FOR THE UNVEILING OF ABILENE'S MASTER PLAN.

>> WE WANT TO ANNOUNCE A BEAUTIFUL AND INCREDIBLE SPECIES WE WANT TO BRING TO ABILENE ZOO. THAT'S THE CHEETAH.

WE CAN HAVE GUESTS SIT DOWNND AN EAT ALONGSIDE THE CHEETAH'S

EXHIBIT. >> AND WHILE THEY PLAN TO PROVIDE DETAILS, WE'RE CONTINUING TO SERVE THE COMMUNITY WITH HIGHEST QUALITY OF PROGRAMMING, EDUCATION AND ENTERTAINMENT EVERY DAY OF THE YEAR.

PROVIDING SERVICES THAT ARE RESPONSIVE TO THE NEEDS AND WHAT

[00:30:02]

ABILENE CITY DEPARTMENT INTERACT DAILY AND IT'S WITH THE APB, THE REAL POLICE WORK COULD HAPPEN. EVERYTHING FROM THE ACADEMY, SUMMER MOVIE NIGHT AND JUNETEENTH GAME TO THE POPULAR TRUNK OR TREAT. BLUE SANTA CHRISTMAS SHOPPING SPREE AND THE RECENTLY FORMED IN 2022, MOUNTED PATROL.

THAT'S WHERE THE MEN AND WOMEN IN BLUE CONNECT AND ENGAGE WITH THE PEOPLE THEY SERVE, LAYING A GROUND WORK FOR FUTURE PARTNERSHIPS THAT GO BEYOND THE BADGE.

THE HOMELESS AND NEIGHBORHOOD OUTREACH TEAMS ARE ONE MORE EXAMPLE OF GENERAL SERVICE AND ENGAGEMENT, IMPROVEMENT OUTCOMES AND RELATIONSHIPS ACROSS THE CITY.

ALLOWING OFFICERS TO CONNECT, TO GO BEYOND THE TYPICAL PATROL DUTIES, FORGING TO MAKE WAY OF CREATIVE SOLUTIONS.

IT'S THE WAY, IT MOTIVATED THE DISSTRICK, TO LAUNCH A MAJOR COMMUNITY, ENGAGEMENT TOOLS AND RESOURCES IN 2022.

REBUILD HEALTH, BUILT FROM THE GROUND UP, PROVIDING FREE RESOURCES, TOOLS AND EDUCATION FOR RESIDENTS, AS THEY WORK TO MANAGE AND OVERCOME COMMON HEALTH CONDITIONS AND CHALLENGES THAT AFFECT THE HEALTH COMMUNITY.

POLICY CHANGES, TOOK CENTER STAGE, AS A RESULT OF DIRECT DIALOGUE AND ENGAGEMENT OF CHUNITY MEMBERS.

THE CREATION OF THE LIBRARY CARDS WITH CUSTOMIZABLE CONTROLS. PARENTAL RESPONSIBILITY POLICY AND REVISED COLLECTION, ACTIVATION PROTOCOLS MR. A RESULT OF COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT AND RESPONSIVENESS.

IT'S A VERY INFRASTRUCTURE, IN WHICH IT'S ABLE TO TAKE PLACE IS BEHIND THE UPGRADING, REPLACEMENTS AND ADDITION OF FACILITIES AND SERVICES FOR THE CITY OF ABILENE IN 2022.

SEVERAL DEPARTMENTS MADE INVESTMENTS TO SERVE THE COMMUNITY'S DISABLED, AND MAKE SURE THEY ARE ABLE TO ENGAGE AND STAFF WITH COLLECTIVE WORKERS. LIKE THE DESIGN OF ADA, TO STORM WATER FACILITIES, TO THE INSTALLATION TO THE FIRST EVER PARALLEL PLAY PLAYGROUND AT ROSE PARK.

UNLIKE ANY OTHER IN TOWN, THE CENTURY RICH ENVIRONMENT ALLOWS, TO ENGAGE AND ENJOYING A GREAT TIME AND GROUNDBREAKING GATHERING PLACE. GATHERING INSIDE CITY COUNCIL CHAMBERS IS ALSO A NEW EXPERIENCE, AS CITY STAFF OVERSAW, AND ACCESSIBILITY IN THE SPACE.

RAMPWAYS AND INSIDE OF CHAMBER, FULLY ACCESSIBLE PASSAGE WAYS AND MORE SUPPORTIVE SEATING, HAS MADE THE LIVING ROOM A PLACE ALL, ARE WELCOME TO TAKE A SEAT AND SERVE.

AS A CHANGE YOU SEE, OVERHEAD IN CHAMBER, WORKING TO ENGAGE, IN THE COMMUNITY WHO MAY HAVE GONE UNHEARD.

IT IS THE FIRST TO IPT GREAT AMERICAN SIGN LANGUAGE TRANSLATION TO THE CITY COUNCIL MEETINGS THROUGH A REMOTE.

LINKED VIDEO CONFERENCING, ASL INTERPRETERS ARE NOW TO INSURE THE HARD OF HEALTH COMMUNITY, ENGAGED IN ALL WE DO, TO BUILD THE COMMUNITY OF HIGHEST QUALITY FOR FUTURE AND PRESENT GENERATIONS. AS WE WORK OUR WAY TO 2023, COUNCIL 7'S STRATEGIC GOALS, CONTINUE TO GUIDE THE CITY STAFF ADMINISTRATION AND THE PLANNING. EACH CITY DEPARTMENT, HAS PINPOINTED OBJECTIVES AND PRIORITIES FROM MANAGEMENT TO STAFF, DEVELOPING PROCEDURES AND TECHNIQUES TO WHICH TO MEASURE PROGRESS FOR EACH GOAL. YOU COULD FIND THE OBJECTIVES AND PRIORITIES INSIDE THE BUDGET BOOK OR ON-LINE ANYTIME AT

ABILENE TX.GOV. >> THAT IS PRETTY GOOD.

>> YEAH.

>> LIKE SHE'S DONE THAT BEFORE. >> ALL IN ONE TAKE.

>> AND I WANT TO PAUSE AND SAY ALL OF THAT WORK WAS SET FORTH BY THE VISION AND POLICY DIRECTION OF CITY COUNCIL.

NONE OF IT WOULDN'T BE POSSIBLE WITHOUT THE MEN AND WOMEN WHO SERVE THE COMMUNITY. I WOULD LIKE TO GIVE THEM A ROUND OF APPLAUSE, PLEASE. .

>> YOU HAVE A $230 MILLION BUDGET

>> WILL THAT BE AVAILABLE. >> OR EVEN IN THE WEBSITE.

. >> LOOKING AT THE FIVE YEAR

[00:35:01]

WE HAVE ISSUED 730 PERMITS, 176 SINGLE FAMILY PERMITS, NEW TOWN HOME AND MOBILE HOME PERMITS. AND THAT'S IN ONE CATEGORY.

THAT'S 2003 PERMITS AND MULTI-FAMILY.

THESE ARE NOT DWELLING UNITS. SWITCHED BUILDINGS THAT HAVE MULTIPLE UNITS. 152 NEW BUILDINGS SINCE 2021.

OVER THE LAST FIVE YEARS, MARKET VALUE HAS INCREASED 1.7 TRILLION, WHICH IS A LOT OF MONEY.

THE FREEZE ADJUSTED TAXABLE VALUE, THE STUFF THAT WE ACTUALLY GET REVENUE OFF OF, HAS INCREASED 908 MILLION, WHICH IS A LOT OF MONEY. THERE'S 800 MILLION DIFFERENCE, THAT'S THE WAY THE PROPERTY TAXES WORK.

TAX RATE FOR THE CITY OF ABILENE HAS INCREASED FROM 0.7465, TO 7.621 DURING THE PERIOD. IT'S DOWN FROM A HIGH RATE.

ANY QUESTIONS ON LAST 2022? MORE CITIZENS ARE MOVING IN A FASTER RATE THAN THEY HAVE IN THE PAST.

THE PROGRAMS AND SERVICES HAVE TO EXPAND ACCORDINGLY TO MAKE SURE THEY MAINTAIN CURRENT SERVICE MEMBERS.

>> 1.7 BILLION, NOT TRILLION. >> THIS IS THE STUFF, THIS IS

[2. ​Capital Improvements]

IT'S ALL WASTE, WATER UTILITIES. YOU DRIVE DOWN, THEY'VE BEEN THERE SINCE THE 60S. THE CITY OF ABILENE HAS OVER 750 CARS AND TRUCKS AND WE HAVE OVER 100 PIECES OF CONSTRUCTION.

IT WAS IMPROVED, EXPANDED IN THE MID 80S.

IT HAS -- 14 SERVICE SPADE IN IT.

I'VE AUTHORIZED JACOB AND MARTIN TO START A FACILITY ASSESSMENT AND SITE REVIEW PROCESS. THAT PROCESS IS LOOKING AT WHAT WE NEED IN A NEW MUNICIPAL SERVICE CENTER AND WHERE IS THE BEST LOCATION FOR THAT. ALL OF THAT WILL BE DATA WE USE TO COME FORWARD TO THE CITY COUNCIL AND HAVE FURTHER DISCUSSIONS. THIS IS A DIRECT RESULT OF SOME OF THE DISCUSSIONS WE HAD OF PROPERTY ACQUISITIONS THAT FAILED TO MATERIALIZE WITH PURCHASES OF BUILDINGS THAT WERE ALREADY BUILT AND READY TO GO. THAT DEAL FELL THROUGH, PRIMARILY BECAUSE THE SELLER COULDN'T RECOVER THEIR COSTS FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF THE FACILITY THEY THOUGHT THEY NEEDED TO MAKE TO OFFSET THEIR LOST. ONE OF THE THINGS I WANT TO REMIND COUNCIL, WE WANT TO LOOK NOT JUST THE FLEET FACILITY, BUT THE WHOLE ENCHILADA. WE WANT TO LOOK AT ALL FIELD RELATED SERVICES. IF WE END UP LOOKING AT THE SITE, IT'S IMPORTANT TO INCAPSULATE THE SERVICES, SO WE CAN WORK AS AN UNE AND WE HAVE TO LOOK AT SOLID WASTE AND PUBLIC WORKS AND STREETS AND TRAFFIC AND WATER UTILITIES. I THINK JACOB MARTIN IS IN THE PROCESS OF VISITING WITH THE DEPARTMENT MEMBERS, STAFF MEMBERS, TO UNDERSTAND WHAT THE NEEDS ARE, SPACE CONSTRAINMENTSED AND THEY HAVE NOT PREDETERMINED THE SITE.

COULD WE REUTILIZE THE DISTANCE? COORDINATE TOURS FOR THE COUNCIL SO THEY CAN SEE THE STAFF. I HAVE 50-60 DIFFERENT PICTURES WE SHOW. AND WE'VE SPENT A LOT OF TIME IN THE VIDEO. I THOUGHT IT WAS ALL IMPORTANT.

I THINK IF THE COUNCIL COULD SEE THE CONDITIONS, THEY ARE WORKING, THEY CAN RECOGNIZE, IT'S HIGH TIME TO REBUILD THE FACILITIES OR REINVEST HEAVILY ON THEM.

I WOULD LIKE TO INVITE, AND WE WILL HAVE A DECISION POINT SLIDE

THAT WILL ASK COUNCIL QUESTIONS. >> I WAS READING AHEAD.

JACOB MARTIN IS LOOKING AT EITHER REDOING ON THESIDE OR FINDING A NEW SIDE. DID I HEAR THAT RIGHT

>> THEY ARE LOOKING AT THE UNIVERSE OF OPPORTUNITY.

WE MAY ACQUIRE EXISTING SITES. ALL OF THAT IS BEING CONSIDERED.

AND I WILL INVITE LESLIE TO TALK ABOUT THE PARKS & RECREATION

[00:40:02]

FOR THE DIRECTION OF. >> GOOD MORNING, COUNCIL, DIRECTERS TO OF PARKS AND RECREATION.

WHAT I'M BRINGING TO YOU TODAY, FURTHER CONVERSATIONS ABOUT, DG DANIELS, POTENTIAL PICKLE BALL COURT.

AND OVER THE COURSE OF COUPLE OF YEARS, WE TALKED ABOUT THE NEED, IN ABILENE. WE DID DO A FEASIBILITY STUDY THAT'S PRESENTED IN 2020. BEFORE YOU IS A PROPOSED BOND FOR CESAR CHAVEZ AS WELL, AS DG DANIELS.

I REALIZE, PARTS OF -- EVEN PREDATE 1966.

AS A RECREATION CENTER, THIS IS KIND OF THE DATE WE GO BY.

AND 2020 IS WHEN WE DID THE FEASIBILITY STUDY.

IT WAS PRESENTED TO CITY COUNCIL IN MARCH 2020.

IT WAS PRESENTED IN PARKS BOARD IN 2020.

IT WENT BEFORE THE BOND COMMITTEE FOR DISCUSSION IN 2022. IN JULY, THE BOND COMMITTEE, DID RECOMMEND THE RECREATION CENTERS BE MOVE FORWARD FOR A POTENTIAL BOND IN THE FUTURE AND WE'RE HERE TODAY, TO DISCUSS THAT.

HERE'S A PICTURE OF THE OUTSIDE OF DG DANIEL'S RECREATION CENTER. HERE'S THE PICTURES, WHERE THE KIDS MEET, WHERE THEY HAVE MANY OF THE ARTS CLASSES.

THE GYM HERE, IT WAS BUILT IN THE 1990'S.

THIS IS THE SPORTS CORD THAT WAS PUT IN AT THAT TIME.

IT IS REALLY BEYOND ITS USEFUL LIFE.

WE HAVE A LOT OF FLOODING IN THE ROOM.

WE DO -- SOMETIMES WE'VE HAD TO HAVE BASKETBALL GAMES.

IN THE OTHER END OF THE COURT, WE RUN IN AND DRY THE FLOOR OFF, BEFORE WE COME TO THE END. WHEN WE DID DO THE FEASIBILITY STUDY, IN 2020, THE COMPANY HERE, SOME OF ITEMS THEY CAME UP WITH IS ITEMS OF CONCERN. ONE OF THE BIGGEST THINGS, BECAUSE JD DANIELS WAS ADDED MULTIPLE TIMES, THERE ARE NINE POINTS OF ENTRY IN THE RECREATION CENTER.

WITH TWO FULL-TIME STAFF, IT IS VERY DIFFICULT TO MONITOR ALL DOORS GOING IN AND OUT, WITH EITHER -- WITHOUT HAVING TO KEEP THEM LOCKED OR. IT PREDALTS INTERNET AND SOME OF THE HEALTH AND SAFETY REGULATION AND -- AND THERE'S QUITE A BIT OF ITEMS TO TAKE PLACE AND REALLY ENERGY EFFICIENCY AND MAINTENANCE ITEMS THAT COULD TAKE PLACE, SIGNIFICANTLY, YOU KNOW, THE ROOF BEING REPAIRED AND A LOT OF THE INDOOR STUFF BEING TAKEN CARE OF. NEXT IS CESAR CHAFES.

I WILL JUMP IN HERE REAL QUICK. THERE WILL BE A PRESS RELEASE.

WE PLAN THE COMMUNITY MEETING TO TALK ABOUT THE SERRIS PARK AND PLAYGROUND ON MARCH 9TH AT 6:00 P.M. THAT INFORMATION WILL BE GOING TO PARKS BOARD. IT WILL BE AT CESAR CHAVEZ MARCH 9TH AT 6:00 P.M. MORE INFORMATION WILL BE COMING UP PUBLICLY, STARTING TODAY. THIS IS THE INSIDE, PICTURE OF THE KITCHEN, THE ART ROOM, AND THE WONDERFUL HALLWAY THAT HAS BARS ON IT, WHICH IS THE GREETING AREA OF CESAR CHAVEZ.

THIS AREA WAS AN ADD ON. THE GYM ORIGINALLY WAS AN OUTDOOR COURT. THE THIN WAS COVERED, ADDED TO MAKE A RECREATION CENTER. THIS ROOM LEAKS SEVERELY AND THE SPORTS COURT IS BEYOND THE USEFUL LIFE.

AND, AGAIN, MORE INFORMATION ABOUT THE HEALTH AND SAFETY OF THIS LOCATION. WHILE THERE'S NOT AS MANY DOORS THAT GO IN AND OUT, IT IS VERY DISJOINED AND THE LAY OUT.

YOU HAVE TO GO THROUGH A ROOM, BOTH IN THE LOCATIONS, YOU HAVE TO GO THROUGH A ROOM TO GET TO ANOTHER ROOM.

THAT MAKES IT HARD WHEN PEOPLE WANT TO USE CERTAIN AREAS.

WHEN WE DID DO THE COMMUNITY FEEDBACK IN 2020, HERE ARE SOME OF THE ITEMS THAT PEOPLE WANTED MOST TO SEE IN A FUTURE

[00:45:05]

AS WELL AS AS A MULTI-PURPOSE GYMNASIUM.

HERE'S SOME OTHER THINGS, INDOOR PLAYGROUND, PARTY ROOM, TEEN ROOM, SENIOR ADULT ROOM. ALL OF THE THINGS, ARE ITEMS THAT RATED VERY HIGH WHEN WE DID THE ANALYSIS.

ONE OF THE QUESTIONS, WOULD YOU SUPPORT A BOND, EITHER A NEW RECREATION CENTER OR REMODEL OF A RECREATION CENTER.

IN 2120, 81 PERCENT OF THOSE RESPONDING SAY THEY WILL SUPPORT WITH. AND FOR DJ DANIELS, IN SQUARE FOOTAGE, IT'S A LARGER SQUARE FOOTAGE THAN THE CURRENT JD DANIELS IS. LAID OUT IN A WAY, THAT MAKES THE USE OF IT MUCH MORE FUNCTIONAL AND MULTI-PURPOSE.

WE BASICALLY TOOK THE SAME LAYOUT AND MOVED IT TO CESAR CHAVEZ, YOU KNOW, SO THEN WE'RE ONLY INCURING THE COST OF ONE DESIGN FOR BOTH LOCATIONS. WHAT WE ARE RECOMMENDING IS THE DEMOLITION AND REPLACEMENT OF THE LOCATIONS, DUE TO THE MAGNITUDE ON WHAT WE NEED TO DO WITH THE BUILDINGS, BEING WITH A NUMBER OF DOORS GOING IN AND OUT, THE NEW ROOFS, GOING INSIDE BRINGING IT UP TO CODE. IT'S MORE ECONOMIC TO DEMOLISH AND REBUILD THAN IT IS TO TRY TO SALVAGE.

HERE'S JUST A RENDERING ON WHAT THE OUTDOOR POTENTIALLY COULD LOOK AT AS WELL AS THE INTERIOR AND HOW WELCOMING THAT IT COULD BE, MORE -- HIGHER CEILINGS. AND THIS IS THE COST BUDGET.

WE BASICALLY TOOK WHAT WE PRESENTED IN 2022.

THE COST FOR THE TWO RECREATION CENTERS WAS 25 MILLION THIS IS WHAT WE TOOK TO BOND VOTED IN JULY OF 2022.

WHEN WE ENTER BACK, WE WENT THROUGH THE SAME EXACT SQUARE FOOTAGE. WE DIDN'T CHANGE ANYTHING.

THE 2023 COST WAS 27.8 MILLION, WHICH IS A 2.7 MILLION INFLATION INCREASE FOR THE EXACT SAME DESIGN IS WHAT I PRESENTED LAST YEAR. WITH THAT, IS THERE ANY QUESTIONS ABOUT THE RECREATION CENTER

>> WITH THOSE RESPONDENTS, I THINK YOU LISTED ABOUT 280.

WHO WERE THEY AND HOW DID WE GET THE RESPONSES.

>> FOR THAT FEASIBILITY STUDY, WE HAD A PUBLIC MEETING.

WE HAD FOCUS GROUPS IN BOTH RECREATIONAL CENTERS.

WE DID AB ON-LINE SURVEY THAT ANYBODY COULD JUMP IN AND SUBMIT

RESPONSES TO. >> IS THERE A DIFFERENCE BETWEEN A REC CENTER AND COMMUNITY CEN

CENTER. >> IN OUR MIND, YES.

RECREATION CENTER, IS WHERE WE FULLY, WE STAFF IT AND WE'RE GEARING TOWARD -- WE'RE INVITING PEOPLE IN.

WE'RE DOING MORE OF THE ACTIVE PROGRAMMING WITHIN THE FACILITY.

A COMMUNITY CENTER, IT'S MORE OF A RENTAL.

PEOPLE ARE COMING IN AND WANTING TO USE THE FACILITY.

IT'S VERY PASSIVE, AS FAR AS OUR STAFF IS DOING ANY PROGRAMMING.

>> AND THE COUNCIL, HAVE ANY QUESTIONS.

YOU KNOW, WE'VE HAD, AS A COMMUNITY IN THE LAST 50 YEARS, INVESTED VERY LITTLE IN OUR REC PROGRAMS. AND I USED OUR REC PROGRAMS. I MAY BE BIASED TO THE AMOUNT OF MONEY. IT TOOK ABOUT 55 MILLION, WE HAVE TO INVEST. I'M JUST WONDERING LARGE ABOUT THE PROGRAMMING. I'M WONDERING MONDAY THROUGH FRIDAY, IN PARTICULAR, MID-MORNING TO EARLY AFTERNOON.

AND OUTSIDE OF THE SENIORS, WHO ATTEND AT BOTH OF THE CENTERS.

ANY SORT OF VISION FOR INCLUDING OTHER OPPORTUNITIES TO USE THAT SPACE, THAT SORT OF MONEY, IN THE REC CENTERS.

>> THE BIGGEST CHALLENGE TO THE CURRENT FACILITIES, THE END OF LIFE, THEIR NOT ATTRACTIVE AND THEY ARE NOT REALLY WELCOMING.

[00:50:07]

IF THE COMMUNITY OR COUNCIL ARE INTERESTED IN PURSUING THIS, THE 27.8 MILLION PRICE TAG FOR BOTH OF THE FACILITIES TOTAL, WE COULD ABSOLUTELY CHANGE THE WAY WE PROVIDE RECREATION SERVICES TO THE COMMUNITY AND CREATE A REALLY VALUE ADD FOR THE COMMUNITY, ESPECIALLY FOR THOSE, WHO MAY NOT BE ABLE TO AFFORD A GYM MEMBERSHIP OR, YOU KNOW, OTHER RECREATION OPPORTUNITIES THAT OTHER PEOPLE IN OUR COMMUNITY MAY BE ABLE TO ACCESS

OR USE. >> LET ME FOLLOW CLARITY, TOO.

IF FUTURE COUNCILS, AND WANT TO BE PART OF, WERE CONSIDERING ALIGNING, FOR VOTERS TO PARTICIPATE ON A THUMB'S UP ON AND BO, I'M WONDERING, WHAT DOES THAT LOOK LIKE? I THINK IT WAS COUNCIL MEMBER PRICE, WHO TALKED ABOUT SOME SORT OF COLLABORATION OF THE SCHOOL DISTRICT, THAT TALKED ABOUT EVEN MAYBE HAVING A VISION WITH AFTER SCHOOL ATTENDEES, WOULD BENEFIT ACADEMICALLY, WITH REGARDS TO THAT.

>> I WOULD JUST, MY COUNCIL TO THE COUNCIL, WOULD BE, IF YOU WERE TO HAVE CONVERSATION, AS SORT OF AN INVESTMENT, TO LOOK FOR OPPORTUNITIES TO DEMONSTRATE TO THE COMMUNITY THE BENEFITS OF A NEW FACILITIES, THAT WOULD BE ALOT MORE THAN WHAT'S PRESENTED NOW. DOES THAT MAKE SENSE?

>> 100 PERCENT. >> THAT'S ALL.

>> AND MY QUESTIONS. >> I WILL DISAPPOINTED IN ONE PERSON, PUT SOCCER ON THE FACILITY.

THAT'S OKAY. >> I KNOW WE HAD LOOKED AT IN PREVIOUS DISCUSSIONS, ABOUT THE EXPANDABILITY.

I THINK AT THAT TIME, WE WERE JUST BEING LOOING AT CESAR CHAVEZ'S EXPANDIBLITY. WITH SIMILAR FOOTPRINT FOR JD DANIELS AND SEARS. IS THERE EXPANDABILITY OPTION FOR BOTH. THE ONE THING, THAT -- AQUATICS, A LOT OF PEOPLE ASK ABOUT AQUATICS AND OTHER THINGS.

IF I REMEMBER CORRECTLY, I SEEN A MAP THAT HAD PHASE 2, PHASE 3.

I SEE THE LAND THAT WE CAN EXPAND AT CESAR CHAVEZ.

DO WE HAVE THE SAME OPTIONS TO EXPAND AT JD DANIELS AS WELL

>> NOT WITHOUT MOTHBALLING THE OUTDOOR PLAYGROUND ON THE

BASKETBALL COURT. >> NO, CESAR CHAVEZ, WE HAVE THE OPPORTUNITY TO DO THE SECOND PHASE EXPANSION AS PRESENTED IN THE ORIGINAL FEASIBILITY STUDY. ADG DANIELS, WE DON'T HAVE THE POSSIBILITY WITHOUT DOING AWAY WITH THE OUTDOOR PLAYGROUND AND

BASKETBALL COURT. >> THANK YOU.

>> COUPLE OF BLANKS -- THESE ARE -- THEY ARE PART OF OUR COMMUNITY. THEY ARE NEEDED IN OUR COMMUNITY. I UNDERSTAND IT'S A LOT OF MONEY AND THE CITIZENS WOULD HAVE TO BE ON BOARD, BUT ALSO CLARIFY, TOO, THAT WE WOULD ONLY DO ONE OF THEM AT A TIME, CORRECT.

. >> THE WAY IT'S DESIGNED AND ALSO PRICED, WE WILL CLOSE ONE AND MOVE THAT PROGRAMMING TO THE OT OTHER, DEMOLITION CONSTRUCTION HAPPENS AND WE WILL SHIFT IT OVER TO THE OTHER.

AND IT WILL BE ONE AT A TIME. .

>> DOES THIS INCLUDE FIXING UP THE AREA, MONEY THAT'S PROPOSED DOES IT INCLUDE IMPROVEMENTS IN THE PARKING? THE PARKING LOT IS IN NEED OF ATTENTION AS WELL.

IN NEED OF REPAIR. >> YOU SEE THE BUILDING AND YOU'RE WALKING IN THE PARKING LOT.

IT'S PRETTY ROUGH RIGHT NOW. >> WE WOULDN'T BUILD A NEW FACILITY WITHOUT REPAIRING AND REPLACING THE PARKING LOT.

WHETHER THE NUMBERS ARE IN THERE OR NOT.

LESLIE, I DON'T KNOW IF YOU HAVE THE ANSWER TO THAT QUESTION OR NOT. WE WOULD IMPROVE THE PARKING

LOT. >> WHENEVER WE WOULD COME BACK TO THIS, THIS IS NOT THE TIME TO PUT IT ON THE BALLOT BECAUSE IT'S TOO LATE FOR MAY AND TOO EARLY FOR NOVEMBER.

I WOULD LIKE TO MAKE SURE WE INCLUDE FIXING THE PARKING LOT

AND THE ESTIMATED COSTS. >> WHAT'S THE VISION FOR COB AND

ROSE. >> THE HAVE A XHUPITY DISCUSSION, IF WE INVEST ON TWO CENTERS THAT'S LARGER THAN WE HAVE NOW, COULD THE WRARS BE SERVED.

[00:55:01]

NOT HAD DISCUSSION ON. >> COB IN THE FLOOD PLAIN.

THERE'S LIMITATION. >> THERE CERTAINLY ARE.

>> IN COB, WE POTENTIALLY COULD, YOU KNOW, LOOK AT SOMETHING DIFFERENT, BUT REALISTICALLY, WE WOULD NEED TO STAY IN THE SAME FOOTPRINT IS WHAT WE CURRENTLY HAVE.

IN THE ORIGINAL FEASIBILITY STUDY, IT DOES ADDRESS, COB, ROSE AND POTENTIAL FOR A NEW ONE, MUCH FURTHER SOUTH.

>> THE EXTERIOR VIEW SHOWS A LOT OF GLASS.

I HOPE, WE'RE EVER MINDFUL. >> AND THAT'S AN ARTIST REPRESENTATION. THE GLASS IS ALSO EXPENSIVE.

YOU COULD FIND ANOTHER WAY TO BUILD THAT AND SAVE DOLLARS.

. >> I DON'T WANT TO PUT YOU ON THE SPOT, I WOULD LIKE TO KNOW. WE TALK ABOUT THE WORD RECREATION. I THINK OCH, IT'S RELEGATED TO MAT MATERIAL.

I THINK IT WOULD BE HEALTHY TO ASK THE PUBLIC TO DECIDE AND GIVE CREDENCE, AN OVERALL SCOPE AND LEAN INTO.

SO NOT JUST THE PHYSICAL NEEDS BUT POSSIBLY THE ADDED ADVANTAGES THAT, REVISE, RECREATION FACILITY COULD PROVIDE WITH, YOU KNOW, INCREASED SKOE LAS TICK GRADES FOR A LOT OF CHILDREN, MAYBE EVEN FAMILIES THAT DON'T HAVE THE KIDS, DON'T HAVE THE ABILITY TO HAVE THEIR KIDS WITH THEM, BECAUSE THEY ARE WORKING. THEY HAVE A NICE SAFE FACILITY TO SEND THEM TO, TO PARTICIPATE IN CERTAIN THINGS MAYBE HAVING A GREATER UNDERSTANDING ON HOW IT COULD INCREASE PROPERTY VALUE AND THINGS LIKE THAT I THINK THAT WOULD BE HEALTHY FOR ME TO KNOW, MAYBE AN AVERAGE INCOME OF DIFFERENT AREAS THIS REPRESENTS.

THAT IS MORE THAN JUST GAMES AND FITNESS.

THERE'S AN EDUCATIONAL COMPONENT AND INVESTMENT IN THE CHILDREN

THAT SHOULDN'T BE LOST. >> THERE'S ALSO OTHER PARTNERSHIPS THAT EXIST IN OTHER FACILITIES, WHICH IS PROBABLY AN EXAMPLE THAT IS, YOU KNOW, CLOSE BY, WHERE THEY PART WITH A NON-PROFIT. IN THAT ARRANGEMENT, WHICH ALL FALLS LOOKED AT THE CITY, THE MONEYS THAT WOULD OCCUR ANYWAY AS FAR AS THE MAINTENANCE AND BUILT THAT IN AND PARTNERED WITH THE NONPROPERTY. IT HAPPENS TO BE THE BOYS AND GIRLS CLUBS. THERE'S NUMEROUS EXAMPLES ACROSS THE COUNTRY. YOU HAVE THE PARTNERSHIPS.

I DON'T KNOW HOW THEY FARED. IT'S KIND OF A THING YEARS AGO.

AS A COUNCIL, HAVE THE CONVERSATION, THERE'S A UNIQUE OPPORTUNITY THAT'S CUSTOMIZED FOR ABILENE AND PROVIDE A

[01:00:01]

>> AND ANOTHER THING, WITH REGARD TO AFTER SCHOOL AND PARTNERING WITH THE SCHOOL DISTRICT.

ONE OF THE THINGS, THAT IS STATE ADDED AS REQUIREMENT FAIRLY RECENTLY IS TUTORING, ON-LINE TUTORING FOR STUD WHO DON'T DO WELL WITH THE STATE TESTS. IF THERE'S AN AREA, WHERE WE CAN HAVE CENTERS, SET UP FOR THE OPPORTUNITY, FOR THE KIDS FROM HOMES THAT MAY NOT HAVE HIGH SPEED INTERNET AND HAVE A DIFFICULT TIME GETTING A STABLE VIDEO CHAT FOR THE ON-LINE TUTORING THAT THE STATE IS EXPECTING FROM THEM, THAT MAY OPEN THE DOORS AS WELL, THE SCHOOL DISTRICT FOR PROVIDING SOME OF THE AFTER SCHOOL CARE IN A WAY THAT ADDRESSES THAT NEED.

>> YOU'RE NOT WRONG BUT IT SOUNDS LIKE A PUBLIC LIBRARY.

>> I UNDERSTAND. BUT IF WE'RE PARTING WITH THE SCHOOL DISTRICT, WITH REGARD TO THAT.

I'M THINKING ABOUT THAT, WITH MY MIND, IN THE LIBRARY AS WELL, AS WE'RE DOING THE VALIBILITY OF COMPUTERS.

THESE ARE WITHIN THE NEIGHBORHOODS.

THE KIDS ARE ABLE TO WALK THERE. IT'S JUST PART OF THE DISCUSSION, AS WE LOOK FORWARD TO THAT, MOCKINGBIRD BRANCH COULD BE A FOCAL POINT AS WELL FOR THE TUTORING.

HOW COULD WE COLLABORATE WITH THE SCHOOL DISTRICT TO PROVIDE THAT TYPE OF ASSISTANCE, IN ADDITION TO THE COMMUNITY SERVICES WE'RE PROVIDING THE CENTERS.

>> AND THE SCHOOL DISTRICT, ACTUALLY BUSES THE CHILDREN TO OUR REC CENTERS. SO THEY GO FROM SCHOOLS TO THE REC CENTERS. ADDITIONALLY LAST SPRING, WE ADDED THROUGH THE DEPARTMENT OF AG, FREE MEALS.

AND THOSE WHO -- ALL CHILDREN. THERE'S ALL KINDS OF SYNERGY THAT COULD BE REALIZED WITH ADDITIONAL THOUGHT.

NOT THAT WE DO THAT TODAY. SOMETHING FOR THE COUNCIL TO CONS CONSIDER.

>> NEXT BEFORE YOU >> THIS IS A LARGER MAP.

I KNOW WHAT'S ON THE SCREEN, IS RATHER SMALL.

WHAT'S BEFORE YOU, IS PART OF WHAT WE TALKED ABOUT LAST YEAR.

THE TRAIL OVER KIRBY LAKE. THE IMPROVEMENTS STARTED IN JUNE OF 2017, WHEN WE GOT A GRANT FROM THE WORKFORCE SOLUTIONS.

THIS IS ANOTHER ITEM THAT WENT BEFORE THE BOND THAT WAS MOVED FORWARD FOR CITY COUNCIL TO LOOK AT PUTTING UP FOR BOND.

THIS IS ANOTHER ONE, WHERE WE DID HAVE A COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT PIECE. THERE WERE 12 HUNDRED PEOPLE OVERALL THAT RESPONDED OF THOSE, THAT ANSWERED THE QUESTION OF TAXIING, 89.4 PERCENT SAID THEY WOULD ENGAGE, APPROVE A BOND IN WHAT THEY WERE ASKING FOR AROUND KIRBY LAKE.

73 PERCENT DID WANT INCREASED HIKING AND BIKING AROUND KIRBY LAKE. THIS PICTURE IS ACTUALLY THE PICTURE OF CEDAR CREEK. THIS IS CURRENTLY UNDER DESIGN.

THIS IS CALLED A TEXAS BLUFF CONCRETE.

IT LOOKS MORE OF THE NATURE OF TEXAS.

IT'S MADE HERE LOCALLY. WHEN WE'RE DOING THE NATURE TRAILS, THIS IS THE LOOK WE ARE TRYING TO, TO MAKE IT NOT LOOK LIKE AN URBAN BUT MORE OF A WEST TEXAS CONCRETE.

AND ONE OF THE THINGS WE DID LEARN FROM MASTER PLAN.

ABILENE HAS 0.6 MILES PER TRAILS.

THE MEDIUM AROUND THE STATE IS 2.1 MILES PER 10,000.

SO ACCORDING TO THAT, WE'RE PRETTY FAR BEHIND ON TRAIL DEVELOPMENT. AGAIN, THIS IS THE NORTH PART OF THE MAP THAT WAS GIVEN TO YOU. THE PICTURE ON THE RIGHT IS A TRAIL THAT WAS BUILT IN PART OF THE 2017 ORIGINAL GRANT.

YOU COULD SEE THE TRAILS, HAD VEGETATION TO GROW BACK AND MORE OF THE NATURAL TRAIL. THIS IS THE MIDDLE SECTION OF THE MAP. AGAIN WITH ANOTHER SECTION OF THE TRAIL THAT IS SMALLER TRAIL, THAT EDUCATIONAL TRAIL THAT'S OUT THERE IN KIRBY LAKE. THIS IS THE SOUTH END.

[01:05:01]

WHEN YOU ADD IN PROFESSIONAL SERVICES, MOBILIZATIONS AND CONTINGENCY, IT'S 8.9 MILLION. AND WITH THAT, I'LL BE HAPPY TO

ANSWER ANY QUESTIONS. >> ONE OF THE QUESTIONS I WAS ASKED IS MAKING MORE OF THIS TRAIL THE PRIMITIVE VERSION AS OPPOSED TO EVEN, WOULD YOU CALL IT TEXAS

>> IT'S CONCRETE, BUT IT'S TEXAS BLUFF.

>> TEXAS BLUFF. >> IS THERE A COST SAVINGS TO MAKE MORE OF THE TRAIL, THE PRIMITIVE, JUST BECAUSE AP, MAYBE WOULD LIKE THAT MORE RUSTIC, IF YOU WILL, OR, YOU KNOW, IS IT, IS IT CHEAPER TO BEGIN WITH AND MORE EXPENSIVE TO

MAINTAIN. >> IF YOU -- YOUR CONTINUEIANS MAINTENANCE COST, WILL BE HIGHER THAN THE COST OF THE PROJECT.

MORE OVER, COUNCIL HAS PROVIDED POLICY DIRECTION THAT WE SHOULD BUILD IMPROVEMENTS THAT ALLOW OPPORTUNITIES FOR THE ENTIRE COMMUNITY. IT IS VERY DIFFICULT TO HAVE ACCESSIBLE TRAILS WHEN YOU HAVE DECOMPOSED GRANITE AND DIRT PATH. WHAT WE HAVE IDENTIFIED HERE IS THE STANDARD TRAIL SECTION, WE'RE BUILDING IN THE PARKS AND WE'RE BUILDING IN THE CEDAR CREEK WATER WAY, BECAUSE IT IS 100 PERCENT ACCESSIBLE. WE TAKE IT AS A POLICY DIRECTION

FROM THE COUNCIL. >> THANK YOU.

>> QUESTION I HAD, WHEN WE WERE APPROVING THE IMPROVEMENTS ON MAPLE STREET, ONE THE QUESTIONS, WHICH SIDE IS THE SIDEWALK ON IT'S ON THE KIRBY LAKE SIDE. HAD WE LOOKED AT, WILL THIS TIE INTO THAT? DO WE NEED TO HAVE THE TWO TRAILS RUNNING THAT'S A FEW FEET APART? COULD WE JUST REUSE THAT SIDEWALK THAT WE'LL BE GOING AROUND MAPLE, SO WE CAN CUT THE EXPANSION FOR THIS.

>> WE WILL HAVE TO DESIGN A SECTION THAT WILL TIE INTO THAT.

WHEN WE DESIGNED THIS, THE MAPLE COMPONENT IS NOT UNDER CONSIDERATION AT THAT TIME. IT'S POSSIBLE THIS MAY BE ABLE TO BE ADDRESSED. THE INTENT OF THE TRAIL, IS TO FOLLOW THE WATER EDGE. I WILL SAY, WITH THE CONSTRUCTION OF CEDAR CREEK, WITH THE MAPLE STREET IMPROVEMENTS, IT WOULD BE A 10 FOOT WIDE, MULTI-USE, HIKE-BIKE TRAIL. AND THIS, YOU'LL HAVE A 13 MILE TRAIL SYSTEM FROM KIRBY ALL THE WAY UP TO THE CONCLUSION OF THE CEDAR CREEK WATER WAY TRAIL. AND SO, IT REALLY IS DEFINITIVELY STARTING A TRUE TRAIL SYSTEM IN THE COMMUNITY.

WE CAN CERTAINLY LOOK AT THE OPPORTUNITIES TO VALUE ENGINEERING THE PROJECT, WHEN WE GET TO THE DESIGN.

>> IF WE'RE GOING TO PUT SIDEWALKS IN, I HATE FOR US TO INVEST IN TWO SIDEWALKS THAT'S 20 FEET APART, WHEN WE CAN HAVE ONE AND HAVE SOMETHING SOMEWHERE ELSE.

>> THE FOLKS THAT PUT THE LINE TOGETHER, DIDN'T HAVE THE BENEFIT OF THE OPPORTUNITY. YEAH.

>> OKAY, SHAY. .

>> ANY QUESTIONS FOR LESLIE? THANK YOU.

? >> PICKLE BALL.

ONE OF THE FASTEST GROWING STATE IN THE NATION IS PICKLE BALL.

THROUGH THE MASTER PROGRAMMING PROCESS, HOW STRONG THE PICKLE BALL COMMUNITY IS IN ABILENE AND HOW MUCH.

RIGHT NOW, INDOORS, THE ONLY ONE IS ROSE GYM.

WE ASKED ROSE TENNIS CENTER TO PAY PICKLE BALL AS WELL AS WE PAINTED LINES AT VAUGHN PARK AND WILL HILL PARK.

THE PROBLEM WITH PICKLE LINES, IS THEY ARE JUST ENOUGH SHORTER OF TENNIS LINES AND THE NET HEIGHT IS JUST ENOUGH DIFFERENCE. FOR A VERY BEGINNER, THAT'S NOT A PROBLEM. WE ASKED FOR A DPEE SIGN TO POSSIBLY PUT IN A PICKLE BALL COURT.

ANT RIGHT BY THE TENNIS CENTER, THE POSSIBILITY FOR IT TO ALSO BE MANAGED BY THE ROSE TENNIS CENTER OR BY STAFF.

WE CAN GO EITHER WAY. IF WE CHOOSE TO GO THAT DIRECTION. THIS IS AN 8 COURT PICKLE BALL COURT DEDICATED JUST FOR PICKLE BALL.

THE COST IS 1 MILLION. NOW BECAUSE OF IT GOING IN ROSE PARK. I WILL SAY, THIS IS THE NEW PICKLE BALL COURTS, AS WELL, AS WE HAVE TO MOVE THE FENCE OF THE BASEBALL FIELD THAT'S CURRENTLY THERE.

AS YOU COULD SEE, THERE'S A BASEBALL OUTLINE.

[01:10:02]

WE HAVE SOCCER AND FOOTBALL PEOPLE WHO PRACTICE OUT THERE.

THERE'S STILL ENOUGH ROOM FOR THEM TO BE ABLE TO PRACTICE OUT THERE. THE LIGHTS ARE OUT THERE FOR THEM TO BE ABLE TO PRACTICE AT NIGHT, WHICH IS SOMETHING WE DON'T HAVE A LOT OF LOCATIONS. THIS IS AN OPPORTUNITY FOR SOCCER, UNDER THE LIGHTS AS WELL AS HAVING THE PICKLE BALL IN THE AREA. PART OF THE COSTS, DOES INOCCUR MOVING THE FENCE A LITTLE BIT AND RENOVATING THE BATHROOM.

THERE'S AN OUTDOOR BATHROOM RIGHT THERE.

IT IS ONE OF OUR OLDEST BATHROOMS AND IT IS DEFINITELY IN FEED OF SOME UPGRADING. SO THAT IS ALSO IN THE COST.

I'M HAPPY TO ANSWER ANY QUESTIONS.

>> IS THERE ANY NEED FOR ADDITIONAL PARKING?

>> NOT AS PROPOSED RIGHT NOW. ROSE PARK, FOR THE AMOUNT OF THE COURTS, WITH THE AMOUNT OF PARKING THAT'S AVAILABLE AT

ROSE, WE DO NOT BELIEVE SO. >> THANK YOU.

>> HOW WOULD YOU CHARACTERIZE THE DEMAND FOR A PICKLE BALL

COURT? >> EXTREMELY HIGH.

>> I GET MORE CALLS, ABOUT PEOPLE WANTING PICKLE BALL?

>> ISN'T IT SURPRISING. >> YOU MAY NOT KNOW THIS, BUT I

DON'T PLAY PICKLE BALL. >> YOU DON'T MIND THE NET HEIGHT. THAT'S UNUSUAL YET.

>> IT'S A REALLY GROWING SPORT. >> PEOPLE COMMUNICATING THAT.

>> AND ON THE REST ROOM, WE HAVE PUT IN THE MODULAR REST ROOMS. IS THAT SOMETHING WE LOOK AT? REPLACING DIFFERENT PARKS, KIND

OF PUT THAT ONE THAT STICKS IN. >> THAT'S A POSSIBILITY.

THAT'S NOT WHAT IS IN THE COST ESTIMATE.

THIS IS ACTUALLY REMODELS THE ONE THEY ARE REDOING, REDOING AND REMODELING THE ONE THAT'S IN THERE, THAT IS ACTUALLY A LITTLE CHEAPER. WE CAN DEMOLISH AND COME BACK AS AS BUILT, AS IN LOCATIONS, WHERE WE'RE PUTTING IN THE REST ROOMS.

THAT'S NOT WHAT THIS IS. >> AND I DO WONDER.

I LOVE PICKLE BALL COURT. I KNOW IT'S THE FASTEST GROWING

SPORTS IN AMERICA. >> AND ACTUALLY THE HIGHEST PERCENTAGE OF PEOPLE THAT PLAY ARE IN YOUR AGE BRACKET, LYNN BEARD. BUT I WONDER -- TALK TO HR.

I GET IT EVERY DAY. AND I DO WONDER, IT IS, IT CAN BE AN EXPENSIVE SPORT AS FAR AS PADLES ARE CONCERNED AND THINGS LIKE THAT. IF IT'S GOING TO BE IN PARTS, WHAT ARE SOME COST-EFFECTIVE WAYS.

THAT'S WHY I'M THINKING. IF YOU'RE ASKING A LOT OF THE PEOPLE THAT INHIBITED A LOT OF PARKS AND FROM A FINANCIAL STANDPOINT, I WONDER IN TERMS OF PADDLES AND DIFFERENT EQUIPMENT, THE COST COULD BE PRETTY HEFTY. WHETHER STAFF DOES IT ON ITS

OWN. >> WE HAVE THE SERVICE, WE HAVE A SERVICE LIKE THAT IN OUR RECREATION CENTERS, WHERE PEOPLE RENT THE RECREATIONAL CENTERS, THEY CAN CHECK OUT BASKETBALLS, VOLLEYBALLS. WE HAVE ALREADY THAT CAPABILITY.

. >> ANY VOICE ABOUT PICKLE BALL.

>> FASTEST GROWING SPORT IN AMERICA.

>> WE WILL MOVE TO THE ZOO. >> AND BALL BREAKING -- WE'RE

GOOD. >> AND OKAY.

HOW ABOUT FIVE

LYNN? >> WITH YOUR PERMISSION, I WOULD LIKE JESSE TO TALK ABOUT THE ZOO MASTER PLAN.

>> YOU COULD BEGIN. >> JESSE PALM BROWN, ZOO DIRECTOR. GOOD MORNING, COUNCIL I'M HERE TO PRESEN THE ZOO MASTER PLAN. AND JIMMY TIDDEL LUTHER PARTNERSHIP WERE ONE OF THE PRIMARY ARCHITECTS WITH THE ZOO.

COINCIDENTLY, THEY SET ASIDE 20 ACRES.

AND THE ZOO SEES A QUARTER MILLION OF GUESTS EVERY YEAR FROM ABILENE TO BIG COUNTRY AND THE NATION.

THE ZOO IS A FIELD TRIP DESTINATION, OF 129 SCHOOL

[01:15:02]

65 PERCENT. WHEN I FIRST CAME HERE, IT WAS ROUGHLY ONLY 42 PERCENT. THE NUMBER HAS GROWN SIGNIFICANTLY. DOESN'T MEAN THERE'S LESS ABILENIANS COMING. IT MEANS THERE'S MORE COMING TO THE ZOO AS WELL AS THE REST NATION.

TO HELP WITH THE REVENUE, GENERATING WITH THE PEOPLE COMING FROM THE OUTSIDE. MFT IMPORTANTLY, THEY INSPIRE, TO LEARN ABOUT THE WILDLIFE AND ATTENDANCE REVENUE AND IMPROVE ANIMAL HABITS AND CARE, WE LOOK HARD TO THE ZOO'S FUTURE TO LOOK IN THE COMMUNITY, LISTEN TO THE COMMUNITY, WHAT THEY WANTED AND NEEDED AND IT BEGAN A BOLD ADVENTURE.

WE BEGAN WITH AN RFP AND PUT OUT FOR BID, ZOO MASTER PLAN.

WE CAME OUT WITH FOUR PHASES, AND WHILE WE EN COUNT -- PLAYER DISCOVERIES FOR PHASE TWO, PASSPORT EXPLORATION.

AND IN THE SITE MAP, YOU SEE THE PHASES.

PHASE ONE, INCLUDE, CENTER LARGE BULLET POINT NUMBERED, AND I WILL NEED MY CLASSES, I APOLOGIZE.

PHASE 2, WILL INCLUDE A PLAYFUL DISCOVERY, INCLUDING A PLAY SCAPE FOR CHILDREN, NURSERY, WHERE KIDS COULD -- HAND REARED STEAM BACK BEHIND. PHASE 3, WILL INCLUDE THE FULL MASTER PLAN THAT INCLUDES A FULL EXCURSION, THAT HAS A LOCO MOTIVE THAT PULLS FORWARD, SIX COACHES THAT WILL CARRY 40-60 GUE GUESTS: PHASE 4, WILL INCLUDE EDUCATIONAL COME POPE NENT. OUT OF THE AREAS, OUR GOAL IS TO BRING MORE MORE THAN 20 SPECIES AND INSURE A LONG-TERM SUSTAINABILITY WITH THE ZOO. WE WILL MAINLY FOCUS ON PHASE 1.

PHASE ONE WILL HAVE TWO PHASES. AND KURNLY, AND IN THE PAST, THAT WAS TO UTILIZE, AND TO -- AND CURRENTLY LIONS AND HIGH ENNAS. THAT WHOLE BUILDING WILL BE RETROFITTED TO HOUSE BLACK RHINOS.

AND PHASE 1A, WILL INCLUDE AN EVENT LONG, AND PHASE 1B, WILL INCLUDE THE AMPHITHEATER THAT HELP RENTALS AND PERFORMANCE.

PHASE 1B, WILL BE PULLING INTO THE MULTI-SPECIES YARD, WHICH IS NUMBER 69. ALLOWS US TO DRAFT, FROM HOST STOCK, NUMBER 54, WHICH IS THE LION EXHIBIT.

UP NORTH WILL BE NUMBER 61, CHEETAH EXHIKT, AS WELL AS NUMBER 18, WILL BE TWO STORY CAFE.

THE EXPANSION OF THE RHINO YARD IS VERY IMPORTANT.

IT'S ONLY ABOUT 5,000 LEFT IN THE YARD.

IT'S OUR JOB AND DUTY TO MAKE SURE IT THRIVES IN THE FACILITIES, ESPECIALLY ADA FACILITIES.

IT ALLOWS -- OUR GOAL IS TO BRING A BREEDING PAIR, HOPEFULLY HAVE OFF SPRINGS SO WE CAN CONTRIBUTE TO THE CONSERVATION METHOD. NEXT WILL BE THE LAWN, THAT WILL HAVE AN AMPHITHEATER TO SHOWCASE THE ANIMALS AND BRING THE ADDITIONAL REVENUES. THE MULTI-SPECIES YARD WILL BRING IN ANIMAL MANAGEMENT WITH HERD MANAGEMENT WITH THE DRAFT SPECIES. CURRENTLY, WE HAVE A LARGE ROLL GIRAFFE. AND IN THE PAST FEW MONTHS, HE'S NOT BEEN ON DISPLAY BECAUSE OF HERD MANAGEMENT.

HE HAS ASIRED WITH OVER 5 CALVES.

THE CALVES BECOME SEXUALLY MATURE, HE NEEDS TO BE SEPARATED. HE'S HOUSED IN THE BACK WHERE THE GUESTS CANNOT SEE THEM. HE COULD STILL DO PROGRAMS, INSTEAD OF BEING SIT IN THE BACK.

PHASE ONE INCLUDES A LINE HOLDING.

BECAUSE OF THE ADA STANDARDS, WE NEED TO DO THE UPGRADES.

[01:20:04]

IT WILL ALSO INCLUDE A NEW SPECIES, THE LARGEST LAND MAMMAL KNOWN AS THE CHEETAH WILL BE HOUSED AS WELL.

THE TWO STORY CAFE WILL INCLUDE NOT ONLY INDOOR AND OUTDOOR SEATING AREAS, BUT ALSO A TWO-STORY FOR PEOPLE, TO GIVE A BIRD'S-EYE VIEW, MAGNIFICENT CREATURES ACROSS THE TWO.

AND THIS WILL UPGRADE THE REST ROOMS CURRENTLY, WE HAVE 21 IN OUR VIEW. WE SHARE APPROXIMATELY 35 FIXTURES WHEN WE HAVE A THOUSAND GUESTS ON ZOO GROUNDS.

WE'RE NOT A BUILDING BUT WE'RE CLOSE TO FOLLOWING THE STANDARDS WHEN WE'RE UNDER THE STANDARDS. THE RESTAURANT WILL ALLOW US TO ADD THE REST ROOMS MUCH LASTLY, THIS EXHIBIT WILL SURROUND THE FULL CAFE. WHILE YOU'RE ENJOYING THE JUICY BURGER, YOU COULD ENJOY THE LION, WITH THE CHOPS.

>> OR YOU. >> JESSE.

YOU COULD GO BACK? I'M TRYING TO GET AN IDEA OF WHERE THIS IS. I KNOW ON THE FIRST MAP, IS ANY OF THIS -- I KNOW, IT'S DOWN THE EXISTING GIRAFFE HOLDING.

RIGHT NOW YOU COULD FEED THE GIRAFFE.

>> THAT'S NOT ON THERE. >> IT WILL BE IN THE BOTTOM LEFT

CORNER. >> IF YOU WANT TO GET YOUR BEARINGS DOWN. LOOK AT THE HOLDING, THAT'S WHERE THE CURRENT RHINO IS LOCATED.

THE PATHWAY RIGHT BEHIND THEM IS THE EXISTING PATHWAY THE REST IS BREAKING NORTH IN THE BACK 22.

>> THE RHINO THAT'S KIND THE LEFT, THAT'S WHERE THE LION USED

TO BE? >> CORRECT.

>> NOW I HAVE SOME PERSPECTIVE. .

>> THIS IS ONE THE RENDERINGS. THIS CAFE SIZE IS APPROXIMATELY 1900, AS WELL AS REFRIGERATION AND FREEZERS.

INDOOR HOUSING WILL BE 9,000 SQUARE FEET.

AND THE CAFE IS CENTRAL TO THE MASSIVE PLAN, STRATEGIC, AND THAT COULD BE UTILIZED TO HELP FUND THE REMAINING MASTER PLAN.

MEANING THE COMMUNITY NEED, WE ARE PROVIDING A PLACE FOR FAMILIES TO DIANE AND INCREASE THEIR LENGTH OF STAY.

WHILE EATING ALONGSIDE OF THE LIONS, CHEETAHS AND MERE CATS.

WE'RE GENERATING SIGNIFICANT AMOUNT OF REVENUE.

IT ONLY BRINGS ABOUT 300,000 ANNUALLY.

THE GIFT SHOP BRINGS IN OVER A MILLION.

WHEN IT COMES TO ZOOS AND AQUARIUMS, CONCESSIONS ARE FOOD AND BEVERAGE OUTWEIGH THE GIFT SHOP AND WE'RE NOT THERE.

I'VE TRIED THE PER CAPS PER GIFT SHOP, $4 PER PERSON.

THE PER CAPS, ARE FOOD AND BEVERAGE, BARELY A DOLLAR.

WHEN I CAME, AND I GOT IT TO OVER $1.30.

I CAN'T GET PAST THAT, TO GET THE SORT OF FACILITY IN ORDER TO DELIVER THE PRODUCT TO THE GUEST.

A NUMBER OF RENTAL HAVE QUADRUPLED.

AND AFTER HOUR RENTALS. THE CAFE WILL INCREASE THE NUMBER OF COMMUNITY PARTNERSHIPS TO BE ABLE TO BE SERVED.

WITH THIS RENDERING, YOU SEE THE REJUVENATION OF THE LION EXHIBIT. ACCORDING TO AZA STANDARDS, WE WILL NOT COMPLY WITH THE CURRENT INFRASTRUCTURE THAT WE HAVE.

IF YOU HAVE NOT BEEN TO THE ZOO LATELY, YOU'LL SEE THE LIOLIONS.

AND AZA STANDARDS, THAT WILL NOT BE TOLERATED IN THE NEAR FUTURE, AS WELL AS THE PLANTER THAT SERVES PEDESTRIAN RAIL, KANA LEAVALED OUT. AND YOU'LL SEE A LOT OF FOLKS LIFTING THE CHILDREN UP THE PEDESTRIAN RAIL THAT COULD BE POTENTIALLY BE A HUGE HAZARD IN THE FUTURE.

LASTLY IT'S THE ENGAGEMENT OF THE GUESTS, TO HAVE THE ENCOUNTERS SO THEY CAN SEE THE ANIMALS UP CLOSE SUCH AS THIS.

A LOT OF ZOOS HAVE ACTUALLY BEEN ADDING MORE FURNITURE, MAKING IT SORT OF A MESSAGE IN THEIR ZOO. I GOT THIS IDEA WITH THE PAST, WITH THE SEAWORLD PARKS, OWNED BUSCH GARDEN PARKS.

WHEN SHE WAS MY GIRLFRIEND, WE VISITED AND THERE WAS A LINE OF EXHIKT, YOU COULD JUMP IN THE BUCKET.

BEST DAY OF MY LIFE, WAS SEEING THIS LION, EATING THE FEMUR.

THROUGH THE BULLET WINDOW, YOU COULD HEAR THE BONE CRUNCHING.

THAT'S WHAT WE'RE TRYING TO REPLICATE AS WELL AS A LITTLE BIT OF ZOO HISTORY. I THINK WE ALL KNOW, IT USED TO

[01:25:05]

AND GET THE EXPERIENCE WITH OUR KIDOS, WHEN I WORKED SEAWORLD PARKS, WE CONTRACTED WITH A POPULAR GENTLEMAN.

HE TALKED ABOUT THE BEST WAY TO TOUCH PEOPLE'S HEART, IS TO TOUCH THEIR MIND. ONCE WE CAN GET THE EXPERIENCE OF KIDOS, INTERACTING WITH THE BIG CATS WITHOUT BEING EATEN, IT WILL TOUCH THEIR MIND AND MAKE THEM WANT TO CONSERVE.

>> THAT'S KEY TO KEEPING ATTENDANCE HIGH.

DON'T GET EATEN. >> CHECK WITH YOU.

DID HE MAKE SOME COMMENT ABOUT SHARK PEOPLE.

>> AND IN THE PAST FEW YEARS, THE STRATEGICALLY DIVERSIFIED THE EVENTS. THROUGHOUT THE YEAR, NOT ONLY DIVERSIFIED BUT ALSO SERVE A DIVERSE AUDIENCE.

WITH THE GROWTH OF CHRISTMAS CELEBRATION, BOOTH TO ZOO, WILD DAYS, WE CAPTURED THE CLIENTELE. WE ARE CAPTURING MORE DIVERSE CROWDS WITH ZOO JUBILATION. PEOPLE THAT NORMALLY WOULDN'T COME TO THE ZOO. CURRENTLY WE HAVE OUR OWN PORTABLE STAGE. WE HAVE THE ERECT STAGE, 30 PERCENT OF THE TIME, IN THE FUND-RAISING EVENTS.

DURING ROCK 'N' ROLL, IT'S ABOUT 12,000, ROCK AND ROAR CONCERT WE HAVE. IT WOULD BE A HUGE COST SAVING, IF WE HAVE THE PERMANENT SKELETON THAT ALLOWS US TO HAVE PRODUCTION, LIGHTS AND CONTINUE TO EDUCATION PROGRAM AS WELL.

RIGHT NOW THE EDUCATION CLASSROOMS ARE FULL TO THE BRINK. IN TWO DAYS, THEY ARE SOLD OUT.

WE HAVE WANT AREA WHERE WE CAN DO PERFORMANCES WITH LARGE ANIMALS, IT COULD BE A HUGE COMPONENT AS WELL AS A RENTAL VENUE FOR THE CITIZENS AND COMMUNITY.

HOW DOES THIS PHASE ROLL OUT. HOPEFULLY WITH THE BOND, AND PROMISING THOUGHTS, JANUARY 24TH, THE DESIGN WILL BEGIN.

SPRING OF 25, WE WILL BREAK GROUND AT PHASE 1A AND THEN PHASE 1A WILL OPEN IN THE SPRING OF 26, WITHIN A YEAR.

THAT CAFE, AS WELL AS THE LINE OF EXHIBITS WILL BREAK OPEN IN 27 OF SPRING. .

>> PARKING LOT. AN ADDITIONAL IMPROVEMENT WE WOULD LIKE TO SEE IN THE NEAR FUTURE.

WE WANT TO MAKE A WORKING RELATIONSHIP.

THEY HAVE THE FLAT FIELDS COME IN.

WE WANT TO UTILIZE THE PARKING NOT ONLY FOR THEM, BUT ALSO FOR US, WHEN WE HAVE THE FLUX ATTENDANCE.

WE'RE PARTNERING WITH AYSA, TO MAKE SURE THE HIGH ATTENDANCE DATES, WE WILL COINCIDE, WE DON'T OVERLAP, SO WE CAN USE THE PARKING LOTS. PRICE TAG IS ROUGHLY ABOUT 5.5 MILLION. ADDITIONAL IMPROVEMENT, WOULD BE THE PERIMETER FENCE. THE DOTTED LINE, THAT'S THE CURRENT PERIMETER FENCE. AS WE JUMP INTO THE BACK 22.5 ACRES. AS WELL AS AS THE NORTH SIDE, WHICH IS ON THE UP TRACKS. WE DO HAVE AN 8 FOOT FENCE, WE DON'T HAVE ONE, WHERE THE GREEN LINE IS.

THE LAKE, IS A RETENTION AREA, THAT DOES DRY UP.

OTHER OUTSIDERS WILL COME TO THE ZOO GROUND.

WE HAVE TO ADD THE FENCE, IN ORDER TO REMAIN CODE TO USDA AND A AND Z STANDARD. 24 DESIGN BEGINS.

25 BREAK GROUND. REFURNISHING THE HOLDING, TO MAKE SURE HE HAS WARM, AND MULTI-SPECIES HABITAT AS WELL AS BARN, 4.6 MILLION. PHASE 1B, CAFES, ROUGHL 10 MILLION. LINE OF HABITAT.

CHEETAH HABITAT 2. WITH SUPPORT OF THE BOND, WE HAVE STRONG INDICATIONS OF 10 MILLION AND ARE CONFIDENT, WE CAN SUCCESSFULLY MATCH THE BOND QUICKLY.

. >> 19 IS THE SUMMER, FALL OF 19.

THAT'S USUALLY BEEN OUR PEAK, ABOUT 220, WITH OUR ATTENDANCE.

[01:30:05]

MOVING FORWARD, WE'RE PROJECTED TO BEAT 2021.

AS THE ABILENE ZOO GROWS, ONCE THE CAFE OPENS, WE SEE A JUMP ALL THE WAY TO 3 HUNDRED,000. THE REST KEEPS GROWING WITH THE 3.75 INCREASE. THIS IS EARNED REVENUE.

THIS HAS NOTHING TO DO WITH THE SOCIETY SIDE, WHERE WE HAVE SPONSORSHIP DOLLARS. WE GET FUND-RAISING DOLLARS.

>> 2021, IS ROUGHLY ABOUT 3.25 MILLION.

GREW TO 22 IN 4 MILLION. THIS YEAR, PROJECTED.

4.5 MILLION. IN ADDITION TO THE CAFE, WE SEE 6.5 MILLION GROWTH IN A FEW YEARS.

IT SHOULD CONTINUE THAT WAY. IN PHASE ONE ALONE, WE SHOULD CREATE, AND FOUR CASES AND WE'LL UPGRADE 53 JOBS WITH THE MASTER PLAN, BESIDES THE 20 JOBS WE'VE CREATED IN THE LAST THREE YEARS.

. >> WEDS A BOND OFFERING FOR THE ZOO, HAD MATCHING FUNDS. AND SO, DO WE, I GUESS, WE'RE TRYING TO IMPLEMENT THE SAME STRATEGY WE'LL HAVE DECISION POINTS AND WE'LL TALK ABOUT THAT VERY THING.

>> I'M GOOD THEN RIGHT NOW. .

>> ANY ADDITIONAL QUESTIONS >> I WANT TO SAY TO JESSE, THIS PAST YEAR, I WAS AT BOOTH ZOO, WAS TREMENDOUSLY IMPRESSED WITH THAT. THAT WAS HUGE.

THE CHRISTMAS CELEBRATION WAS AMAZING AS WELL.

OPENING IN THE EXTRA DAYS, IT WAS FANTASTIC.

IT'S A GOOD CALLING TO GET PEOPLE TO COME DOWN.

. >> THANK YOU.

>> I THINK IT WILL BE REMISSED IF WE DIDN'T RECOGNIZE GILL RESEE. WHAT MAKES OUR BOARDS, COMMITTEES. WE HAVE PEOPLE WHO JUST GIVE THEIR TIME AND TALENT AND THEIR TREASURE.

AND I WANT TO RECOGNIZE GILROY, GIVE ALL SHE'S DONE AND THINGS YOU DO. THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR YOUR

SERVICE. >>

>> THANK YOU, MAYOR AND COUNCIL. WE HAVE ONE MORE SET OF SLIDES TO WORK THROUGH. THEY ARE NOT LONG.

WE HAVE SOME DECISION POINTS TO ASK.

AND PERHAPS, IT MAY BE APPROPRIATE TO BREAK FOR LUNCH I WANT TO -- DO THE PROJECTS, IN 2016, 2023, WHEN WE ISSUED THE STREET MAINTENANCE BONDS. WE HAVE SPENT 41 MILLION TOTAL OVER THE SAME PERIOD IN THE STREET MAINTENANCE FEE.

$8.5 MILLION IN DCA. AND 24.3 MILLION IN CERTIFICATES OF OBLIGATION THAT HAVE BEEN ISSUED IN STREETS THAT NEEDED TO GET DONE. WE COULDN'T DELAY THEM FURTHER.

IT'S 122 MILLION IN STREET IMPROVEMENTS IN THE LAST EIGHT YEARS. OVER HALF OF THAT, ALMOST HALF OF THAT WAS -- ACTUALLY UNDER HALF OF THAT, HAS BEEN THROUGH THE STREET MAINTENANCE FEE. 112 -- 111.9 OF THE 478 SIMILAR MILES OF LOCAL STREETS. AND ARTERIALS AND COLLECTOR STREETS. WHEN I FIRST CAME TO ABILENE IN FISCAL YEAR 2026, WE BUDGETED 598,650 IN MAINTENANCE DOLLARS FOR THE STREETS. FISCAL YEAR, WE'RE BUDGETING 21.2 MILLION, IN MAINTENANCE DOLLARS.

THAT WOULDN'T BE POSSIBLE WITHOUT THE STREET MAINTENANCE FEE. IT WOULDN'T BE POSSIBLE.

THIS GRAPHIC, I WOULDN'T READ IT ALL FOR YOU.

YOU COULD SEE THE COLORS. THESE ARE ALL THE ROADS.

WE'VE IMPROVED OVER THE PERIOD. YOU COULD ALSO SEE, WE HAVE MORE

[01:35:04]

NOT ALL ARE MAINTENANCE DOLLARS ACTIVITIES.

THAT'S TOTAL EXPENSE. WE HAVE WORK TO DO IN OUR STREETS. WE REDID THE FOOD GROWTH STUDY.

AT THE MAYORS REQUEST, STAFF ANALYZED THE STREET ISSUANCE AND CONSIDERING CERTAIN ARTERIALS AND COLLECTORS AS WELL.

WE BELIEVE IT WILL ALLOW US TO UPLIFT THE PCI, PAYMENT CONDITION INDEX FURTHER. SO COUNCIL, IF THE COUNCIL DESIRES TO ISSUE STREET BONDS, STAFF HAS RUN SOME NUMBERS.

50 MILLION BOND WILL RESULT IN APPROXIMATELY 4.9 PERCENT TAX INCREASE. 65 MILLION BOND, WILL RESULT IN AN APPROXIMATELY 6.4. 80 MILLION, AND 7.9.

WHEN WE APPROACHED THE TOPIC LAST COUNCIL RETREAT, THE DECISION WAS MADE TO CONTINUE THE PAYINGO PROCESS THROUGH THE STREET MAINTENANCE FEE. BECAUSE THE MAYOR SPECIFICALLY ASKED FOR THIS, I WANT TO MAKE SURE WE INCLUDED THE INFORMATION. THIS GETS TO THE POINT OF CAPITOL PROJECTS, THAT WE REALLY NEED TO TALK ABOUT.

AND THE NEXT OPPORTUNITY FOR A BOND ELECTION IS NOVEMBER 2023.

AND TO THE SAME POINT, IT DOESN'T MEAN WE'RE CALLING A BOND ELECTION NOW. I WOULD LIKE TO KNOW, IF THAT'S SOMETHING YOU ARE INTERESTED TO DOING.

AT THE VERY LEAST, YOU COULD START GEARING FOR THE PROCESS, EVEN PUT THE PACKAGE TOGETHER, PACKAGE OF EDUCATING THE COMMUNITY, ALL OF THOSE THINGS. IS THERE A DESIRE TO INCLUDE QUALITY OF LIFE AMENITIES. YOU HAVE 28 MILLION FOR REC CENTERS. THE MILLION DOLLAR IN PICKLE BALL, I THINK THAT'S SOMETHING WE CAN DO WITH CASH.

IT'S IN THERE BECAUSE WE'VE HAD A LOT OF TALK FROM THE COMMUNITY. KIRBY LAKE TRAIL, $9 MILLION.

IS IT TO DESIRE TO INCLUDE STREET IMPROVEMENTS? IS THERE A DESIRE TO PURSUE PUBLIC PRIVATE FUNDING ARRANGEMENT, LIKE WE'VE HISTORICALLY DONE WITH THE ZOO? THERE'S A DESIRE FOR DEBT SERVICE FOR STREETS, IS THAT SOMETHING THE DEBT VOTERS COULD ISSUE ON WE DON'T HAVE CEO OPPORTUNITIES FOR PARK IMPROVEMENTS.

THAT HAS TO GO TO VOTERS FOR APPROVAL.

CEOS AND STREET IMPROVEMENTS ARE STILL ELIGIBLE.

IT'S MY HOPE, THAT COUNCIL, WANTS TO PURSUE THE OPPORTUNITIES, THIS CENTER FROM A STANDING STAND POINT, AND WHERE WE ARE RIGHT NOW, PLANNING IN A PAGO OPPORTUNITY.

>> I WOULD LIKE TO SAY THIS AND I WOULD LOVE FOR COUNCIL TO INTERJECT. ONE THING I WOULD JUAN TO SAY PERSONALLY, FOR 30 YEARS, THIS COMMUNITY, THE COUNCIL AND THE ADMINISTRATION WE DIDN'T DO A GOOD JOB WITH STREETS.

WHEN WE SAID THIS, THE STAFF DURING THE YEARS, COULD PAINT A PICTURE OF THE STATE OF THE STREET.

COUNCIL, LACKED THE COURAGE TO TAKE CARE OF BUSINESS EARLIER, I WAS PART OF THE COUNCIL.

ONE THING I TALKED ABOUT, STARTING IN 2017, IS WE WERE GOING TO HAVE A COMMITMENT TO TAKE CARE OF OUR STREETS.

I THINK IT'S IMPORTANT TO NOTE AND THINK ABOUT THIS.

IN 2016, THE STATE MAINTENANCE BUDGET WAS LESS THAN $600,000.

TO PUT THAT THIS CONTEXT, WILLOW PARK, RIGHT OFF I-20, GOING FORWARD AT THE TIME, HAD FOUR TIMES AS MUCH ALLOCATED TOWARDS THE STREET MAINTENANCE WITH A FRACTION OF THE SIZE OF THE CITY OF ABILENE. JUST THINK ABOUT THAT.

SINCE THEN, 123 MILLION HAS BEEN INVESTED IN OUR STREETS AND THIS YEAR ALONE, WE HAVE ACCESS OF 20 MILLION FOR MAINTENANCE.

THIS IS THE TRUTH. AND MR. HANNAH, IF I'M INCORRECT, PLEASE CORRECT ME. IF WE ALLOCATE NO MORE MONEY, IN REGARDS TO STREET MAINTENANCE, FROM THE STREET MAINTENANCE FUND, THAT'S ALL WE DO, WE HAVE NO SIGNIFICANT IMPROVEMENT IN ELEVATING OUR STREETS. AND WHAT HAPPENS, IT BECOMES A LARGER CONVERSATION DOWN THE ROAD.

[01:40:01]

I THINK THAT PART OF THE CONVERSATION NEEDS TO BE A SIGNIFICANT BOND, A BOND THIS YEAR AND DOWN THE ROAD.

AND I KNOW EVERY MONTH, WE'RE PAYING A STREET MAINTENANCE FEE.

THE TRUTH OF IT IS, WE'RE ACTUALLY PAYING FOR SOMETHING WE SHOULD HAVE PAID FOR YEARS AGO. BUT, TO NOT DO ANYTHING IS EXACTLY OR NOT TO DO MORE THAN WHAT WE'RE DOING RIGHT NOW, IS DOING EXACTLY WHAT WE DID FOR THREE DECADES.

SO, YOU KNOW, WIELDED AND OTHERS, I WOULD JUST -- AND IN THIS COMMUNITY, I ASK YOU TO CONSIDER CONTINUE THE WORK WITH OUR STREETS AND PART OF THAT, IF WE'RE GOING TO MOVE THE NEEDLE, IS INVESTING MORE MONEY IN OUR STREETS.

IN REGARDS TO OUR REC CENTERS, WE HAVE TO HAVE A CONVERSATION ABOUT THE REC CENTERS. WHAT DOES THAT LOOK LIKE TO YOU? I THINK INVEST IN THE REC CENTERS.

TO DO SO, I THINK STAFF AND COUNCIL NEED TO PROVIDE A BETTER VISION ON WHAT THE REC CENTERS COULD EVOLVE INTO AND WHAT THE QUALITY AD WOULD REPRESENT FOR THIS COMMUNITY.

I THINK IT'S VERY NOTEWORTHY IN REGARDS TO THE OPPORTUNITY FOR THE IMPROVEMENTS AROUND LAKE KIRBY.

OPPORTUNITIES TO RECCREATE. IT TALKED ABOUT ABILENE AS 0.6 AND OTHER COMMUNITIES ARE FOUR TIMES AS MUCH.

WHEN WE TALK ABOUT ATTRACTING FAMILIES AND YOUNG PEOPLE, THOSE ISSUES ARE PARAMOUNT I THINK THAT'S NOTEWORTHY, TOO.

I'M SO PROUD, GAIL, THE WORK THE ZOO HAS DONE OVER THE YEARS.

WE HAVE THE PRIVATE SECTOR THAT'S WILLING TO PUT UP DOLLAR PER DOLLAR TO THE NUMBER ONE ATTRACTION FOR CITY OF ABILENE.

I THINK THAT'S A PRETTY EASY DECISION.

I'M GOING TO GIVE WAY TO MY COLLEAGUES.

AND I THINK APPROPRIATE FOR THE FOLKS WHO MAKE THE DECISIONS, AFTER MAY, TO HAVE AN OPPORTUNITY TO GIVE DIRECTION TO STAFF. LET'S SAY YOU.

>> I HOPE PEOPLE WILL GO BACK TO THE SLIDE, AND I KNOW, MR. HANNA, YOU'RE NOT THERE ANYMORE.

WE ARE WORKING STREETS. THE MAP YOU HAVE AND WHATEVER PAGE THAT WAS, THAT SHOWED WHAT WE'VE DONE.

HOLD ON ANYWAY, I JUST THINK IT'S IMPORTANT THAT ONE RIGHT THERE -- YEAH, I'M GOING TO ECHO WHAT THE MAYOR SAID. THIS IS NOT A PROBLEM THAT WAS CREATED OVERNIGHT. IT'S NOT SOMETHING THAT'S GOING TO BE FIXED OVERNIGHT OVER A YEAR OR TWO YEARS.

THIS RIGHT HERE, IS SHOWING THAT THE WORK IS BEING DONE.

THERE'S MORE TO BE DONE, BUT THIS IS WHAT THE STREET MAINTENANCE FEE DOES. THIS IS WHAT HARD WORKING ABILENIANS THAT PAY TAXES. THIS IS WHAT'S GOING INTO THAT.

I JUST THINK IT'S IMPORTANT THAT PEOPLE TAKE A MOMENT TO TAKE A LOOK AT THE MAP AND SEE IT'S SPREAD OUT, YOU KNOW, AROUND THE CITY. THERE'S NOT ONE AREA THAT'S GETTING MORE ATTENTION THAN ANYBODY ELSE.

IT'S PRETTY WELL SPREAD OUT. I AGREE WITH THE MAYOR.

I'M VERY EXCITED ABOUT THE OPPORTUNITIES FOR OUR REC CENTERS AND AMENITIES AND THE ZOO.

. >> IF WE DO NOTHING MORE, WILL

WE ADDRESS MORE IN OUR STREETS >> IT DEPENDS ON HOW BIG OF AN IMPROVEMENT YOU WILL SEE. THE PLAN, WE DID SHOW A POSITIVE, WITH THE STREET MAINTENANCE FEE: IF COUNCIL WANTS TO SEE, THE BOND IS A TOOL TO DO THAT.

TO SPENDING IN DEBT ON ROADS THAT HAVE A 20 YEAR LIFESPAN.

. >> THAT'S A FIGURE, THAT REPRESENTS THE CONDITION OF THE ROADS AT THE TIME OF THE STUDY,

RIGHT? >> CORRECT.

>> FROM THE MOMENT YOU POUR ON THE ROAD, NO MATTER THE

[01:45:01]

IT'S NOT ENOUGH TO MAKE LONG-TERM IMPROVEMENTS.

>> WE HAVE HANDLED THE -- AND THE 2015 BOND WAS FOCUSED ON THAT. AND IT'S A LOCAL ROADS THAT ARE IN THE WORST STATE. AND IF YOU REMEMBER, THE PCI SLIDE, IT STARTS OFF AS A GRADUAL, GRADUAL, GRADUAL.

THEN YOU GUEST TO THE ENG OF THE CLIFF AND IT DROPS OFF QUICKLY.

AND THE COST TO REPAIR THE ROADS, YOU'RE NO LONGER, TALKING ABOUT A MAINTENANCE YOU'RE TALKING ABOUT MAJOR RECONSTRUCTION. I BELIEVE IT WILL PROVIDE A POSITIVE DATA INCREASE BASED ON THE DATA FROM LAST YEAR.

THINGS CHANGE EVERY YEAR. INPUTS LAST YEAR, IT WAS POSITIVE INCREASE. IT WAS NOT HUGE, BUT IT WAS POSITIVE. A BOND WOULD CERTAINLY ELEVATE THAT NUMBER TO A DIFFERENT NUMBER.

>> AND IT'S NOT POSSIBLE TO QUANTIFY, THE UNKNOWNS, FLOODS, DROUTSZ AND ALL OF THOSE THINGS THAT HAPPEN IN OUR ROADS.

I THINK THAT HELPS CHARACTERIZE THE PROBLEM A LITTLE BIT.

. >> WE TRY TO HAVE THE BEST

CRYSTAL BALL AT A TIME. >> AT ONE TIME, YOU GAVE US THE INFORMATION, HOW MANY MILES OF ROADS WE HAD WITHIN OUR CITY LIMITS. DO YOU HAVE THAT ON THE TOP OF

YOUR HEAD? >> I THINK THE SLIDE, 477 CENTER MILES AND 152 CENTER MILES. IF YOU COMBINE THE TWO, THAT'S A GOOD INDICATION. .

>> DIRECTION FOR STAFF AND COUNCIL?

>> WELL, WITH REGARD TO THE REC CENTERS, THAT WAS A DISCUSSION IN 2015. THE FOCUS WAS MORE ON A SINGLE SUPER REC CENTER. THAT ENDED UP NOT HAPPENING.

IT WAS A 4-3 VOTE ON THE COUNCIL TO NOT PUT IT ON THE BALLOT.

AT THE TIME AND WHEN WE HAD THE LATEST BOND COMMITTEE, THERE WAS RECOGNITION, IF WE WERE GOING TO BE IN THE REC BUSINESS, WE NEED TO INVEST IN THE REC CENTERS. AND WE'VE TALKED ABOUT POSSIBILITIES OF PARTNERSHIPS THAT I THINK COULD MAKE THEM EVEN MORE VALUABLE. IT'S A HARD SELL TO GO TO THE PARTNERS WITH THE RECS IN THE CONDITION THEY ARE IN TODAY.

I THINK IT'S TIME TO, YOU KNOW, FISH OR CUT BAIT.

WE NEED TO PUT IT IN THE BALLOT AND LET THE VOTERS TELL US, YES OR NO. REC CENTERS ARE IMPORTANT TO THE CITY OF ABILENE OR NO, THEY ARE NOT, OR MAKE IMPROVEMENTS TO THE AREAS OF TOWN, THEY EXIST RIGHT NOW.

CHAVEZ AND DANIELS REC CENTERS, ARE INTEGRAL WITHIN THE NEIGHBORHOODS AND PROVIDE GOOD AFTER SCHOOL SERVICES AND OTHER THINGS. I THINK THERE'S AN OPPORTUNITY TO DO A LOT MORE AND EXPANDING A TRAIL SYSTEM IS BENEFICIAL.

I WOULD LIKE TO SEE MORE INFORMATION ABOUT FUNDING THE PICKLE BALL COURTS SEPARATE FROM THE BOND.

ESPECIALLY SINCE WE DON'T NEED ADDITIONAL PARKING FOR THAT.

WE'VE DONE THE OTHER BATHROOM REPLACEMENTS AND, ONE OF THE THINGS, THAT YOU GET WITH THE NEW MODULAR BATHROOM IS REMOTE ACCESS. I DON'T KNOW IF THE RENOVATION GIVES US THAT SAME LEVEL OF CONTROL.

THAT'S VALUABLE IN MY MIND, FOR STAFF AND MAINTENANCE PERSPECTIVE. THE ZOO IS JUST AN AMAZING FACILITY. I HAVE MEMORIES GOING BACK TO WHEN I WAS A KID AND RIDING A LITTLE TRAIN AROUND THE ZOO.

AND IT'S JUST, IT'S A GREAT PLACE.

[01:50:01]

MISS THE SEA LINES AND TRAILS. >> AND THAT'S OUR AGE.

>> AND BRACKET -- AGE BRACKET, IF YOU WILL.

THE ZOO SOCIETY DOES AMAZING WORK.

NOT JUST PROVIDING THE FUNDING WE'VE DONE HISTORICALLY AND IMPROVEMENTS AND ENHANCEMENTS AND EXPANSIONS AT THE ZOO, BUT ALSO HELPING WITH IDEAS, ON THINGS WE CAN DO TO IMPROVE OPERATIONS. 100 PERCENT MOVING FORWARD IN THE ZOO IMPROVEMENTS. AND ON THE STREETS, I WOULD LIKE TO SEE, WE NEED TO COMMUNICATE, THAT WE'VE SAID FROM THE BEGINNING OF MAINTENANCE FUND, THAT WOULD NOT PRO CLUED THE NEED FOR BONDS OVER TIME. THIS IS ADDRESSING THE MAINTENANCE SIDE OF IT. THE MAINTENANCE FEE IS, BUT THERE ARE ASPECTS OF OUR ROADS THAT NEED MAJOR RECONSTRUCTION.

I THINK THAT GOES BELOW THE VOTERS, WHERE THEY HAVE THE OPPORTUNITY TO GO BELOW THE STREETS.

ALL THREE OF THOSE, A, B AND C, I'M IN SUPPORT OF THE PICKLE BALL. I THINK I WOULD LIKE TO LOOK AT FUNDING SEPARATE FROM THE BOND. OTHER ASPECTS, PUTTING IT BEFORE THE VOTERS IS AWISE MOVE IN MY PERSPECTIVE.

. >> I THINK WE'RE AT A KIND OF A DECISION POINT ABOUT WHO WE'RE GOING TO BE AS A CITY.

THESE ARE CORE ECONOMIC ISSUES. IF WE'RE GOING TO EXPAND AT THE RATE AND ATTRACT JOBS AND WANT FAMILIES TO COME HERE, THEN, YOU KNOW, TO KIND OF PIGGYBACK HOW SHANE CHARACTERIZED, WE REALLY HAVE TO GO ALL IN AND BITE THE BULLET AND INFUSE THE CASH ON THE ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT ISSUES, THAT WE REALLY NEED TO DO TO TAKE CARE OF OUR INFRASTRUCTURE AND PROVIDE OUR FAMILIES NOT ONLY ONES WHO LIVE HERE, TO HAVE THINGS TO DO AND HAVE NICE FACILITIES. TO HELP TAKE CARE OF OUR KIDS.

EVERYBODY KNOWS, AND IN ABILENE RIGHT NOW, THERE'S A REALLY SERIOUS DEFICIT FOR CHILD CARE. PROVIDING THE REC CENTERS AND AFTER SCHOOL CARE THAT ENABLES THE PARENTS TO WORK THAT GENERATES SALES TAX AND ENABLES THEM TO BUY THEIR OWN HOMES, WHICH IS THE SINGLE LARGEST FUTURE COMMUNICATION OF WEALTH IS HOME OWNERSHIP. THESE ARE THE THINGS THAT WE NEED TO DO. I THINK IT'S IMPORTANT TO POINT OUT, WE DON'T DECIDE THIS. WE DECIDE, HERE'S WHAT WE THINK AND THE VOTERS GET TO TELL US WHAT THEY WANT TO DO IT'S VERY COMMON. I'VE SEEN THIS THROUGHOUT THE CAREER IN THE CITY, WHEN WE TALK ABOUT BONDS.

PEOPLE WILL STEP UP YOU NEED TO BE MORE EFFICIENT, NEED TO CUT HERE, NEED TO CUT THERE. AT SOME LEVEL, I'VE BEEN INVOLVED IN ABOUT 14 DIFFERENT BUDGET CYCLES, TWO AS A COUNCIL MEMBER NOW. ROBERT AND OUR CITY STAFF DOES A GOOD JOB OF RUNNING AN EFFICIENT ORGANIZATION.

WE DON'T HAVE THIS KIND OF CASH. IF WE'RE REALLY GOING TO DO THIS, THEN WE NEED TO GO ALL IN AND DECIDE FOR THE N 30-40, 50 YEARS IN ABILENIANS, THIS IS WHAT WE WILL DECIDE SO THEIR QUALITY OF LIFE IS MUCH BETTER. .

>> YOU GO BACK AND YOU MOVE FORWARD FIVE YEARS, IT WILL BE 700 JOBS. AT A FIVE YEAR TURN, ALL OF WHICH PAY ABOVE $50,000, TO ADD NEW JOBS TO ABILENE.

I THINK IT'S SIGNIFICANT IN LOOKING AT THE VANTAGE POINT AND LOOKING AT THIS AS AN INVESTMENT.

SO WE'RE ALLOWED TO RECUR THE INVESTMENT AND RETAIN AND ATTRACT TALENT. THAT'S VERY WELL CAPSULATED.

>> ANY THOUGHTS TO THE COUNCIL. >> I WOULD LOVE TO HAVE AN OPPORTUNITY. I'VE SAID BEFORE, THE REC CENTERS, THEY ARE PART OF THE COMMUNITY.

THEY ARE VERY NEEDED. ONE OF THE MAIN GOALS AND OBJECTIVES IS IN FIELD DEVELOPMENT WITH SOME OF THE AREAS OF TOWNS, TO GIVE INCENTIVES, WE NEED THE AREAS OF RECREATION AND OTHER OPPORTUNITIES WE HEARD ABOUT, WITH CHILD CARE AND EDUCATIONAL OPPORTUNITIES.

[01:55:16]

THEY DO PAY A MONTHLY FEE. I'M NOT SENDING IT TO THE VOTERS TO SEE WHAT THEY SAY. .

>> IF WHICH PUT OUR STREETS END ON END, HOW FAR DO WE TRAVEL

FROM ABILENE TO WHATEVER. >> I THINK WE GO TO THE ARCTIC CIRCLE. .

>> IT WAS EITHER NORTH OF THE BORDER OF CANADA OF.

IT'S SIGNIFICANT. >> I THINK IT WAS NORTH OF CANADA, WHAT YOU HAD SAID. THAT HAS STUCK WITH ME, HOW REALLY, LARGE THAT IMPACT IS TO HAVE THOSE WINDING STREETS END

ON END. >> YOU KNOW, I THINK, IN -- AND LYNNE, I APPRECIATE YOU AND IN SAYING THIS.

I WANT TO REITERATE. I THINK PEOPLE NEED TO UNDERSTAND, THAT STREETS ARE KIND OF TWO CATEGORIES.

THERE'S MAINTENANCE AND THEN THERE'S REPAIR.

RIGHT NOW, WE HAVE A LOT OF STREETS THAT NEED.

AND I KNOW THAT MAY BE A FINE LINE.

WE HAVE STREETS THAT ARE IN GOOD SHAPE AND WE ARE PAYING MONEY.

WE HAVE STREETS THAT NEEDS SOME SERIOUS WORK.

I APPRECIATE YOU POINTING THAT OUT, THAT THAT'S KIND OF TWO DIFFERENT THINGS IN MAINTAINING THEM AND FIXING THEM, TO WHERE ALL WE NEED TO DO IS MAINTAINING THEM.

WE HAVE NOT DONE A GOOD JOB IN EITHER, IN DECADES GOING BACK.

. >> I APPRECIATE THE SAME OPTIONS YOU OUTLINE I THINK IT'S IMPORTANT.

I APPRECIATE THE VISION YOU PAINTED IN TERMS OF ASKING, WHO DO WE WANT TO BE IN. WE HAVE SO MANY CITIZENS, WOULD ARE ENGAGED AND PRESENT CHALLENGING QUESTIONS.

OPTIONS TO ASK THAT QUESTION, BUT TO COME TO THE TABLE, IN WAYS WE CAN GET THERE. TO LET THEM HAVE THEIR SAY ON THIS. BUT I APPRECIATE HEARING THE OUTCOMES BUT MORE SO, HEARING THE POSSIBLE SOLUTIONS, YOU DON'T OFTEN GET THAT. THANK YOU, GUYS AND YOUR TEAM AS WELL FOR THAT. .

>> THE COUNCIL DOESN'T MAKE THE DECISION TODAY, TO CALL A BOND ELECTION. I THINK I HEAR A CONSENSUS, CITY MANAGER THAT THIS COUNCIL, IS INTERESTED IN HAVING FURTHER CONVERSATION ABOUT A, B, C, WITH THE EXCEPTION OF BEING LOOING FOR ANOTHER OPPORTUNITY PICKETT BALL TO FRU WIGS.

THAT'S WHAT I HEARD FROM THE COUNCIL.

>> YOU DID EXACTLY WHAT I WANTED TO DO.

I WANT TO ADD ONE QUESTION OR TELL YOU HOW I HOPED TO GO ABOUT DETERMINING THE AMOUNT FOR A STREET BOND I WOULD LIKE TO ENGAGE THE STREET MAINTENANCE BOARD AND TASK THEM TO LOOK AT THIS, TO GET IN THE PCI, WHAT THE NET EFFECT MAY BE AND TO BE ABLE TO HELP ARTICULATE AND TELL THE STORY TO THE COMMUNITY. WE WOULD BE USING THEM, SOUNDING BOARD AND OPPORTUNITY TO SOLICIT, AND PROCESS AS WELL.

THAT WOULD BE HELPFUL FOR US, TO KNOW WHAT TO DO.

>> AND WHAT ARE THE TIME FRAMES. >> IT'S AUGUST, I BELIEVE, ISN'T IT, SHAWNA. .

>> I WOULD LIKE, AND I'M THINKING OUT LOUD.

I WOULD -- A LOT OF THE THINGS THAT WE'RE MOVING TOWARDS THE JOB CREATIONS THAT HAVE BEEN PROCESSED AND BROUGHT INTO THE

[02:00:02]

OF THE THINGS. >> ABSOLUTELY.

AND WHAT WE'RE TALKING ABOUT, WHEN IT COMES TO THE NETWORK, IN AND AROUND THE AIR FORCE BASE. AS IMPROVEMENTS OR FUTURE IMPROVEMENTS, FOR THE BASING AND FINAL DECISIONS ARE MADE, WE LOOK AT THE ROAD INFRASTRUCTURE AROUND THERE TO MAKE SURE WE TIME SEQUENCING OF ANY IMPROVEMENTS AIRPORT MAY OR MAY NOT DO, AND MAKE SURE WE'RE AHEAD OF THAT, SO WE'RE NOT IN THE PROCESS OF SERVING ABSCESS TO THE BASE, WHILE THEY ARE TRYING TO BRING IN THE CONSTRUCTION TRUCKS ASSOCIATED WITH THE IMPROVEMENTS THEY WILL MAKE.

THIS WILL ALLOW THEM TO LOOK AT THE OPPORTUNITIES AND DO THAT AS WELL. .

>> I JUST WANT TO ECHO WHAT EVERYBODY HAS SAID AND THE DRAW THAT HAS BROUGHT TO OUR COMM COMMUNITY FROM OUTSIDE THE CITY LIMITS.

ANYTHING WE CAN DO TO MAKE THAT MORE SUCCESSFUL, WE NEED TO.

AS STAR AS THE REC CENTERS, YES, WE FEED TO UPGRADE AND STREETS, AND I AM FOR PUSHING AS MUCH AS WE CAN AND OUR CITIZENS COULD

AFFORD, THERE YOU HAVE IT. >> ONE OF THE THINGS I HEARD LOUDLY AND CLEARLY, WE NEED TO ASK THE CITIZENS.

I HEAR FROM COUNCIL COMMITMENT, TO LOOK AT THE OBLIGATION BONDS THAT REQUIRE OVERALL APPROVAL OVER CEOS.

IS THAT A FAIR STATEMENT? >> THAT'S GREAT.

>> DOES COUNCIL HAVE ANY CONCERNS ABOUT CASH FUND ING CONTINUED INVESTIGATION, INTO THE BUILDINGS THAT SERVE THE CITY SO WE CAN SERVE THE COMM

COMMUNITY. >> NO CONCERNS FOR ME.

. >> NONE.

. >> AND I WOULD LIKE TO ASK ONE THING, BEFORE WE MOVE AND I'LL MAKE IT BRIEF.

IN TERMS OF ENGAGEMENT AND I KNOW YOU SAID THIS BUT I WANT TO MAKE SURE. I WOULD LIKE TO SEE NOT ONLY THE AFFECT OF THE DIFFERENT LEVELS OF POTENTIAL BONDAGE ISSUANCES, AND I KNOW IT'S A LITTLE BIT OF CRYSTAL BALL WORK.

THE PCI NUMBER IS DATA SET, WE CAN USE TO MEASURE THE POTENTIAL SUCCESS OF THE DIFFERENT BOND LEVELS COMBINED WITH CURRENT STREET LEVEL EXPENDITURES. .

>> THASZ THE TYPE OF ANALYSIS. >> AND IT'S AN 11:05, 11:10, TRYING TO GUESS MY CLOCK RIGHT HERE.

AND WE WANT TO CONTINUE. >> WE HAVE SOME BARBECUE COMING, SIR THEY WENT TO PICK UP AT 11:00.

>> YOU HAVE AN ATA. I IMAGINE THEY WOULD ARRIVE TO

[3. ​Personnel]

. >> WE'LL PLAN THE SAME THINGS

TODAY >> THAT'S CORRECT.

>> WE SHOULD HAVE SERVEINGS FOR 30, IS THAT RIGHT.

I THINK WE CAN ACCOMMODATE COUNCIL AND OUR GUESTS IN THE AUDIENCE. I KNOW STAFF, GO GRAB A BAN

NANNA OR SNACK CAKE. >> WILL THE BARBECUE HAVE

PICKLES. >> WILL NOT HAVE PICKLES.

. >> OH, MY GOSH.

>> FROM A PHILOSOPHY STATEMENT, THIS IS A PAYROLL PHILOSOPHY, THAT WE'RE TRYING, WE'RE IMPLEMENTS WITH THE NEW CONFINES. LET ME GO BACK AND SAY, WE HAVE BEEN WORKING IN THE LAST 18 MONTHS, IN TRYING TO DETERMINE, WHAT THE CLASSIFICATION PLAN SHOULD BE.

WE ENGAGE OUTSIDE PARTY ASSISTANCE, WITH THIS, BECAUSE

IT'S A HEAVY LIFT. >> STAFFING AND SUPPLY ISSUES, THEY LOST PEOPLE, COULDN'T HIRE PEOPLE.

THIS THING GOT DELAYED AND TOOK LONGER THAN ANYBODY ANTICIPATED.

[02:05:03]

THAT'S THE PHILOSOPHY WE USE TO PAY OUR STAFF AND PEOPLE WE WENT THROUGH A VARIETY OF DIFFERENT THINGS.

REVIEWED THE JOB DESCRIPTIONS. WE SURVEYED AND SOLICITED.

RESPONSES TO THE TEN PAIR CITIES, PRIVATE SECTOR DATA, WE HAD COMPARABLE OPPORTUNITIES AND ACQUI ACQUISITION. AND WE BROUGHT IT IN.

AND WE LOOKED AT THE BENEFITS, VACATION, SICK TIME, HEALTH INSURANCE, THOSE SORT OF THINGS. WE DID A GRADE EVALUATION, TO MAKE SURE WE ARE PLACING THE POSITIONS IN THE ORGANIZATION, WITHIN THE APPROPRIATE PAY GRADE BASED ON THEIR NEED, KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES, AND THE PERFORMANCE, TASKS, WE'RE ASKING THEM TO PERFORM. THE BENEFIT EVALUATION, VACATION, RETIREMENT COMPARESONS AND HEALTH BENEFIT PLANS.

AND ON A SICK LEAVE BASIS, YOU WILL SEE, WEE REMARKABLY CONSISTENT WITH THE MAJORITY OF THE TEN PAIR CITIES.

THE RED LINE, SHOWS THE TOP WHERE WE'RE ADD AND DREW THE TOP. AND VACATION LEAVE IS A LITTLE DIFFERENT. EACH CITY HAS DIFFERENT TIERS.

TIER ONE, TIER TWO AND TIER THREE.

THESE BECOME ELIGIBLE AT DIFFERENT TIMES.

I MADE COMPRESSION TO VISUALLY SHOW.

MY POINT, DENTON, FOR EXAMPLE, YOU MAY GET TIER TWO FASTER THAN ABILENE, BUT THERE'S STILL A TIER TWO.

WE MAY, ARM MAY BE 10 YEARS AND THERE MAY BE AN 8.

YOU COULD SEE THE BASE LEVEL IS FAIRLY CONSISTENT ACROSS THE BOARD. WE OFTEN CITIES TOUCHED AT SOME POINT IN TIME, EVEN THOUGH THEY TOUCHED IT AT DIFFERENT TIMES ABILENE'S VACATION TIER, IS ONE OF THE TOP FOUR, AND THAT'S REFLECTIVE OF THE 30 YEAR MARK FOR US.

YOU DON'T OBTAIN THE THIRD TIER UNTIL YOU HIT 30 YEARS OF EMPLOYMENT. OTHER ORGANIZATIONS HAVE SIGNIFICANTLY LOWER THRESHOLDS FOR THE BAR.

IN MY PROFESSIONAL OPINION, WE PROVIDE COMPETITIVE VACATION PACKAGE. FROM A RETIREMENT STANDPOINT, WE PARTICIPATE IN THE TEXAS MUNICIPAL RETIREMENT PROGRAM.

IT IS A HYBRID PLAN, DEFINED COMP, DEFINED BENEFIT PLAN.

IT'S A DEFINED COMPENSATION WHEN YOU'RE WORKING.

WHEN YOU RETIRE, IT CONVERTS TO A RETIREMENT PAYMENT.

AND OUR CONTRIBUTION, FROM THE EMPLOYEE STANDPOINT, IS 7 PERCENT. THE CITY MATCHES THAT 2-1.

IF YOU DO THE MATH, IT SOUNDS LIKE 14 PERCENT.

EXCEPT BECAUSE OF THE PLAN CHANGES WSHGS WE HAD MADE THROUGHOUT THE YEARS, TO MAKE SURE WE'RE MAXIMIZING THE FULL VALUE OF THE TAXPAYERS DOLLAR. OUR ACTUAL 2-1 CONTRIBUTION IS AROUND 11 PERCENT. BECAUSE WE MADE PLAN SAVING DESIGN CHANGES, WHEN TMRS WAS IN TROUBLE AND PEOPLE NEEDED TO ADD MORE MONEY TO THE SYSTEM, WE MADE PLAN DESIGN CHANGES TO REDUCE OUR COST AND THAT'S BEEN ACTUALIZED THROUGHOUT THE LIFE OF OUR PLAN. WE'RE ACTUALLY SEEING A SAVINGS OF THAT STILL. WHEN YOU MAKE EMPLOYER MAKES CONTRIBUTION, COUNSELLING 14 PERCENT, IT DOESN'T COST US THAT MUCH. THERE'S A LOT OF TECHNOLOGY AND TRUST ME IT WORKS. THE ONLY THING, IT DOESN'T DO WHAT WE DO, IT'S WICHITA FALLS. 5 YEARS OF AGE AT AGE 60, YOU COULD RETIRE FROM THE CITY. 20 YEARS OF SERVICE AT ANY AGE, YOU COULD RETIRE. WICHITA FALLS, SETS IT AT 10 AND 25. ON THE HEALTH INSURANCE SIDE, THIS IS MEDICAL ONLY. YOU COULD SEE ABILENE IS ONLY HIGHER FOR PLANS. WE HAVE TWO PLANS.

[02:10:02]

ODESSA IS AN EMPLOYEE PLAN. COUNCIL WILL REQUIRE, WE HAVE HAD SOME SIGNIFICANT ISSUES, WITH OUR HEALTH INSURANCE, SELF-FUNDED ACCOUNT. LARGE PART WHEN WE SWITCHED TO AETNA, PLU CROSS, BLUE FIELD, OUR COSTS JUMPED 25 PERCENT ON AVERAGE. WE NEEDED TO COLLECT TO MAKE UP FOR THAT. SO THE CITY PUT IN MORE MONEY.

THE EMPLOYEE PUT IN MONEY. THAT'S JUST HOW IT WORKED.

OTHER COMMUNITIES, MAY NOT HAVE HAD THAT PROBLEM.

EACH PLAN STANDS ALONE. IN THE EMPLOYEE SPOUSE, WE'RE ONE OF THE HIGHER PLANS. EMPLOYEE PLUS CHILDREN, WERE MORE COMPETITIVE. AND EMPLOYEES PLUS FAMILY, WE WERE MORE COMPETITIVE. OF NOTE, AND YOU WILL RECALL THAT IN THE BUDGET DISCUSSION STARTING THIS YEAR.

YOU WILL SEE FROM STAFF, TO PROVIDE A LOWER COST PLAN WE STABILIZE THE SELF INSURANCE PLAN.

THROUGH THE PLANNED CONSTRAINTS AND THE PLAN CHANGES WE MADE THROUGH THE PLAN ADMINISTRATOR. WE'VE CONSISTENTLY BEEN ABLE TO RECOVER THE REVENUE. I THINK WE HAVE A HEALTHY MODEL AND FUND BALANCE. IT'S TIME TO ADD VALUE BACK TO THE PLAN FOR THE EMPLOYEE AND TO DO SO IN A MANNER THAT DOESN'T JEOPARDIZE THE INSOLVENCY. AND YOU WILL SEE THE OPTION, REDUCE THEM TO TWO OPTIONS, THAT WILL PROVIDE A COST PROPOSAL FOR THE EMPLOYEE. IF THEY WANT TO PAY MORE, THEY GET HIGHER BENEFITS, WHICH IS THE MODEL EVERYBODY USES.

ABILENE'S CLAIMS INCREASED 1 PERCENT IN THE 2018, 2020.

THAT'S UNHEARD OF. IT'S UNHEARD OF.

LARGE PART BECAUSE OF THE BENEFIT CHANGES WE'VE HAD TO MAKE TO REMAIN SOLVENT. THE NATIONAL AVERAGE, WOULD ARE HAVE SUGGESTED, 20-25 PERCENT INCREASE IN THE COST.

IT'S PRIMARILY TO BLUE CROSS, BLUE SHIELD NUMBER.

THAT'S SWITCHING TO BLUE CROSS, BLUE SHIELD IS WHERE WE SAVE THE MOST OF OUR MONEY. WE HAD TO MAKE PLAN CHANGES THAT WERE NOT POPULAR. I HAD THOSE MEETINGS AND I WAS NOT A POPULAR PERSON. BUT WE HAD TO DO IT, TO MAKE SURE WE WERE SOLVENT. ARGUMENT I MADE, IF THERE'S MONTH MONEY IN THE SELF INS RAN FUND, WHEN YOU GO TO THE DOCTOR, THE DOCTOR DOESN'T GET PAID. AETNA, BLUE CROSS BLUE SHIELD DOESN'T MAKE THOSE CHECKS. WE HAVE TO HAVE A HEALTHY AMOUNT OF PRODUCTS, TO GO THROUGH DIFFERENT CONCEPTS PEOPLE GO THROUGH LIFE; RIGHT? I'M GOING TO ASK PAMELA TO COME TO TALK ABOUT THE PAY PLAN COMPONENTS. ANY QUESTION ON BENEFITS AT AL.

>> WE PRESENT THE FOLLOWING RECOMMENDATION OR THE PAY PLAN COMPENSATION UPDATE. A SINGLE PAY PLAN COMPENSATION, WILL ALLOW, TO BE IN ONE PAY PLAN ITSELF.

WE WILL GO TRU THAT LOOKS LIKE, SO WE CAN OBSERVE, INTO THE PAY PLAN. AND IT'S AN INTERNAL FUNCTION, FOR THE REASON WE WANT TO DO THAT.

WE CAN TAKE A LOOK AT THE JOB CODE AND DETERMINE A LOT OF THINGS, TO IDENTIFY WHETHER OR NOT IT'S A FULLTIME-PART-TIME TEMP. A NONCDL POSITION AS WELL AS HOW MANY BUDGETED POSITIONS ARE IN THAT PAY GRADE.

IT'S REALLY FOR AN INTERNAL THING FOR US TO MANAGE EASILY.

TRAINEE LEVEL TO THE COMP PLAN. IF YOU ARE HIRED IN THE CITY AND POSITION REQUIRES YOU TO HAVE A CDL OR SPECIAL LICENSE.

YOU CURRENTLY DON'T HAVE THAT FOR A PAY PLAN, TO BE ABLE TO ADD THAT WOULD MEAN TO NOT ANNUALLY GO BACK AND CALCULATOR MOVE SOMEBODY THROUGH THE SYSTEM MANUALLY.

IT ALLOWS IT TO BE A WORKFLOW PROCESS.

EASIER FOR THE EMPLOYEE AS WELL AS STAFF.

ISM THEY CAME BACK FOR RECOMMENDATION ON 12 POSITIONS TO MOVE FROM EXEMPT TO NONEXEMPT FOR FSLA REASONS.

THAT'S ONE OF THE RECOMMENDATION AS WELL.

FOR THE PROPOSED PAY PLAN, YOU'LL BE ABLE TO SEE HERE, AN

[02:15:04]

THE FIRST HALF, IT SHOWS THE HOURLY.

THAT'S GOING TO BE FOR THE NONEXEMPT.

THIS IS STRICTLY FOR NONEXEMPT POSITIONS.

YOU WILL SEE A RANGE SPREAD. WITHIN THE GRADE OF 40 PERCENT.

MID-POINT DIFFERENTIALS, ANYWHERE FROM 6-10 PERCENT, AS YOU GET HIGHER INTO THE PAY PLAN.

GRADES 19-20, YOU WILL HAVE A 10 PERCENT DIFFERENTIAL.

THE 7 PERCENT, YOU WILL NOTICE IT WILL JUMP UP FROM GRADE 20 TO 1050. WE CAN GROW THE COMP PLAN TO MANAGE THE POSITIONS THAT ARE NECESSARY.

AND SO GRADES 50 TO 70, THIS IS GOING TO BE THE EXEMPT POSITIONS. THIS IS ANYWHERE FROM 40-50 PERCENT SPREAD. THE MID POINT DIFFERENTIAL, IS ANYWHERE FROM 8 PERCENT TO 13 PERCENT.

GRADES 60, THAT'S GOING TO BE MORE OF A SUPERVISORY POSITION SO THERE'S GOING TO BE A MID POINT IN THE DIFFERENTIAL THERE.

ISM MOVING TO MARKET, IT'S ONE OF YOUR REQUEST OF US.

THAT'S WHAT WE'VE DONE HERE AND WE HAVE PROVIDED FOUR DIFFERENT SCENARIOS TO CONSIDER. THE FIRST BEING, MOVE EVERYONE THAT'S BELOW THE CURRENT MOVING TO THE PAY PLAN.

577 EMPLOYEES THAT ARE BELOW MARKET NEW MARKET, THAT YOU REQUESTED FOR US TO TAKE A LOOK AT.

153 OF THOSE ARE EXEMPT. 4.5, WOULD ALLOW US TO BE ABLE TO MOVE ALL OF OUR EMPLOYEES THAT ARE CURRENTLY BLUE MARKET, NOT WHAT OUR PEERS ARE PAYING AND MOVING IT TO THE NEW PAY

PLAN. >> MARKET IS ESTABLISHED BY PEER

CITY. >> AND WHERE THESE A PRIVATE SECTOR OPPORTUNITY, YOU CREDITED SOLVEWAYS.

WE'RE ABLE TO IDENTIFY, WHAT WAS PART OF THE ANALYSIS AS WELL.

. >> THAT INFORMATION IS REALLY HARD TO COME BY. TO THE EXTENT WE CAN FIND IT.

THAT DOESN'T INCLUDE CIVIL SERVICE.

IT'S HOW CIVIL SERVICE, IS MADE. AND RIGHT NOW, THE WAY WE'RE DOING CIVIL SERVICE, IT'S REALLY MARKET PLUS 4 PERCENT.

>> IT'S ACCURATE TO SAY, WE HAVE PRIMARILY A PIERCE CITY MARKET, WITH A PRIVATE SECTOR COMPARESONS, WHERE WE CAN MAKE

IT. >> 100 PERCENT ACCURATE.

>> WE HAVE TOTAL OF 13 DATA POINTS AND 3 BEING WHAT YOU CONSIDER. AND YOUR PRIVATE SECTOR.

AS MR. HANNAH WAS SAYING THE REPUBLIC OR THE BANK, SIMILAR IN NATURE, TO THE POSITION WE HAVE INTERNALLY.

THAT'S WHERE YOU WOULD TAKE A LOOK AT THE PRIVATE SECTOR DATA.

>> THANK YOU. >> THE SECOND SCENARIO, THIS WILL BE IN TWO PARTS. FIRST PIECE, YOU'RE MOVING ALL THE EMPLOYEES. AGAIN, 577 BELOW AND THE 133

BELOW FOR THE EXEMPT. >> YOU COULD MOVE THE SLIDE?

I'M SORRY. >> APOLOGIZE.

. >> THIS IS 94 PERCENT.

THIS IS NOT TAKING IT ALL THE WAY TO MARKET.

AT ONE TIME, IT'S ALLOWING FOR A TWO STEP PROCESS.

THE FIRST, TAKING THE EMPLOYEES UP TO 94 PERCENT OF MARKET.

THAT WOULD E A 2.5 MILLION FOR THAT.

THAT'S REDUCING THE MARKET SCENARIO BY 6 PERCENT, IS ESSENTIALLY WHAT WE'VE DONE HERE.

THIS IS PHASE 2 OF THE SAME SCENARIO.

IT'S WHATEVER THE REMAINING DELTA WILL BE FOR THE EMPLOYEES THAT DIDN'T DIDN'T MOVE ALL THE WAY TO MARKET.

THIS IS GETTING THEM TO THE 6 PERCENT.

THE TOTAL IS THE SAME. THE SECOND PIECE OF IT, IS GOING TO BE AT 2 MILLION. SO FOR SCENARIO 3, THIS HAS A 2 PARTS AS WELL. PHASE 1, IT'S 70 PERCENT OF THE DIFFERENCE OF POSITION OF THE CURRENT COMP PLAN TO THE NEW MINIMUM. YOU'RE GOING TO SEE, SOME THE NONEXEMPT EMPLOYEES, ARE GOING TO BE AFFECTED AND 119.

I WANT TO POINT OUT, THIS IS DIFFERENT THAN SCENARIO ONE AND TWO THOSE ARE BASED ON GRADES. EVERYBODY IN THE GRADE IS GOING TO MOVE AT THE SAME TIME. WHAT IT LOOKS LIKE, WHAT IT LOOKS AT, IS EVERYBODY ONE OF THOSE POSITIONS ARE GOING TO BE

[02:20:02]

THIS WILL GROW THE PLAY PLAN, THREE DIFFERENT POSITIONS.

AND WHEN WE LOOK ORIGINALLY FROM 1 TO 99.

WE WOULD HAVE TO MANIPULATE THAT, IF YOU CHOSE TO GO WITH SCENARIO 3-4. THIS IS BASE ON POSITION.

AND QUICKLY, THE SAME THING FOR SCENARIO 4.

YOU'RE LOOKING AT 70 PERCENT PLUS TWO.

THIS IS ANYWHERE DEPENDING ON POSITION.

81 TO 89 PERCENT, IS GOING TO BE CONSIDERED HERE.

AND THEN THE SECOND HALF OF SCENARIO 4, WOULD BE 1.7.

THIS IS A DIFFERENT WAY OF GETTING TO THE SAME MINIMUM.

>> PAMELA, BECAUSE THERE'S A LOT OF HUMAN RESOURCES, HUMAN RESOURCES MANAGEMENT, PERSONNEL, AND ALL STUFF, DIFFERENT MODELS, TWO DIFFERENT MODELS, SCENARIO ONE AND TWO.

DO YOU HAVE RECOMMENDATION FOR COUNCIL.

THE FIRST LOOK, THE PRIMARILY THE FIRST TWO OR SECOND TWO

>> THAT'S CORRECT. IT'S PRIMARILY THE FIRST TWO FOR THE EMPLOYEES. AND SCENARIO ONE, YOU'RE HAVING A HARD TIME HIRING AND RETAINING.

LOOKING AT SCENARIO ONE, IS GOING TO HELP YOU GET TO YOUR PEERS RIGHT NOW. FROM THE FACILITATION STANDPOINT, 1-2 IS SIMILAR. THAT WOULD BE THE RECOMMENDATION, YES, SIR. .

>> SO 1 GETS IN THERE NOW. 2 GETS 94 PERCENT MUCH AND THEN THE NEXT YEAR, ADDING THE EXTRA 6 PERCENT?

>> CORRECT. >> THE BOTTOM LINE COSTS --

>> THE EXACT SAME THING. >> EXACT SAME THING.

>> UH-HUH. >> DO WE HAVE ANY CORRELATED COST OF LIVING IN THE PIERCE CITIES?

>> MEANING, IS IT LESS EXPENSIVE TO LIVE HERE THAN IT IS TO LIVE SOMEPLACE ELSE? WE CAN LOOK AT -- WE CAN LOOK AT THE FEDERAL TABLES FROM THAT. I'LL TELL YOU MY EXPERIENCE THE PERCEPTION, OUR HOUSING COSTS IS CHEAPER THAN THE METROPLEX? I DON'T BELIEVE THAT TO BE TRUE.

YOU COULD FIND MORE EXPENSIVE HOMES, LESS EXPENSIVE HOMES.

OUR HOUSING COSTS IS OUR HOUSING COST.

OUR SALARIES IS LESS AS WELL. ONE THE REASONS WE CHOSE, IT'S NOT FOCUSED ON ANY PARTICULAR GEOGRAPHIC LOCATION.

IT IS BASED ON THE SIZE OF THE CITY, COMPLEXITY OF THE CITY.

COUNCIL CHOSE THEM YEARS AGO. WE HISTORICALLY USED THEM RIGHT? I THINK THEY ARE RELEVANT. THEY ARE A GOOD GAIN OF WHERE THEY NEED TO BE. I HAVE NOT LOOKED AT THE COST OF LIVING. BASED ON MY OWN ANECT DOTAL.

AND WE CAN CERTAINLY DO THE ANALYSIS, IF THAT'S WHAT COUNCIL

WANTED >> WHAT DO WE EXPECT, THEY INFER. WHAT IS THE BALLPARK.

>> I DON'T KNOW. WE HAVE NOT DONE THE REVIEW OF THAT. I KNOW THE FIRE DEPARTMENT IS ABOUT TO ENTER INTO MEET AND CONFER.

THE POLICE DEPARTMENT HAS ONE MORE YEAR.

I WOULD ANTICIPATE THE FIRE DEPARTMENT, LIKE THEY HISTORICALLY DONE, ADVOCATING FOR THEIR MEMBERSHIP.

PIE POSITION WOULD BE, I WANT TO GIVE THEM EVERYTHING THEY CAN AFFORD, YOU KNOW? THEY WORK HARD.

THEY EARN THEIR DOLLARS. THE OTHER SIDE, ON THE POLICE DEPARTMENT I'M NOT AWARE OF ANY MAJOR DISCUSSION POINTS FOR FIRE AND MAINTENANCE, THAT ARE GOING TO BE SURPRISING TO ME.

WE HAVE NOT HAD FORMAL DISCUSSIONS ON THAT.

I THINK WE WILL HAVE HEALTHY DISCUSSIONS.

I THINK THEY WILL ADVOCATE FOR THE MEMBERSHIP, AS THEY SHOULD.

>> THE RECOMMENDATION, WOULD BE RECREATIONAL ONE OR TWO; IS THAT

CORRECT >> WE HAVE A DECISION POINT SLIDE. WE CANNOT DO SCENARIO ONE.

AND MEET AND CON FUR OBLIGATIONS AND WE HAVE TO DO BOTH.

IF YOU'RE LOOKING FOR STAFF RECOMMENDATION, IT WOULD BE TO DO SCENARIO TWO. WE WILL GET TO THE OTHER POINTS

[02:25:03]

FOR EXAMPLE, WE WILL BUILD DECISION 9.

WE WILL HIRE FIREFIGHTERS. DEPENDING ON WHAT YOU DO, IT'S VERY SIGNIFICANT. .

>> THIS IS RIGHT BETWEEN BREAKING FOR LUNCH.

ANY INDICATIONS ON THE COUNCIL. >> WE DON'T NEED TO.

WE WILL START MAKING BAD DECISIONS.

. >> COUNCIL WILL QUICKLY HAVE LUNCH. WELCOME BACK AND HAVE A WORKING OPPORTUNITY TO DINE ON GOOD BARBECUE.

OUR GUEST, AFTER THE COUNCIL HAS FIXED OUR LUNCH, YOU ARE WELCOME TO FIX YOUR

>> CURRENT STAFFING FOR THE FIRE DEPARTMENT, WE HAVE 198.

CIVIL SERVICE PERSONNEL. WE HAVE NINE CIVILIANS AND WE HAVE FOUR PERSONS STAFFING FOR ALL AFD APPARATUS, THAT'S A MEET OR CONFER. AND FOR THE FOUR PERSONNEL REQUIRED PER CREW, TIMES THREE SHIFTS.

REQUIRES A MINIMUM OF FOUR PERSONNEL, TO STAFF ONE APPARATUS ACROSS THREE SHIFTS. TAEGS 48 PERSONNEL, WITH THE ADDITIONAL OPERATIONS OF BATTALION ONE, BATTALION TWO AND ARSON INVESTIGATOR THAT EQUALS ADDITIONAL FOUR FIREFIGHTERS.

IP SENSITIVE LEAVE THAT LEAVES THREE PERSONNEL TO COVER FOR INJURIES, SICK LEAVE AND OTHER FMLA EVENTS.

AS WE LOOK AT THE ADDITIONAL STAFFING FOR STATION 9.

WE WANT TO PRESENT DIFFERENT OPTIONS.

OPTION ONE IS TO HAVE FOUR FULL PERSONNEL, OPTION TWO, IS JUST THE 12 PERSONNEL, WITH NO ADDITIONALS.

OPTION THREE, WE WOULD TAKE OUR RFM POSITION, DISSOLVE IT AND ADD IT WITH NINE NEW PERSONNEL, WHICH IS A COST OF $909,600

ANNUALLY. >> AND CHIEF, THAT DOESN'T ALLOW ADEQUATE STAFFING TO SERVE THE PUBLIC.

I MEAN, IT MEETS THE TECHNICAL REQUI REQUIREMENT. PUTS STATION AT RISK, IT'S NOT

THE BEST MODEL, IS THAT CORRECT. >> OPTION TWO, OR OPTION ONE, THAT MOVES TO A BETTER PLAN. .

>> IT DOES, OBVIOUSLY. .

>> OTHER STATIONS, OTHER STATIONS.

>> WE HAVE ONE FIELD MEDIC THAT WORKS ACROSS THE CITY.

>> WHAT DOES THAT POSITION DO. >> IT'S SENIOR PARAMEDIC THAT CARRIES EXTRA EQUIPMENT, HE ARRIVES TO HIGH LEVEL EMS CALLS, ARRIVES TO CPR SITUATIONS. IT'S A HYBRID POSITION, THAT

[02:30:03]

. >> ANY OTHER QUESTIONS ON THE

NEXT SLIDE? >> OKAY. SO WE'RE LOOKING INTO THE FEMA SAFER GRANT. THAT IS DESIGNED TO HELP COMMUNITY ADD PERSONNEL, FOR EMERGENCY RESPONSE.

WE DID UTILIZE THE GRANT TO STAFF STATION 8 WITH A NEW LINE OF CREW. THEY PROVIDED 15 ADDITIONAL FIREFIGHTERS AT THAT TIME. WE INCREASED OUR STAFFING FROM 183 TO 198, WHERE IT STANDS TODAY.

THAT'S BACK IN 2019. TODAY, WE'RE LOOKING INTO THE GRANT PROCESS. IT CURRENTLY IS OPEN.

IT'S A 36 MONTH PERFORMANCE GRANT.

AND THE DEADLINE IT APPLY IS MARCH 17TH.

WE'RE CURRENTLY, GATHERING ALL THE INFORMATION, WE WILL MEET THE DEADLINE. AND THAT WILL BE APPLIED FOR.

AWARDS WILL BE ANNOUNCED IN JULY OF THIS YEAR.

ONCE THEY ARE ASSESSED YOU HAVE 180 DAYS TO ACCEPT.

AND THE GRANT FUNDING TRADITIONALLY, COVERS 75 PERCENT DURING THE FIRST YEAR. 75 PERCENT DURING THE SECOND YEAR AND 35 PERCENT, DURING THE THIRD YEAR.

IT POTENTIALLY COULD COVER 130 PERCENT FOR THREE YEARS.

I DON'T KNOW WHY IT HAS THAT LANGUAGE BUT IT SAYS THERE'S NO LIMIT TO THE FUNDING. THERE'S A POTENTIAL THAT ALLOWS FOR A GREATER OPPORTUNITY AT THIS TIME BUT IT'S OBVIOUS HE

NOT A GUARANTEE. >> ONLY THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT?

>> ONLY THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT. .

>> IF WE FUND THIS AND WE DO GET THE GRANTS.

IF NOT, WE CAN COVER THE COST OF THE CREW.

>> YES, SIR. WHEN WE MAKE THE DECISION POINT SLOT, FOR THE PERSONNEL, YOU COULD SEE, WE SHOULD ASSUME WE

HAVE THE FULL COST. >> WE HAVE TO PAST A RESOLUTION TO GO FOR THE GRANTOR RECEIVE THE GRANT.

>> JUST TO RECEIVE THE GRANT. >> YEAH, I'VE ALREADY AUTHORIZED, KENNY TO APPLY TO IT.

>> WITH THAT, ANY QUESTIONS? >> >> OKAY.

>> I THINK CHIEF, IS UP NEXT. CHIEF?

>> ALL RIGHT, SO I WAS ASKED EARLIER BY ONE OF THE FOLKS IN THE MEDIA, IF THE AUTHORIZED STRENGTH WAS INVOLVING USE OF FORCE. AND I TOLD THEM, I HAD NOTHING TO DO WITH THAT. IT'S ACTUALLY RELATED TO STAFFING. WHAT WE'VE DONE, IS CONDUCTED AN ASSESSMENT OF THE PATROL AND SPECIAL ASSIGNMENTS.

ONE OF THE KEY INDICATORS, WHETHER OR NOT YOU'RE RESPONSIVE TO THE COMMUNITY, WE DON'T HAVE PUNCH A BUTTON, THAT SAYS WE HAVE ARRIVED. WHEN WE ENTER IT, WE ENTER A CLEARANCE CODE. WE DON'T HAVE A MARGIN, IT TAKES US THIS MUCH TIME TO RESPOND TO A CALL IN THE FUTURE.

WE CAN LOOK BACK AND SAY, THAT TIME HAS INCREASED.

THAT'S NOT INCLUDED IN THIS AS WELLMENT IT PROBABLY DOESN'T INCLUDE COLLEGES AND UNIVERSITIES, PEOPLE WHO LIVE IN SURROUNDING COMMUNITIES, WHO CONSUME SERVICES WITHIN THE CITY. ABILENE OFFICERS PER POPULATION RATIO. THAT'S TO THOUSAND OF POPULATION, HAS INCREASED FROM 2015, WHEN AUTHORIZED STRENGTH HAS MOVED UP TO 216 AUTHORIZED STRENGTH OFFICERS.

[02:35:01]

HOWEVER, WHEN YOU LOOK AT THE CALLS, MEDICAL CALLS AND FIRE CALLS, WHEN YOU LOOK AT THE CALLS THAT LAW ENFORCEMENT RECEIVED, YOU COULD SEE THAT OUR NUMBERS, ARE FAIRLY HIGH AT 134,000. CALLS WE ACTUALLY NOT TAKE A 911, BUT ACTUALLY DISPATCH TO OFFICERS ON THE ROAD.

NOW BACK IN 2018, THAT'S ABOUT 74,000.

2019, 71,000. AND THE OBVIOUS ABNORMAL EVENT WAS IN THE COVID, THAT KNOCKED US DOWN TO 68,000.

NUMBER VERY, VERY HIGH BECAUSE OF THE NUMBER OF SERVICES.

AND WE'RE STILL IN THE 70,000 RANGE, WHICH WOULD BE CONSISTENT WHERE WE WERE IN 2018-2019. THE TIMES, WE HAD A BIT OF CURIOSITY, ABOUT HOW OFTEN IS IT THAT WHEN A CALL FOR SERVICE COMES OUT, WE DON'T HAVE CARS AVAILABLE TO DEPLOY AS A 2 PERSON TEAM SO WE HAVE A PRIMARY OFFICER AND BACKUP OFFICER.

SO THE TIMES WHEN WE HAVE NO UNITS AVAILABLE BACK IN 18-AND 19, WERE $55, TO $487. COVID, IT DROPPED DOWN, OBVIOUSLY BECAUSE OF THE RULES OF ENGAGEMENT WHERE OFFICERS NEEDED TO REFRAIN AS MUCH AS POSSIBLE TO HAVING CONTACT WITH CITIZENS OF THE PUBLIC. YOU COULD SEE THE NUMBER AND IN 21 AND 22. SO NO TO CHANGES.

IN 2018, 2019, 2020, WE WERE STILL UNDER A 12-HOUR SHIFT FOR PATROL. AND WHAT THAT MEANT, IT WAS OUR FOLKS WAS EXPERIENCING LESS TRAINING AND OFFICER EXHAUSTION WAS HIGHER. IN COVID, THAT WASN'T AN ISSUE MUCH IN 2021-2022, WE WENT BACK TO 10 HOUR SHIFT, FOR WELLNESS AND ALSO TO OFFER MORE TRAINING. AND THAT'S WHAT WE'VE HEARD TIME AND TIME AGAIN, TRAINING. THE OVERLAPS DIDN'T ALLOW FOR FOLKS TO KEEP UP THE NUMBER OF HOURS OF TRAINING.

OUR GOAL WAS TO MOVE FROM GETTING ABOUT 40 HOURS OF TRAINING, WHICH IS WHAT WE EXPERIENCED IN 18-19, TO MOVE THE NUMBER CLOSE TO 60 HOURS OF TRAINING.

LOTS OF MANDATES MOVE INTO THAT AND I'LL GO MORE ON THAT.

AND CASES TAKEN BY OFFICERS AND THIS IS PATROL ARE ON THE INCREASE. DEPLOYMENT STAFF AUTHORIZED CURRENT, HALF OF THAT IS WHAT'S PATROLLED.

AND AUTHORIZE LEVEL OF PATROL IS 108.

RARELY, DO WE ACTUALLY DEPLOY ALL OF THE RESOURCES.

THERE'S A NUMBER OF REASONS. AND I PUT THEM UP THERE, BUT WE HAVE FOLKS THAT ARE INJURED IN THE LINE OF DUTY.

MILITARY OBLIGATIONS. WE HAVE TO ALLOW FOR STAFFING VACATIONS AND OFTENTIMES YOU'LL HAVE RETIREMENTS IN THE MIDDLE OF THE YEAR. YOU LOSE STAFF AND YOU CAN'T READILY REPLACE THOSE FOLKS. AS A RESULT, YOU'RE NOT DEPLOYING. AND THE AREAS YOU SEE RED, ARE THE HIGHEST CALL VOLUMES ON THE CHART.

THAT'S WHERE IT'S BLUE. THAT'S WHERE WE DEPLOY THE RESOURCES, TO GET THEM OUT THERE, DURING THE HIGH PEAK TIMES. SINCE THE AUTHORIZED STRAND, WENT FROM WHAT IT WAS BEFORE, UP TO THE 216, WHICH IS THE 215 TIME FRAME, THERE WERE -- IT'S NOT EASY FOR US TO IMMEDIATELY GET THOSE FOLKS HIRED AND TO GET THEM IN THE ACADEMY.

SO YOU'LL SEE THE BLUE LINE, THE NUMBERS WERE ACTUALLY WERE, BECAUSE YOU'RE TRYING TO CYCLE ENOUGH PEOPLE IN THE ACADEMIES TO GET TO THE 216 NUMBER. WHY YOU SEE US GOING ABOVE IT IN 2022, WE HAD DEPLOYED A LITTLE DIFFERENT PROGRAM FOR TRAINING

[02:40:05]

WE STARTED TO GET THROUGH MANY CLASSES, IN ANTICIPATION FOLKS WOULD BE RETIRING, TO MAKE SURE WE WILL GET THE NUMBER ABOVE THE 216. OTHER THING, I DIDN'T WANT TO COME BEFORE COUNCIL AND SAY, HEY, WE NEED MORE STAFFING.

AND TO MAKE THAT REQUEST IN A TIME, WHEN YOU WOULD BE SAYING, LOOK, WE GAVE YOU 216 AND NEED TO GET THERE.

AND OVER THE TIME, WE DEMONSTRATE, WE CAN GET ABOVE IF. CURRENTLY, WE'RE AT 211, WITH NINE FOLKS THAT WILL GRADUATE TONIGHT, THAT WILL JOIN US, THAT WILL PUT OUR AUTHORIZED, THAT WILL PUT OUR STRENGTH UP TO 220.

THIS IS A DEEPER LOOK, SINCE THE AUTHORIZED LEVEL HAD BEEN WHAT IT WAS BEFORE. IT SHOWS YOU A LITTLE BIT MORE ON HOW WE ARE ABLE TO GET ABOVE IT.

POTENTIALLY, FMO'S, WORKING OVERTIME.

THIS IS THE OVERTIME NUMBER. YOU COULD SEE THE NUMBER IS BACK UP TO WHERE IT WAS, IN TERMS OF 610,000 SPENT ON OVERTIME.

THE POINT OF THE SLIDE, TO SHOW, YOU KNOW, DESPITE THE FACT, THAT THERE ARE SOME RESOURCE CHALLENGES, WE ARE STILL BEING EFFECTIVE IN DEALING WITH CRIME. THE VIOLENT CRIME DID SLIGHTLY GO UP. EVEN THOUGH IT SHOWS 1.5 PERCENT THERE, I WOULD POINT OUT, THAT'S ACTUALLY 9 ADDITIONAL INCIDENTS.

SO WE'RE NOT TALKING A HUGE NUMBER OF INCIDENTS INCREASE.

WE ACTUALLY WENT DOWN IN A SIGNIFICANT DECREASE, IN TERMS OF BEING ABOUT 39 DECREASE IN PROPERTY CRIMES.

AND SO THE MARGIN OF ACTUAL CRIME REDUCTION IS LITTLE LESS THAN 1 PERCENT FROM 2021, TO 2022.

>> AND CHIEF, SOMEONE ELSE'S PATH, THE WAY, TO FILE A CRIME, IS TABULATED IS BY FEDERAL GUIDELINES, CORRECT?

>> THAT'S CORRECT. >> SOMETIMES IT MAY BE A SKACH ON THE ARM OR ANYTHING, THAT WE NEED TO CALL ON ASSAULT.

THE PUBLIC KNOWS THAT, THAT THOSE NUMBERS ARE MANIPULATED BY

FEDERAL GUIDELINES. >> THAT'S AN OUTSTANDING POINT WE STRUGGLED WITH THE TABULATION, WHEN THEY HAVE A DISAGREEMENT AND THEY ARE STANDING IN THE KITCHEN.

ONE HAS A KNIFE IN HIS HAND. THEN WE GET CALLED AND WE COME OUT. BECAUSE THE INDIVIDUAL IS OVER 10 YEARS OF AGE AND CAN BE CHARGED UNDER STATE LAW, WE HAVE TO LOOK AT THAT, WE HAVE TO COUNT THAT AS AN INCIDENT AND IT DOESN'T ACCOUNT FOR THE FACT THE CITY HAS TO ACCOUNT FOR THE

STAT. >> THIS SLIDE HERE SHOWS WHATKSO CRIMES. WE ACTUALLY DO MAKE ARREST.

AND SO, THE -- THE SPECIAL ASSIGNMENT UNITS WERE ASKED TO PULL TOGETHER SOME NUMBERS, SO WE CAN SEE WHAT THE CHALLENGES ARE THAT THEY FACE. APART OF WHAT THEY DID, TAKE A LOOK AT THE PERSONS UNIT AND IDENTIFY, IN THE PERSONS UNIT, WHILE THEY HAVE SIX DETECTIVES, WHEN THEY MOBILIZE TO GO AND DEAL WITH A HOMICIDE, TYPICALLY -- IT DOESN'T STOP THE CUE, FROM ASKING CASES THAT COME THROUGH AND OFTEN TIMES MISDEMEANOR CASES THAT FALL TO THE BACK OF THE LINE, DUE TO THE MORE CRITICAL NATURE IN DEALING WITH A HOMICIDE OR SERIOUS ASSAULT. THEY ARE ASKING FOR AN ADDITIONAL PERSON TO THE UNIT. WHEN WE LOOK AT THE FAMILY VIOLENCE UNIT. HERE'S A UNIT THAT HAS A COUPLE OF DETECTIVES. THESE ARE CASES THAT OFTENTIMES

[02:45:01]

THE PROPERTY UNIT, WE SAW AN INCREASE OF 5.4 PERCENT.

THAT'S RELATED TO THE FRAUD CASES.

THOSE CASES ARE VERY COMPLEX. YOU HAVE TO DO A LOT OF SEARCH WARRANTS TO GET THE DATA YOU NEED TO DEMONSTRATE THAT A CRIME HAS BEEN COMMITTED. A LOT OF PAPERWORK INVOLVED IN THE -- DEALING WITH THE CASES. SOME NEW INITIATIVES, AUTO THEFTS. IT'S NOT JUST STEALING THE VEHICLE ITSELF, BUT CATALYTIC CONVERTERS.

THIS GROUP IS ABLE TO TAKE A DEEP DIVE TO SEE IF WE HAVE SOME FOLKS THAT ARE PART OF A GROUP COMMITTING THE CRIMES.

TO GO BACK AND FIND OUT IF THERE ARE PLACES, CHOP SHOPS THAT ARE TAKING THE VEHICLES IN. SO WE BEGAN AN AUTO THEFT UNIT.

IT WOULD BE NICE TO ADD ANOTHER PERSON TO THAT.

WE HAVE A COAT CASE OF ONE. INVESTIGATORS WHO ARE INVESTIGATORS UNITS. ONE IS TASKED WITH LOOKING AT THE COLD CASES. THE REASON WHY, WE HAVE MADE A LOT OF ADVANCEMENTS IN TECHNOLOGY.

THERE'S A LOT OF POSSIBLE DNA EVIDENCE, IF WE SIMPLY HAVE THE TIME TO LOOK AT THE CASES SINCE 1967, WE CAN HAVE THE EVIDENCE SENT THROUGH AND PROCESSED, THAT COULD LEAD TO MORE ARREST.

SCHOOL RESOURCE OFFICERS. WE ARE FAMILIAR WITH WHAT HAPPENED AND EVOLVING. I HAD ONE OF THE SCHOOL DISTRICTS, TO ASK, ADDITIONAL SRO'S, TO BE AT AND BE AROUND THE CAMPUS OF ELEMENTARY SCHOOLS.

WE DON'T HAVE THE STAFFING TO BE ABLE TO DO THAT.

IF WE WERE ABLE TO INCREASE STAFFING, HAVING ANOTHER SRO, THAT COULD VISIBL ELEMENTARY SCHOOLS, AND I KNOW THERE'S NOT A LOT OF ENFORCEMENT THAT WOULD OCCUR.

KIDS ARE UNDERAGE AND WE ARE NOT GOING TO HAVE THE VOLUME OF INCIDENTS THAT WOULD HAPPEN IN MIDDLE SCHOOL OR HIGH SCHOOL.

SIMPLY HAVING THE PRESENCE AND BEING ABLE TO BACK FIELD FOR THE MIDDLE SCHOOLS AND HIGH SCHOOL SRO'S WOULD BE THE BENEFIT OF THE ADDITIONAL SRO'S. OVERTIME FOR THE INVESTIGATION HAS GONE UP. HOW DO WE COMPARE WITH THE SISTER CITIES? WE ARE AT ABOUT 1.72.

I WOULD TELL YOU, THAT'S A SNAPSHOT IN TIME.

BEFORE WE HAD THIS CLASS OF 9 IN THERE, THAT NUMBER WOULD HAVE LOOKED MUCH WORST. WHEN WE HAVE THE FOLKS BACK OUT THERE, THAT WILL HELP US TO BE AT #. -- 1.72.

THE HOPE, WE HAVE MOVED SOME FOLKS, TO ASSIGNMENTS THAT IS ESSENTIAL. LAST YEAR, IT WAS A TOUGH YEAR FOR US. WE ACTUALLY HIT THE RECORD ON TRAFFIC FATALITIES. THAT BROUGHT ABOUT MORE CASES THAT NEED INVESTIGATING. WE HAD ASSIGNED THE TASK TO ASSIST WITH THE INVESTIGATION. COOPER HIGH SCHOOL HAD NOT HAD TWO SRO'S. WE WERE LEAVING OURSELVES WITH ONE SRO AND THE NEED TO HAVE TWO IS ESSENTIAL.

NOT ONLY FOR RESPONSIVENESS, SCHOOL NEEDS AND OFFICER SAFETY, IN TEMS OF DEPLOYING WITH PAIRS, WHEN THEY ARE OUT AROUND THE PERIMETER OF SCHOOLS AND DEALING WITH THINGS.

THE REAL-TIME INFORMATION CENTER IS REAL AND MOVING FORWARD.

WE HAD ONE PERSON WOULD SPEARHEADED THE PROGRAM TO WORK WITH MOTOROLA TO GET IT SET UP. AT SOME POINT, WHEN WE'RE READY TO HAVE THE CAMERAS, TO BE ABLE TO BE VIEWED, THEY ARE NOT DOING MUCH GOOD. THE BENEFIT OF ADDING, AND YOU COULD SPREAD IT UP TO AT LEAST COVER 7 DAYS A WEEK TO MONITOR THE CAMERAS. THE COLD CASE UNIT, I MENTIONED BEFORE. NEIGHBORHOOD OUTREACH OFFICER.

WHAT WE FOUND IS THAT PATROL WOULD GET CALLS OF COMPLAINTS ON FOLKS IN THE HOMELESS POPULATION OR ON THE LONG-TERM NEIGHBORHOOD ISSUES, WHERE A COUPLE OF NEIGHBORS DIDN'T GET ALONG AND IT'S BEEN THAT WAY FOR A LONG TIME.

THEY SIMPLY DIDN'T HAVE THE TIME OR MOBILITY ON PATROL TO STAYEN O THE CALL OR DO THE NECESSARY FOLLOW-UP.

OUR EXPERIENCE WITH THE HOMELESS OUTREACH, THERE'S DIFFERENT TO APPLY. AND IF YOU'RE ON PRIVATE

[02:50:01]

MANY TIMES THESE SITUATIONS TAKE A WHILE.

AND YOU HAVE TO HAVE FOLKS THAT ARE KNOWLEDGEABLE WHAT RESOURCES ARE AVAILABLE FOR THE HOMELESS POPULATION.

WE'RE GIVING COMMUNITY, FAITH-BASED COMMUNITY.

THE NEED TO KNOW, THERE ARE RESOURCES OUT THERE FOR FOLKS WHO ARE HOMELESS, THAT'S SOMETHING THAT YOU COULD TRY TO DO WITH ALL OF YOUR PATROL OFFICERS.

YOU'RE NOT GOING TO BE AS EFFECTIVE AS HAVING SOMEONE, TO DEAL AND ADDRESS THE ISSUES. PATROL SAYS, IF YOU HAVE A NUMBER OF TIMES OF THE OFFICERS, OR FMLA, VACATIONS, REALLY, TO BE ADEQUATELY STAFFED, WE NEED SIX ADDITIONAL PERSONS, ON TOP OF THE FOLKS, TO REPLACE FOLKS FOR THE SPECIAL ASSIGNMENTS.

THEY ARE ASKING 12 FOR PATROL AND THE INVESTIGATIONS, I SHOWED YOU THE UNIT NUMBERS THERE. THEY ARE ASKING FOR 7.

SO WE'D BE LOOKING AT AN ADDITIONAL 19 OFFICERS TO MEET TODAY'S NEEDS. THERE'S STUDIES OUT THERE THAT WHEN YOU TAKE A SNAPSHOT IN TIME, THEY'VE GONE AS HIGH AS 2.8 OFFICERS PER THOUSAND POPULATION.

WHAT STOOD OUT TO ME IS NATIONAL RECOMMENDED AVERAGE OF 2.8 POPULATION. MANY AGENCIES ACCEPT THE GOAL OF TWO OFFICERS PER THOUSAND. WITH THE CURRENT STAFFING, BEING AT THE 1.70. WE HAVE THE OTHER, CADETS THAT WILL BE GRADUATING TONIGHT, MORE LIKELY 1.72, STILL PUTS US AT WELL UNDER THE 2.4. QUITE FRANKLY, 2.4 IS NOT PRACTICAL FOR THE CITY. I REALIZE HOW MUCH THAT WOULD BE A STRUGGLE THAT WOULD BE. I DO THINK, OVER YEARS, WE SHOULD BE LOOKING AT THE MODEL THAT SAYS, 2.0.

TWO OFFICERS PER THOUSAND POPULATION, WOULD BE A NICE RATE OF GROWTH OVER TIME. IT ALSO WOULD PREVENT US FROM GOING, LIKE WE'RE DOING NOW, WHERE WE SAY, IN 2015, WE INCREASE THE LEVEL TO INCREASE THE NEEDS FOR THE DAY.

TODAY, THE CHIEF IS ASKING FOR ADDITIONAL, TO MEET THE STAFFING NEEDS, IF WE SET THE TARGET AT THE 2.0, THAT WOULD BE SOMETHING THAT WE CAN STRIFE FOR AND NOT HAVE TO CONTINUIALLY REEXAMINE AND THIS WAY, WHETHER OR NOT WE HAVE THE RIGHT NUMBER OF OFFICERS ON THE ROAD. TO TARGET ADDITIONAL OFFICERS, O MEAN ADDITIONAL OFFICERS IN AN EXTENDED PERIOD.

THE INCREASE IN VALIBILITY OF EVIDENCE.

YOU KNOW, WHEN YOU GET A BURGLARY CALL, ROBBERY CALL AND NOW IT'S IN THE NEIGHBORHOOD AND THERE'S A POSSIBILITY OF RING DOORBELL CAMERAS OUT THERE, THAT YOU CAN TAP INTO, TO FIND EVIDENCE OF NOT ONLY A CRIME BUT SUSPECTS, IT TAKES TIME TO GO AND KNOCK ON THE DOORS AND TO BE ABLE TO GATHER THE EVIDENCE AND PROCESS IT. WE ALSO HAVE ADDITIONAL DEMANDS, FROM A MAGISTRATE LEVEL. IT ALL MAKES SENSE.

THERE'S SOME GOOD THINGS THAT COME OUT OF AN INCREASE PAPERWORK IN TERMS OF PROSECUTION AND CASES.

IT CAUSES OUR FOLKS TO BE BOGGED DOWN.

AND WE'RE SEEING THE NO UNITS AVAILABLE CONDITIONS, NOT ALLOWING FOR US TO BE ABLE TO DO THE PROACTIVE POLICING THAT COUNCIL MEMBER BARRETT, I'M SURE YOU'RE AWARE OF, DURING THE CONTACTS AND JUST THE ABILITY TO CONTACTS WITH FOLKS THAT YOU COULD GET GOOD INFORMATION, GOOD INTEL ON WHAT'S GOING ON IN YOUR COMMUNITY. SO WITH THAT, ANY QUESTIONS?

>> QUESTIONS FOR THE CHIEF AND COUNCIL?

>> CHIEF. >> SEVERAL YEARS AGO, WHEN WE WERE TALKING ABOUT THE CHANGE, YOU KNOW, EVERYTHING IS KIND OF GOING TO, YOU KNOW, TABLETS AND THINGS LIKE THAT.

WHEN OUR OFFICERS GO IN AND THEY HAVE TO CHECK BOX AND THINGS LIKE THAT, DO THEY HAVE THE ABILITY TO DO THAT ELECTRONICALLY, AS OPPOSED TO FILLING OUT A PIECE OF PAPER, SO THEY CAN WALK IN AND CHECK, CHECK, CHECK.

AND IMMEDIATELY GOES BACK. I KNOW WE LOOKED AT THAT A LONG TIME AGO. DOES IT MOVE, SO OFFICERS DON'T IS TO WRITE THINGS DOWN MUCH? I KNOW YOU GET TO TYPE IT IN.

THE OTHER ISSUES, THEY FILL OUT PAPERWORK AND SOMEONE HAS TO TRANSCRIBE IT IS THAT DONE SEAMLESSLY SO IT'S

[02:55:01]

DONE QUICKER >> WE HAVE MOVED TO AN ELECTRONIC REPORTS SYSTEM AND ALSO ISSUANCE OF SIGHTATION.

THE PAPERWORK DOESN'T EXIST THERE.

WE DID MOVE AWAY FROM HAVING RECORDS TRANSCRIBE AND REPORT, SO INVESTIGATORS COULD READILY GET THEIR REPORTS, TO FOLLOW-UP ON THE MUCH NEEDED EVIDENCE. THE PROCESS THAT EXISTS WHEN YOU TYPE UP THE REPORT, IT GOES INTO THE SYSTEM.

IT SITS THERE UNTIL THE RECORD CLERKS HAVE THE TIME TO SIGN IT UP. AND TO FILL IN GAPS, WHERE THEY ARE NOT ABLE TO UNDERSTAND WHAT WAS SAID IN THE DICTATION PROCESS. THAT COULD TAKE DAYS AND IN SOME INSTANCES COULD TAKE A WEEK OR TWO WEEKS, IF YOU ARE IN YOUR DAYS OFF OR GO ON VACATION. THAT INFORMATION IS STAYING OUT IN AND IT'S NOT READILY AVAILABLE FOR INVESTIGATORS.

SO WE MOVE TO HAVING OUR PATROL FOLKS ACTUALLY TYPE UP THEIR OWN REPORTS. WE'RE ACTUALLY OFFERING A NEW PROGRAM, A NEW SOFTWARE THAT ALLOWS THEM TO DICTATE INTO THE SYSTEM AND THEN IT SHOULD TRANSCRIBE WHAT THEY SAY INTO A NARRATIVE THAT THEY CAN CUT AND PASTE TO THE REPORTS.

PART OF THE PROBLEM WITH THAT, IS THAT YOU HAVE TO HAVE LICENSES FOR THE SOFTWARE AND THE EQUIPMENT TO DEPLOY TO FOLKS. I THOUGHT THAT PROCESS WAS HAPPENING A LOT QUICKER THAN IT WAS SUPPOSED TO BE.

AS A RESULT, WE STOOD BACK UP, RECORD FOLKS FOR THE NONCRITICAL INCIDENTS TO BE ABLE TO ADDRESS SOME OF THE PAPERWORK ISSUES THERE. THAT'S STILL NOT GOING TO ALLEVIATE THE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR FILLING OUT THOSE OTHER PROCESSES, STRANGULATION PAPERWORK, AND WE'RE STILL GOING TO HAVE TIME, WHERE WE'RE BOGGED DOWN DURING THE ADMINISTRATIVE PROCESS OF THE INVESTIGATION. THAT SHOULD HELP TO ALLEVIATE SOME OF THE STRESS OF FOLKS TRYING TO TYPE UP THE REPORTS.

THE VAST MAJORITY OF THE SYSTEM IS ELECTRONIC.

. >> DOES THAT INCLUDE OFFICERS, TO CHURCHES AND THAT ENTITY IS PAYING FOR THE OVERTIME?

>> THIS IS THE OVERTIME THAT'S FOR OFFICERS.

IF THEY ARE TIED UP, LAID IN A REPORT.

IT DOESN'T INCLUDE THE PRIVATIZED EXTRA DUTY WORK.

>> THEY ARE WORKING FOR THE PEOPLE.

ON THE SLIDE, ONE IS FOR A NEIGHBORHOOD OFFICER.

A LOT OF WHAT YOU DESCRIBE SOUNDS LIKE THE CRC.

WHAT'S THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN THE NEIGHBORHOOD OFFICER AND THE

OFFICERS ON TWO CRT'S. >> AND THE TWO CRT'S TEAMS IS WORKING HAND IN HAND WITH THE FIRE DEPARTMENT AND MENTAL HEALTH PRACTITIONERS. THEY ARE DEALING WITH FOLKS, THAT HAVE MENTAL HEALTH ISSUES THAT ARE SPECIFIC TO NEEDING OUR ASSISTANCE FROM THE PRIVATIZED COMPANY, BUDDY HARDWICK.

THE FOLKS THAT ARE DOING THE NEIGHBORHOOD OUTREACH, THIS INVOLVES LONG-TERM NEIGHBORHOOD PROBLEM LIKE -- I HATE TO MENTION THIS ONE. SOMEONE IS DUMPING CLASS AND IT'S AN ISSUE FOR ME. AND WITH THE HOMELESSNESS ISSUES, WHILE THERE MAY BE A MENTAL HEALTH COMPONENT TO IT, AND THERE MAY BE SOME DISCUSSION BETWEEN THE NEIGHBORHOOD OFFICER AND THE MENIAL HEALTH -- MENTAL HEALTH CRC CONDITIONS, THAT JOB, LET'S NOT LET FOLKS SET UP CAMP AND CREATE A HEALTH AND SAFETY ISSUE FOR US. THEY ARE DISTINCTLY DIFFERENT.

>> WITH THE HOMELESS, THEY WILL REACH OUT TO THE CR C.

>> I KNOW THERE'S A LOT OF RECOMMENDATION, WHICH INEVITABLY, WOULD BE A STRESSOR FOR YOUR SISTERS.

[03:00:04]

CURIOUS. >> LAST YEAR LAST YEAR, WE WERE FORTUNATE, TO IDENTIFY, HAVING A VICTIM'S ADVOCATE, THAT COULD SERVE AS AN EMPLOYEE HEALTH AND WELLNESS COORDINATOR, THAT WOULD BE BENEFICIAL FOR THE ORGANIZATION.

WHILE WE HAVE THE CHILD ADVOCACY, WE DON'T HAVE A GOOD TRANSITION, IN TERMS OF DEALING WITH ADULT VICTIMS OF CRIME.

AND IN 2022, THEY WORK THEIR FIRST FULL GEAR.

THAT HAS BEEN VERY SUCCESSFUL. THEY HAVE DEVELOPED FOR US, A PURE SUPPORT TEAM. OFFICERS WHO HAVE VOLUNTEERED TO BE PART OF THE PROGRAM, TO BE ABLE TO MENTOR, OFFICER GUIDANCE TO OFFICERS GOING THROUGH SOME THINGS.

THEY ARE ALSO STRUCTURING CISM. AFTER THAT'S OCCURRED, THEY CAN GO THROUGH A SECTION, THEY CAN SIT AND TALK ABOUT WHAT THEY WENT THROUGH EMOTIONALLY, THROUGH THE CRISIS AND THAT'S SOMETHING THEY HAVE NOT DONE EFORE.

>>THE RECOMMENDATION, 2.4 OFFICERS, THAT'S KIND OF A NATIONWIDE LOOK AND ABILENE IS DIFFERENT.

I'M NOT REALLY -- PERSONALLY, I'M NOT LOOKING TO THEM FOR GUIDANCE ON HOW MANY OFFICERS THEY SHOULD HAVE.

I THINK IT'S BASED ON WHAT WE DETERMINE ABILENE NEEDS.

ABILENE IS JUST ABILENE. WE HAVE A GOOD RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN THE COMMUNITY AND CITIZENS AND POLICE DEPARTMENT.

I THINK THAT HAS AN IMPACT ON HOW MANY ARE NEEDED.

>> YES, SIR >> I WANT TO MAKE SURE WE HAVE PLENTY OF SRO'S AND SUPPORTING EVENTS.

THEY HELP ME OUT. I DON'T THINK PEOPLE REALLY UNDERSTAND, SRO'S PROVIDE AN IMPORTANT ROLE, AT SCHOOL, BUT AT SCHOOL FUNCTIONS I'M VERY APPRECIATIVE OF THOSE

GUYS. >> AND IT'S ALL ABOUT YOU.

>> >> AND I ASK THEM TO LEAVE.

. >> ONE OF THE DATA POINTS, BUT REALLY AN IMPORTANT DATA POINT, IS RESPONSE TIME.

THERE WILL BE CHANGES MADE TO ALLOWS TO BETTER CAPTURE THE DATA. MAYBE WE'RE ABLE TO DO, IN TIME OF THE SURVEY, IN TIME FOR THE SUPPORT.

>> DOES THE SOFTWARE HANDLE IT NOW RNTHS I THINK WE CAN MAKE IT WORK. WE COULDN'T PULL IT IN TIME AND QUALIFY IT, COME THROUGH IT, MAKE SURE IT'S CORRECT AND, WHAT DUDLEY IS SUGGESTING, THERE'S A METHODOLOGY WE CAN USE TO PUT IN PLACE, THAT ALLOWS US TO PUT IT CLEARER GOING IN.

IS THAT A FAIR STATEMENT? >> YEAH.

I KNOW PRECIOUS COMBHUNITY, PLAN ON MEETING THE GOAL.

THE COST IS PROHIBITTIVE. CALL RESPONSE TIMES AND OFFICERS NOT AVAILABLE, THAT NUMBER IS DOUBLED IN THE LAST COUPLE OF YEARS. FOR A NUMBER OF REASONS.

. >> THE FIRST QUESTION FOR ME, THIS GUIDES THE DOLLAR AMOUNT. WE'RE ASSUMING, THAT WE WANT TO GO TO MARKET, BUT YOU GO TO SOMETHING LESS IN THE MARKET.

YOU COULD SAY, WE'RE GOING TO GO 95 PERCENT OF THE MARKET.

THE 4 1/2 PERCENT GOES DOWN. YOU KNOW? THAT'S NOT WHAT WE AGREED TO DO, BUT WE CAN DO THAT.

I DON'T WANT TO HIDE THE BALL FROM COUNCIL.

REALLY, KIND OF THE FIRST QUESTION, IS IT STILL COUNCIL'S INTENT TO SET THAT ENTRY LEVEL PAY AT MARKET, OR IS THERE A DESIRE TO LOWER THAT AND HAVE THAT BE OUR STANDARD AND DESIGN A PLAN TO IMPLEMENT THE PAYOFF SYSTEM.

>> IS THERE A WAY. I GUESS, IF I REMEMBER CORRECTLY, SCENARIO TWO, IS GETTING US TO 90 OR 4 PERCENT AND 6 PERCENT? AND IS THERE A WAY TO STUDY AND SEE, FOR A LACK OF A BETTER WORD WORKS FOR US.

[03:05:02]

WE MIGHT FIND, IF WE GET TO 94 PERCENT, THAT THAT HELPS US IN RETAINING AND HIRING HIRING? IS THAT AN OPTION? IS THAT A POSSIBILITY? MY QUESTION, IF WE DO 94, ARE WE LOCKED TO DOING THE 6 PERCENT THE NEXT YEAR OR SEE WHERE IT

GOES AT 94 PERCENT. >> IF YOU LOOK AT THE SECTION, THE NEXT PARAGRAPH, THE ADVANTAGE OF DOING A TWO STEP PROCESS, DEPENDENT UPON FUNDING BY COUNCIL.

WHEN WE CAN'T OBLIGATE FUTURE COUNCIL.

IF WE IMPLEMENTED, 2 1/2 MILLION IN 2024.

I'M NOT SUGGESTING WE CAN DO THAT.

LET'S SAY WE DID. IN 2026, COUNCIL IS LIKE, I THINK YOU'RE ALL RIGHT. WE'RE POLICYMAKERS.

WE CAN DO THAT. MY CHALLENGE, WE SET A STANDARD FOR LAW ENFORCEMENT AND FIREFIGHTERS WE'VE NOT ADOPTED A STANDARD. I WILL TELL YOU, THAT, IF YOU TALK TO THE EMPLOYEES WHO ARE NOT CIVIL SERVICES, TELL TELL YOU, I WISH I HAD BARGAINING RIGHTS; RIGHT? SO IT CREATES A DISPARITY THAT AT TIMES COULD CAUSE MORAL ISSUES, BETWEEN THE NONCIVIL SERVICE AND CIVIL SERVICE.

WE HAVE MANAGED THAT WELL IN MY OPINION, AND TRY TO ADDRESS IT, ESPECIALLY WITH THE LAST 6 PERCENT ADJUSTMENT, WHICH IS A VERY GENEROUS AND RESPONSIVE OFFER TO A RESPONSIVE RESPONSE TO THE MARKET CONDITIONS WE'RE FACING.

WE MARKET TO MARKET. THAT'S CLOSER TO A PARITY AND

THAT WE ARE PRESENT. >> AND IN THIS FISCAL YEAR.

AND I THINK, THAT ITSELF, I THINK THAT COMMUNICATES OUR COMMITMENT AND WE WANT TO TREAT EVERYONE THE SAME, BUT THE REALITY IS -- I MEAN THE COMMUNITY.

I MEAN, YOU KNOW WHAT THAT LOOKS LIKE.

MY QUESTION WOULD BE THIS FOR CONSIDERATION.

IS WHAT WE CAN AFFORD. I KNOW WE'RE STILL WAITING TO APRAISE THE NUMBERS AND IT WILL COME OUT, SOME TIME EARLY APRIL, EARLY MAY. AND IT MAY BE A BETTER OPPORTUNITY FOR COUNCIL TO CONSIDER, WHAT COULD WE AFFORD? AND HAVING THAT AS AN OPPORTUNITY TO CONSIDER, LOOKING AT THIS. SCENARIO B, YOU KNOW.

WITH AN OPPORTUNITY TO PIVOT, YOU KNOW, IN THE SECOND PHASE.

IT'S SOMETHING, MY EYEBALL IS LOOKING AT IT, SOMETHING THAT MAY BE HERE, CONSIDERS FOR THE COUNCIL.

>> I AGREE TO THAT. >> TAKE THAT FIRST STEP AND THEN, THAT'S SOMETHING WE CAN LOOK AT AS A COUNCIL AND FUTURE

COUNCIL COULD DECIDE. >> YOU DON'T WANT TO LOOK, THE INCREASE, SHOULD BE -- WE'RE COMMITTED TO THE COMPENSATION.

I THINK THE STAFF -- IF WE HAD NOT DONE THAT.

THE NUMBERS WOULD HAVE BEEN 7 1/2 MILLION.

. >> THE CONSENSUS OF THE COUNCIL

AND COMES WITH A SCENARIO, TOO >> FROM THE FIRE DEPARTMENT'S STANDPOINT, YOU KNOW I DON'T WANT TO CONSIDER THE NINE OFFICERS UNLESS YOU'RE ALL JUST NOT THERE.

IT DOESN'T MEET THE NEED. IT TECHNICALLY DOES BUT WE KNOW LIFE HAPPENS. YOU NEED TO BE ABLE TO TAKE VACATIONS AND SICK LEAVE. 12 GETS THE JOB DONE.

15 PROVIDES MORE FLEXIBILITY. SO THE QUESTION, IS THE 280,000 DIFFERENCE BETWEEN 12-15, IS THAT SOMETHING THAT COUNCIL WANTS TO EXPLORE? YOU WANT TO GO FOR THE 15 OR THE

12? >> COULD THE PREFERENCE IS 15.

MY PREFERENCE AS CITY MANAGER IS 12.

15 PROVIDES MORE FLEXIBILITY. ANY PROGRAM IN THE BUDGET, YOU NEED TO KNOW. .

>> WITH REGARDS TO THE 15, I UNDERSTAND THAT WE WOULD BUDGET FOR IT IN THE NEXT FISCAL YEAR. WHAT'S THE REAL WORLD CALENDAR TIME WHEN IT COMES TO THE PAYROLL.

IT'S PROBABLY NOT FOR ANOTHER BUDGET YEAR, AT LEAST IN THE

END. >> AND I IMAGINE.

AND THIS IS KIND OF APPROACH ME IN HAVING A FIRE ACADEMY AS SOON

[03:10:01]

>> HOW LONG IS THE FIRE ACADEMY >> SIX MONTHS: WE WOULD LIKE AT STARTING AN ACADEMY. TALKING ABOUT APRIL, 2024.

>> A FULL YEAR BEFORE THE ACADEMY BEGINS, WHICH MEANS WE'RE IN THE FOLLOWING FISCAL YEAR BEFORE.

WHAT WE APPROVED, WHAT WE'RE GOING, WHAT WE APPROVED IS NOT

GOING TO BE REALIZED UNTIL? >> ON APRIL, THEY WOULD BE ON

PAYROLL. >> APRIL OF 24?

>> YES. >> PREDICTS THIS FISCAL YEAR.

I'M NOT ASKING TO AMEND THE BUDGET.

>> IF WE WENT TO 15, INSTEAD OF THE 12.

IT'S AN EXTRA 280,000. IF WE ONLY GOT 12 AND ALL OF A SUDDEN, WE HAD TO HAD A LOT OF OVERTIME.

WILL THAT EAT UP 280,000. >> AND ONE OF THE THINGS I ASK, WOULD OVERTIME, HAVING THE OFFICERS OVERSET THE COST.

IT'S CLOSE. NOT 100 PERCENT.

>> COULD IT NOT BE 12 OR 15. >> THE PROBLEM, YOU HAVE SHIFT WORK. WHY DON'T YOU EXPLAIN WHY WE'RE

AT THE NUMBERS. >> INCREMENTS ARE IN 3'S.

AS WE INCREASE THE NUMBERS FROM 12 TO 15.

THAT ALLOWS ONE ADDITIONAL NUMBER PER SHIFT TO ABSORB SOME OF THE LEAD TIMES. THAT'S WHAT THE ASK IS FOR.

THIS PAST YEAR, WE HAD A 1.2 MILLION OVERTIME BUDGET.

WE WERE VERY SHORTHANDED. WE HAD TO ASK FOR ANOTHER 400,000 AT REVISED. THE TOTAL BUDGET IS 1.6 MILLION FROM LAST YEAR, IN OVERTIME. OVERTIME IS A REAL THING.

>> AND I THINK THE FACT, THAT WHEN THE VOTERS WAY OVERWHELMINGLY, APPROVED STATION 9, THEY UNDERSTAND, THAT'S A SAFETY ISSUE. HOWEVER THAT PLAYS OUT.

>> I WANT TO BE CLEAR. I DON'T THINK YOU GET SAFER FIRE SERVICE AT 15 FIREFIGHTERS. YOU GET MORE FLEXIBILITY FOR THE MANAGERS TO STAFF RESPONSES. ONE OF THE COMPLAINTS FIREFIGHTERS HAVE, IS THE ABILITY TO TAKE A VACATION.

HAVING 15 FIREFIGHTERS WOULD GIVE ADMINISTRATION MORE FLEXIBILITY IN NEEDING TO OPEN UP AND ALLEVIATE VACATION TIME FOR THE FIREFIGHTERS. SO THAT -- THAT'S A PLUS FOR THE DEPARTMENT. IT RESULTS IN SHARPER FIREFIGHTERS POTENTIALLY, BECAUSE THEY HAVE TIME OFF THAT THEY MAY NOT HAVE NOW. THAT MAY BE, IN MY OPINION, THE BIG DIFFERENCE BETWEEN THE TWO, BETWEEN 12-15.

>> YOURS AGAIN, TO 12. TO LIZ'S POINT, AUGUST THOUGH WE CAN HAVE A BUDGET OF 15, WOULD NOT COMMITTED TOMORROW, TO FULL 15. AND YOU COULD MAKE A MODIFICATION IN REGARDS TO WHAT THINGS MAY TRANSFER, NO SAFER GRANTOR OTHER VARIABLES THAT COME TO PLAY.

>> AND TO THAT POINT, WE'RE APPLYING TO 15 AT A SAFER GRANT.

WHY NOT? IF WE GET A SAFER GRANT, THERE'S NO POINT IN DISCUSSING THESE. WE CAN ABSORB THE THREE OFFICERS

OVER THE THREE YEAR PERIOD. >> MAYBE SOME WISDOM, MAYBE SAYING 15. THE CAVEAT OF BEING ABLE TO SEE, WITH REGARD TO THE GRANT AND VARIABLES THAT MAY TAKE PLACE

BETWEEN NOW AND THEN. >> RIGHT NOW, WE ARE NOT MAKING

THE FINAL DECISION. >> ASKING FOR GUIDANCE.

>> I'M COMFORTABLE WITH 15. KNOWING WHAT WE KNOW AND THE TIME DELAY AND POTENTIAL, BY THE TIME ALL THOSE THE INFORMATION COMES IN WILL BE ABLE TO MAKE A DECISION, I THINK.

WE WILL KNOW BY BUDGET, WHETHER WE HAVE THE BUDGET.

>> IT SEEMS TO BE A CONSENSUS OF 15?

>> THAT'S CORRECT. >> WITH THE CAVEAT.

>> ANY ADDITIONAL QUESTIONS IN THIS AREA?

>> RIGHT. >> AND ON APD, I THINK I'VE HEARD FROM COUNCIL, BUT AP OPPORTUNITY TO INCREASE STAFFING, 38 OFFICERS, MOVING TO 138,000 PER OFFICER.

AND RIGHT NOW, WE'VE OVERHIRED, OVERHIRED WITH THE GRADUATION OF STAFF BECAUSE WE KNOW -- PEOPLE SAYING, I'M LEAVING TO SUCH AND SUCH TO DATE. PRETTY MUCH CONFIDENT IN THAT.

I DON'T SEE US SITTING OVER THE 216 NUMBER FOR VERY LONG AT ALL.

THIS IS THE FIRST TIME, WE'RE AT THE -- THE SHIFT CHANGES AS PART OF IT. AND IT DOES RESULT IN MORE

[03:15:04]

THERE'S A PERSONAL HEALTH AND WELLNESS ASSOCIATED WITH THAT.

CONVERSATIONS WE HAVE, IS THAT THEY ARE STRETCHED THIN.

AND WE CAN KEEP STAFFING 1.72, 1.74, DEPENDING HOW WE LOOK AT IT AND NOT MAKE ANY CHANGES OR WE CAN GO UP AND ADD MORE SIX OFFICERS, DETECTIVES AND SRO'S AND ADDITINAL 1 OFFICERS.

I'M LOOKING AT THE PROGRAMMINGND STA POINT.

WHAT DOES COUNCIL WANT TO LOOK AT, AGAIN, TO THE POINT, WITH THE FIRE DEPARTMENT. BY THE TIME WE STRETCH THE BUDGET, WE WILL GET 7 OFFICERS. THAT'S ALL WE CAN AFFORD.

WE'LL HAVE THAT DISCUSSION, TOO. .

>> AS I SAID EARLIER, I'M NOT INTERESTED IN PURSUING FBI STANDARDS. CHIEF HAS PROVIDED A GOOD ARGUMENT, WHICH IS THE SIX REPLACING PATROL, AND THE 7 AND THOSE OTHER ROLES. AND I'M SUPPORTIVE OF THAT.

THAT WELCH THOSE IDENTIFIED NEEDS TO HELP WITH THOSE SPECIFIC USES AND THEN, ENHANCING PATROLS, SO WE CAN ADDRESS THE TIMES, WHERE WE CAN NOT RESPOND IN A TIMELY FASHION.

. >> YOU MENTIONED THE FLOATING SRL AND HAVING THE OFFICER, VIA ELEMENTARY SCHOOLS, AND BEING IN THE AFFILIATE FOR VACATION. THE SCHOOLS, MARTIAL PROGRAM, HOW DOES THAT WORK? HOW DOES THAT WORK WITH THE SRO'S. AND I GUESS, THAT WOULD RECEIVE PHONE CALLS AND COMMENT, SAFETY IN OUR COMMUNITY.

HOW IT ALL WORKS TOGETHER AND WHAT IT LOOKS LIKE.

>> AND THIS IS HIS FIELD OF EXPERTISE.

PLI PLANT THE SEED, THAT THEY PARTNERED, COSTS AND I WOULD LIKE TO PURSUE THE OPPORTUNITY, IN THE NEW SRO OFFICER AS WELL.

>> AND PART OF IT, THEY PAID HALF.

>> CORRECT. >> CHIEF, YOU TALK ABOUT

MARTIALS? >> AND THERE'S TWO DIFFERENT MARTIAL OPERATIONS THAT ARE IN PLAY.

THE ABILENE INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT, USES ONE, WHERE THE FOLKS ARE NOT CURRENTLY ARMED. AND I'M TALKING, THE SCHOOL SECURITY COMPONENT. THEY DO HAVE STAFF MEMBERS THAT ARE ARMED. I BELIEVE THE REQUIREMENT, THEY LEAVE THEIR WEAPONS SECURED AWAY FROM THEM.

THEY MAY NOT ALREADY HAVE IT READILY AVAILABLE.

THEIR INTEREST IS IN LOOKING AT THAT, SCHOOL BOARD, DETERMINING THEY WILL MAKE CHANGES IN THE MODEL.

THIS IS WHY THEY ASK, THEY HAVE ADDITIONAL OFFICERS AND THEY MAY BE ABLE TO DEPLOY WHILE THEY WORK ON MODIFYING THE PROGRAM.

I KNOW THEY RECENTLY HANDLED THE RETIREES AND ARE HIRING ANOTHER.

SO THERE MAY BE, YOB EXACTLY WHERE THEY ARE AT.

WHETHER OR NOT THERE WILL BE ARMED PERSONNEL AND WHETHER OR NOT THEY WILL WORK. AND THEY ARE CURRENTLY MODIFYING THE MARTIAL PROGRAM, MOVING FORWARD.

WHY THE. >> AND ABILENE, HOW MANY DO THEY

HAVE. >> I DON'T KNOW THE TOTAL

NUMBER, SIR >> AND WILEY ISD USES A DIFFERENT PROGRAM. THEIR FOLKS ARE ARMED AND ON THE CAMPUSES AND THEY DON'T KNOW WHERE THEY ARE.

WE HAVE ONLY ONE SRO, THAT'S ASSIGNED TO THE ONE ISD AND THAT'S HIGH SCHOOL. WE HAVE NINE OVER AT ABILENE

ISRD. >> AND YOU HAVE MENTIONED, NEEDING A SECOND OFFICER IN COOPER.

WILL THIS NEW SRO BE A FLOAT. WILL THIS BE A SECOND AT COOPER.

>> THIS WOULD BE A FLOATER SRO. THERE'S TWO AT COOPER ALREADY.

COOPER IS ALREADY ADDRESSED. THAT WOULD BE PART OF THE 6 THAT WOULD REPLACE PATROL BECAUSE WE ALREADY PULLED THEM.

THIS WOULD LOOK AT HOW ADDITIONAL.

>> AND THE QUESTION FOR THE CHIEF OR ROBERT.

>> GOOD. >> IS THAT IT, CONSENSUS --

>> 19. >> THE 1.84 IS THE TARGET.

AND FOR THE COUNCIL, THAT CONSIDERATION DURING THE BUDGET

[4. Planning]

[03:20:07]

TIME. >> I WILL LIKE TO INVITE, TO LAKE FORT PHANTOM HILL RECREATION PLAN.

>> GOOD AFTERNOON, LESLIE ANDREWS, DIRECTOR OF PARKS & RECREATION. OVER THE YEARS AND THROUGH MANY CONVERSATIONS AND PLANNING OPPORTUNITYING, FORT PHANTOM, HISTORICALLY KEEPS COMING UP ISSEN AN AREA THAT COULD BE HIGHLY UTILIZED AND BRING A LOT MORE PEOPLE TO IT AND A LOT OF PERSONNEL USE FORT PHANTOM. AND THE OPPORTUNITY WITH MORE PERSONNEL COMING TO DIE SINE AND MORE PEOPLE WANTING TO BE ABLE TO RECREATE ON A LAKE AND MAKING SOME ENHANCEMENT AT FORT PHANTOM, SEEMS LIKE AN OPPORTUNITY TIME TO START THE CONVERSATIONS. SO WHAT WE DID ON NOVEMBER 21ST, IS WE PUT A REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS OUT ON THE STREET TO FIND SOMEBODY WHO HAS EXPERTISE IN DEVELOPING RECREATIONAL OPPORTUNITIES AROUND LAKES. AND SO WHAT WE HAVE ASKED FOR IS REALLY WHAT WE'RE LOOKING FOR IS SOMEBODY TO COME IN, EVALUATE FORT PHANTOM, EVALUATE ALL THE PARKLAND AROUND FORT PHANTOM, AS WELL AS THE DEVELOPMENT, LAND AROUND FORT PHANTOM AND MAKE SOME RECOMMENDATIONS ON WHAT FORT PHANTOM COULD SUPPORT.

ONE OF THE THINGS WE'VE TALKED ABOUT, IS HAVING A DUTY STATION OUT THERE. IN THE PAST, THERE USED TO BE A HOUSE SOMEONE LIVED IN. THAT'S NO LONGER A VIABLE OPTION. HAVING THE DUTY STATION OUT IN FORT PHANTOM, WOULD BE SOMETHING THAT IS VERY MUCH NEEDED HERE IN ABILENE. HAVING A FISHING PIER, HAVING A BETTER BOAT DOCK, HAVING IMPROVED CAMPING AREAS, MARINA, A STORE. BASICALLY WHAT WE SAID, LET'S DREAM AND DISGUISE THE LIMIT. AND WE WROTE A SCOPE OF WORK, ASKING WITH PEOPLE WITH THE EXPERTISE TO COME TO US AND HELP US DEVELOP REALLY A PLANNING OPPORTUNITY FOR ALL OF FORT PHANTOM AND NOT JUST ONE PARK OR ANOTHER.

SO PHASE ONE IN THE PROPOSAL IS MORE OF A SIDE INVENTORY AND ANALYSIS ON WHAT WE CURRENTLY HAVE AROUND FORT PHANTOM.

PHASE TWO WOULD BE A MASTER PLANNING PROCESS.

WHAT WOULD SOON BE COMING IS THE OVERALL CITY OF ABILENE MASTER PLAN. AS YOU KNOW, WE HAVE PARK BY PARK, HAVE MASSIVE OPPORTUNITIES.

AND AT FORT PHANTOM, WE DON'T HAVE CURRENTLY A FORT PHANTOM MASTER PLAN. THAT WOULD GIVE US AN OPPORTUNITY, TO DEVELOP, WITH POTENTIAL, OF PROBABLE CAUSE AND SIGNIFICANT STEAK HOLDER INPUT. THERE'S A LOT OF PEOPLE THAT CARE, AND WANT TO HAVE AN OPPORTUNITY TO GIVE THEIR INPUT.

WE'VE BUILT IN QUITE A BIT OF STEAK HOLDER INPUT INTO THE PLAN. SO AT THE END, WHAT WE'RE PROPOSING, THERE'S AN OPTION A AND OPTION B.

REALLY THE BIGGEST DIFFERENCE BETWEEN THE TWO, IS HOW MUCH INPUT WE ENGAGE? DO WE HAVE INPERSON STEAK HOLDER MEETINGS? DO WE HAVE A PUBLIC COMMUNITY MEETING? DO WE HAVE FOCUSED GROUPS WITH THE FORT PHANTOM ASSOCIATION. THAT'S OPTION B.

AND OPTION A WOULD BE ONE HOUR COMMUNITY MEETING AND MORE OF THE ON-LINE PLANS AND QUESTIONNAIRES AN SURVEYS ALONG THE LINES. THAT'S REALLY THE BIG DIFFERENCE. OTHER THAN THAT, IT'S A LOT OF BOOTS ON THE GROUND, ANALYZING WHAT WE HAVE AT THE LAKE.

WHAT'S BRINGING THEM IN THE LAKES, WHAT WE DO TO USE IT AND WHAT WE PROPOSE. A LOT OF PEOPLE DON'T REALIZE, WE HAVE QUITE A FEW PARKED AREAS AROUND FORT PHANTOM.

THERE'S ACTUALLY FIVE DEVELOPED PARKS, FIVE PARKS THAT ARE TRUE DEDICATED PARKLAND, THAT ARE CURRENTLY AROUND.

CB PARK, AS A LOT OF PEOPLE KNOW, THAT HAS THE MODEL AIRPLANES. JOHNSON PARK IS ONE THAT A LOT OF PEOPLE KNOW. THAT'S WHERE WE ALLOW OVERNIGHT CAMPING FOR UP TO 72 HOURS. REALLY ON THE NORTHEAST PARK, THERE'S A BOAT RAMP THERE. IT'S ABOUT 40 ACRES THAT IS UNDER DEVELOPED. EXCEPT FOR THE BOAT RAMP, IT'S UNDEVELOPED. THERE'S A FEW SMALL PIECES AROUND THE LAKE, THAT WE'VE JUST NOT MAXIMIZED TO WHAT WE CAN TO SUPPORT FORT PHANTOM AND TO SUPPORT THE SURROUNDING AREA.

[03:25:04]

>> LET ME ADD A COUPLE OF COMMENTS.

THE PREVIOUS LAKE FORT PHANTOM PLAN WENT THROUGH MANY YEARS OF DISCUSSION. THIS IS DIFFERENT.

HOW DO WE LEVERAGE THE LAKE TO BE A RECREATIONAL ASSET FOR THE COMMUNITY. THE OTHER THING, PART OF THE SUCCESS OF WHATEVER WE DO IS GOING TO BE ACTIVE AN INTENTIONAL ENGAGEMENT AND INVOLVEMENT OF LAKE ASSOCIATION AND GUN CLUB. WE WANT TO DO THAT, WE WILL ENGAGE ASSOCIATION WITH THE GUN CLUB AND BETTER UNDERSTAND

LEVERAGE THE OPPORTUNITIES. >> I'M SO GLAD YOU SAID THE ASSOCIATION AND THE GUN CLUB. WE CAN GO BACK AND SHOW HISTORY, TO SHOW THAT'S IMPORTANT. I GUESS THE MAJORITY OF THE MONEY SET ASIDE IS FOR CONSULTANT TO LEAD AND GUIDE THE

CONVERSATIONS, EXPERTISE IN THIS >> DOES THIS ALLOW US AN OPPORTUNITY TO LOOK AT THE CITY OR LAND THAT COULD POTENTIALLY SOLD FOR SINGLE FAMILY USE OR IS THIS JUST A RECREATIONAL ASPECT.

>> THE FOCUS, WHEN I MADE SURE WE HAVE LANGUAGE, THAT WE ADDRESSED. THE FOCUS IS REALLY ON REC.

WE HAVE SOME LARGE LOSS OF LAND, WE'RE FINALIZING SURVEYS.

WE WILL BRING TO THE COUNCIL FOR CONSIDERATION.

I WOULD LIKE TO GET THIS PLANNED BEFORE WE DO THAT BECAUSE THE LAKE COMMUNITY, THEY SEE VALUE IN SOME OF THE LARGE LAND FOR

REC, TOO >> AND THE 14 PROPERTIES THIS

PAST YEAR. >> THAT'S CORRECT, SIR

>> I'M -- I PREFER OPTION B. I THINK THE MORE STEAK HOLDER IN INPUT.

>> NUMBER 116, I BELIEVE IT WAS. >> 126.

>> AND I'LL ASK THE QUESTION, YOU COULD SAY WHETHER OR NOT IT'S APPROPRIATE FOR WHAT WE'RE LOOKING AT.

I KNOW ONE THING THAT'S COME UP OVER THE YEARS IS PUBLIC SAFETY RESPONSE TIME AT THE LAKE. I DON'T KNOW IF THAT'S AN ASPECT OF THE RECREATION. YOU SAY YOU'LL BE LOOKING AT OTHER LAKES AROUND THE STATE. A LOT OF THEM ARE NOT INSIDE THE CITY. THE RESPONSE TIME IS NOT GOING TO BE THAT GREAT FOR FIRE OR POLICE OR SHERIFF'S DEPARTMENT, AS APPROPRATE. IT WOULD JUST BE I'M CURIOUS HOW WE COMPARE TO THAT ASPECT OF IMPACT ON THE LAKE COMPARED TO OTHER LAKES, IF WE ARE LOOKING AT OTHER LAKES ANY WAY.

>> ONE OF THE REASONS, WHY WE'RE HERE WITH THE CONCEPT, IS LESLIE AND I WERE TALKING ABOUT, HOW DO WE HAVE A MORE PERMANENT PUBLIC SAFETY, IN THE LAKE? AS IT GROWS, WE WILL LOOK AT PRIVATE DEVELOPMENT, HOUSING OR WHATEVER.

IF WE WILL LOOK TO LEVERAGE AS A RECREATIONAL OPPORTUNITY AS WELL. WE ARE ABLE TO RESPOND IN AN EVENT, SOMETHING HAPPENS. SO ONE OF THE THINGS WE TALKED ABOUT IS THE ESTABLISHMENT OF A MARTIAL OFFICE OR RATHER LAKE PATROL OFFICE THERE. THAT WOULD PROVIDE SOME SORT OF DUTY HUT. YOU HAVE AN OPPORTUNITY TO HAVE AN OVERNIGHT STAY, AS THE OFFICER AND YOU HAVE GOT AN OPPORTUNITY TO HAVE THINGS YOU NEED TO DO YOUR JOB.

A PLACE TO PARK YOUR VEHICLES, PLACE TO STORE YOUR EQUIPMENT, PLACE TO TAKE A SHOWER, LOCKER ROOM FACILITY, THOSE KIND OF THINGS. WE'RE NOT TALKING ABOUT A GINORMOUS. AND OTHER QUESTION, ARE THERE PEOPLE WE CAN PARTNER WITH. THEY ARE HAVING DISCUSSIONS WITH OTHER STATE AGENCIES, THERE'S OPPORTUNITIES, TO HAVE THE FACILITY THAT WILL SERVE AS A SINGLE POINT FOR PEOPLE THAT NEED ACCESS PERMITTING AND LICENSING FOR LAKE OPPORTUNITIES AS WELL. AND TO HAVE A LOCAL OFFICE FOR THE STATE AS WELL. THOSE ARE ONGOING.

TO CHANGE YOUR POINT. THAT'S ONE OF THE DRIVING FORCES WHY WE ARE DISCUSSING THIS. WE NEED TO GET TO THE POINT.

>> THANK YOU. >> ADDITIONAL QUESTIONS FROM COUNCIL? COUNCIL'S CONSENSUS, OPTION B,

IS, WHAT'S THE CONSENSUS? >> MARTY, WE JOKINGLY CALL THIS, MARIE'S MASTER PLAN FOR ROLE DOMINATION.

IT ACTUALLY IS A THOUGHTFUL MARKETING COMMUNICATION PLAN.

I WOULD LIKE HER TO HAVE HER GO THROUGH THAT WITH YOU.

>> >> HELLO ALL RIGHT. COMMUNICATION DIRECTOR.

[03:30:01]

AS YOU SEE HERE, CHANGES IN THE WAY WE COMMUNICATE AND STRUCTURE OF MAINSTREAM MEDIA, CALLS FOR THE COORDINATION OF THE SYSTEM.

ONE THING, I COULD SEE AS WELL, WE HAVE A LOT OF RESOURCES, PERSONNEL AVAILABLE TO DO THAT. IT WAS MATTER HOW TO ORGANIZE OURSELVES. AND WHAT I HAVE HERE IS THE 5 POINTS AND WHERE THE NEED IS COMING FROM.

I'M STARTING OFF, STREAMLINING THE MESSAGING TO THE PUBLIC, A LACK OF AWARENESS AND KNOWLEDGE OF CITY INFORMATION, AS A RESULT OF MORE ISOLATED JOINT PERSONNEL.

IT SOUNDS A LITTLE HARSH. REALLY, THAT'S A PRODUCT OF TIME. IF YOU LOOK AT 20-30 YEARS AGO, WE HAD A PUBLIC OFFICER, THAT CAME ABOUT, THE FUNCTION OF THE PERSON, IS REALLY DIFFERENT THAN WHAT WE NEED TODAY.

MAYBE THAT'S DEALING WITH THE MEDIA, SETTING UP INTERVIEWS AND POPPING OUT THE NEWS RELEASE, YOU NEED TO DO THAT AND GET OUT TO MEDIA AND COORDINATING WITH THEM.

AS WE GET TO 2010, 2012, SOCIAL MED WHERE IS THE THING, WE'RE DEALING WITH, YOU COULD SEE WHERE EACH CITY DEPARTMENT WENT ABOUT ADDRESSING THE NEED, ACQUIRING THE PERSON THEY NEED, TO PUT OUT THE INFORMATION OR PICTURES AND VIDEO AND THAT KIND OF THING AS WELL. DEPARTMENTS WENT ABOUT IN DOING THAT, WITHIN THEIR OWN DEPARTMENTS.

WE'RE IN A WORLD, WHERE WE CAN NO LONGER WORK IN THE ISLANDS, BECAUSE EVERYTHING WE PUT OUT, FEEDS IN THE SAME PLACE AND OUR RESIDENTS, CITIZENS, THEY ARE CONSUMING FROM THE SAME PLACE, WHETHER IT BE ON SOCIAL OR WEBSITE.

THAT SORT OF THING. ALSO, LIKE WE SAID, BETTER UTILIZE RESOURCES AND TALENT, CONNECTING THE INDIVIDUALS TO CREATE COLLABORATIONS AND RESOURCES THAT WE HAVE.

IN THE LAST COUPLE OF YEARS, THERE'S BEEN A COUPLE MORE DEPARTMENTS COMING ON WITH THE NEED FOR A MULTI-MEDIA, SOCIAL MEDIA, P.I.O. PERSON, AND THAT'S WHERE I HAVE BEEN PITCHING MR. HANNAH SINCE THE BEGINNING OF THE IDEAS.

AND IN THE LAST YEAR OR TWO, AS MORE FOLKS WERE COMING FORWARD WITH THE NEED TO ADDRESS SOME OF THIS, IS WHERE I PUSH A LITTLE BIT MORE, COULD I PITCH OUT WHAT WOULD BE A BIGGER STRUCTURE, SO WE'RE NOT DUPLICATING EFFORTS AND EVEN RESOURCES, EVEN IF IT'S GETTING THE CAMERA EQUIPMENTS AND WEBSITES WE CAN USE, WE CAN CONSOLIDATE THAT. AND ALSO, CAPITALIZE ON THE OPPORTUNITY. DWINDLING LOCAL NEWSROOM, UNABLE TO MEET MESSAGING NEEDS, AND PUBLIC EDUCATION, AND SMULT T TAN -- SIMULTANEOUSLY. AND I DON'T SEE THAT TO CAST, FOR COLLEAGUES IN THE NEWS MEDIA.

AND I COULD TALK ABOUT THIS FOR A LONG TIME.

I DON'T THINK IT'S ANY SECRET THE NEWSROOM HAS FAR PERSONNEL AND ARE BEING TASKED TO PUT OUT MORE.

THAT'S REALLY, IT'S LED TO DEGRADATION AND SORT OF JOURNALIST BEAT SYSTEM. THAT'S WHERE 20, 30 YEARS AGO, AS A P.I.O. YOU WOULD FEED INTO THAT.

THERE'S A SPACE, WHERE THROUGH ALL THEIR BEST EFFORTS, IT'S HARD FOR THEM TO COVER AND PUT OUT WHAT THEY HAVE IN THE PAST.

AND, HERE WE GO. MOVING FORWARD.

MEETING COMMUNICATION, RESIDENTS, PUBLIC EXPERT EXPECTS PUBLIC SERVICE TO BE MET EVERYWHERE WE ARE, SO THAT INCLUDES TEXT, MESSENGER AND THEY ALL WANT TO KNOW, THEY ARE CONNECTING WITH A HUMAN. I KNOW ONCE I GET A VOICE MAIL, I'M HITTING ZERO TO GET TO THE PERSON.

YOU WANT TO KNOW, THERE'S A HUMAN ON THE OTHER SIDE.

FINALLY, DEVELOPING THE BRAND, IN THE WORLD, WE'RE IN ONE DIGITAL STAGE, WITH ALL OF ABILENE'S STAKEHOLDERS.

AND NOT ONLY TO THE CITY'S ENTERIES OR -- AND I GO TO THE CITY OF ABILENE, WHAT WE PUT OUT AND WHAT WE DON'T PUT OUT AND THE QUALITY OF THAT SPEAKS LOADS TO WHAT PEOPLE ARE SEEING AND WHAT WE ARE ABLE TO ATTRACT. WE'RE A BIG PART OF THAT.

SO HERE'S A LOOK WHAT I WOULD LIKE TO BUILD.

WITH THAT, WE HAVE THREE EXISTING SITUATIONS, VIDEO GRAPHER AND POSITION, AND PERSON DOING WEBSITE AND SORT OF CALLING THIS A MORE CREATIVE SERVICES, COORDINATOR.

[03:35:05]

AND DOING A LOT OF THE BROADCAST WORK.

THE NEW POSITIONS COMING IN WOULD BE MULTI-MEDIA COORDINATOR AND BUILDING UP ON WHAT WOULD BE A LITTLE ARMY OF MULTI-MEDIA SPECIALIST. AND SO COUNCILMAN MCALISTER, YOU MIGHT LIKEN THIS INTO A NEWSROOM, WHICH IS IN A LOT OF WAYS, WHAT WE'VE DONE. OVER TIME, ASSIGNING THEM TO THE DEPARTMENTS TO MEET THE COMMUNICATION NEED.

WITH THAT, A MUCH MORE EMBEDDED IDEA, THEY LIVE IN THE DEPARTMENTS. THEY HEAR AND BREED THE LANGUAGE AND ARE ABLE TO HAVE DIRECT COMMUNICATION WITH THEM AND WHAT THEY NEED. TO TALK MORE ON WHAT THE NEWER POSITIONS WOULD BE, MULTI-MEDIA COORDINATOR, TO MANAGE THE MULTI-MEDIA CONTENT. ASSIST DIRECTOR AND OVERSEEING THE SPECIALIST AND REVIEWS THE APPROVES CONTENT, MANAGES COMMUNICATION WITH THE PUBLIC ON DIGITAL PLATFORMS. WE'RE IN THE PROCESS OF BRINGING THE PERSON ON BOARD, WHICH I'M REALLY EXSIGHTED ABOUT AND CAN'T WAIT TO INTRODUCE HIM TO YOU.

AS WE WENT ABOUT THAT, EXPLAINING THIS A SOCIAL MEDIA AND PUBLIC INFO MANAGER. SOMEONE WHO WOULD HIRE THE MANAGER. ALSO MEETS A LITTLE BIT OF THE ASSIGNMENT. WHAT ARE YOU WORKING ON? WHAT ARE YOU DOING? GIVING THEM THE GUIDANCE.

MAKING SURE THEIR DOTTING I'S, CROSSING T'S AND COMMUNICATING WITH THE PERSONNEL. AND OPERATOR, THAT THEY ARE SITTING THERE, THEY KNOW THAT PARKS AND REC HAS THIS AND WHILE WE HAVE POLICE POSTING SOMETHING ELSE.

A GOOD EXAMPLE OF THE USE OF THAT, EVEN HERE IN NOVEMBER, WHERE MACHO THE RHINO PASSED AWAY, CLAY AT THE ZOO AND JESSE, WORKED OUT, WORKING WITH THEM ON THE NEWS RELEASE FOR THAT.

IT WAS ABOUT 30 MINUTES BEFORE IT WENT OUT, WE HAVE A VIDEO PROMOTING ADAM ACADEMY. IN THE VIDEO, MACHO VIDEO.

LET'S NOT JUST PUT IT OUT. HAVING THE AWARENESS ON WHAT'S GOING OUT AND KNOWING, COULD BE VERY VALUABLE.

THEN YOU GO TO THE MULTI-MEDIA SPECIALIST.

THEY ARE WORKING TO THE ASSIGNED CONTENTS, TO CREATE THE CONTEMPT, INFORMS, EDUCATES THE PUBLIC AND THEY CAN MOVE TO MORE OF A MARKETING ROLE AS THEY MAY WANT TO BE MORE STRATEGIC IN THEIR MESSAGING OR EDUCATION THEY ARE PUTTING OUT AND BUILDING THAT SORT OF A FULL CAMPAIGN AS THEY DO THAT.

FINALLY, COMMUNICATION COLAB RATERS.

THIS IS ONE, THAT LABELS OUT SOME OF THE EXISTING PEOPLE IN THE ORGANIZATION. I NEED TO MOVE THE SLIDE.

AND THIS IS EXISTING PERSONNEL. AND THEIR WORK IS INTERFACING THAT OF THE DEPARTMENT AND PLATFORMS. WITH THIS MODEL, WHAT WILL HAPPEN, WHEN THE INDIVIDUALS ARE DOING WORK THAT'S, PUBLISHED INTO A CITY COMMUNICATION PLATFORM. THEY ARE FOLLOWING THE PROCEDURES AND DOING SO. THAT'S GOING TO RUN THE GAMIT, KNOWING JILL, THE GRAPHIC DESIGNERS HAVE TO MESSAGING TO HAVING ANOTHER SET OF GRAMMER AND THINGS LIKE THAT THAT WE HAVE TO DO. FINALLY, WORKING THROUGH HERE, RESULT IN THE GOALS, COME PROM MOOIZING CONTENT, DEVELOPED ON A CONSISTENT BASIS, CITY BRANDING, PROMOTED ACROSS THE ORGANIZATION, THAT WE HAVE ACCOUNTABLE WEBSITE AND SOCIAL MEDIA, THE CITY WEBSITE IS THE HOME BASE, ALL CONTENT IS POSTED TO THE WEBSITE FIRST. THAT HAS FULL DETAILS.

RESIDENTS, CUSTOMER SERVICE, EXPECTATIONS ARE MET IN ANY DIGITAL PLATFORM, INCLUDING SOCIAL MEDIA PROFILES.

IT NEEDS TO SERVE AS A HOME BASE.

AND IF YOU SEE SOMETHING ON SOCIAL AND DON'T HAVE ANY DETAILS, YOU COULD GO TO THE WEBSITE AND ALL THE LINKS AND REFERENCES, THAT DOESN'T ALWAYS HAPPEN IN THE CASE.

I DON'T THINK WE'RE A PLACE FOR EVERYONE AND THE COMMUNITY KNOWS TO GO TO THE CITY WEBSITE. YOU HAVE TO BE INTUNED TO KNOW THAT. I WANT THEM TO KNOW THEY CAN

FIND IT THERE. >> AND THE CITY COLLABORATE AND THE PUBLICATION OF NEWS AND INFORMATION.

[03:40:01]

IT DRIVES, IT MAKES SENSE ON A COMMENT THAT HAPPENED IN THE CITY'S PAGE AS WELL. THEN FINALLY MOVING TO COORDINATED COMMUNICATION WITH THE MEDIA, CITY WIDE SYSTEM WITH PROCESS, USED TO COMMUNICATE WITH OUTSIDE MEDIA, THE NEWS ENTITIES AND MEET INFORMATION REQUEST AS QUICKLY AS POSSIBLE.

AND OPTIMALLY -- WHEN WE GO TO BUY EQUIPMENT, EVERYBODY DOESN'T NEED, WHAT THEY CAN AND CAMERA. ISSUE OUT, I FEEL FOR A LOT OF THE VIDEO NEEDS AND THINGS LIKE THAT.

KIND OF ROUNDING IT OUT, KIND OF GET THERE.

I BROKE OUT TO FOUR FACES. HAVING THE EXTRA PERSON IS KEY TO BE ABLE TO WORK THE COMMUNICATION COLLABORATION INTO THE WORKFLOWS AND STEPPES, BEFORE I WOULD LIKE TO BE IN A PLACE, WHERE WE CAN HAVE, REVIEW WHAT'S OUT THERE AND KNOW WHAT'S GOING ON IN OTHER PAGES WITHIN THE CITY.

JUST NOT HAVING THE MANPOWER TO BE ABLE TO MEET THE NEEDS, AS THEY COME TO US. JUST BECAUSE WE KNOW THE INFORMATION, DOESN'T MEAN THE PUBLIC, YOU SHOULD GO TO THE SPECIFIC PAGE. AND IT'S ALSO AS A RESULT OF THE 2010, 2015. EVERYBODY WANTS A FACEBOOK PAGE.

DOES EVERYBODY NEED A FACEBOOK PAGE.

BRINGING THE PERSONNEL IN. AND ALSO, AN IMPORTANT PART, IS COLLABORATION WITH THE COMMUNICATION DEPARTMENT ON JOB POSTINGS AND HIRING PANELS IN THE CITY.

AND IT'S LIKE SH DO I NEED THE POLICE OFFICER IN OUR DEPARTMENT. I WOULD ENGAGE WITH CHIEF DUDLEY. I WOULDN'T KNOW HOW TO HIRE POLICE OFFICER AND GET THEM GOING.

I THINK IT'S A SORT OF RECOMMENDATION, HAVING ONE IN SEVERAL YEARS. THESE PEOPLE ARE WITHIN THE DEPARTMENTS AND THEY CONTINUE TO DO ALL OF THAT.

MANY OF THE PEOPLE, HAVE DUTIES THAT GO BEYOND COMMUNICATIONS.

SO IT'S JUST A MATTER OF CHECKING IN WITH US.

DO YOU NEED HELP ON THE PROJECT. NELLY HAS SOME TIME ON THURSDAY AND THAT KIND OF PROCESS. MOVING FORWARD TO MOVE IN AND ADDING MULTIMEDIA SPECIALIST, FACE BY FACE, AND IN THE BEGINNING, WATER AND PUB WORKS ARE TWO AREAS, THAT HAS SO MUCH CON CONTENT.

AND MOVING DOWN THE LINE, AND GETTING TO A PLACE, WHERE IT POSSIBLY WILL GET EIGHT MULTI-MEDIA SPECIALIST TO WORK WITHIN THE DEPARTMENT. QUESTIONS.

>> ONE OF THE THINGS, AND IT DOES, IS TO ALLOW US TO PHASE IT IN, OVER TIME. DEPENDING ON THE WORKLOAD, MAYBE SOME OF THE MULTI-MEDIA SPECIALIST. AND IT MAY NOT BE MORE PEOPLE; RIGHT? PHASE ONE IS FUNDED. WE ARE THERE.

PHASE 2, PHASE 3-4, THEY CAN BE ADJUSTED OVERTIME.

WHAT I WANT COUNCIL TO SEE IS THE VISION OF THE PLAN, BECAUSE I BELIEVE OVER THE LAST EIGHT YEARS, THEY'VE BEEN COMPETENT TO PUT TOGETHER A COMMUNICATION TEAM.

AND I FINALLY SAY, LET'S COUNCIL SEE THE PLAN.

PHASE ONE IS FUNDED. PHASE 2, 3, 4, DON'T HAVE TO

COME IN SEQUENTIAL YEARS. >> I THINK WE'VE HAD OTHER QUALIFIED LEADERS IN YOUR WORLD, SIMILAR ROW.

[03:45:05]

I DO THINK, THAT. >> ONE THING I WOULD SAY, AND I DON'T HAVE A GOOD WAY TO GAUGE BAND WIDTH, TO QUANTIFY THAT.

AND SO, THIS IS JUST MY OBSERVATION.

YOU KNOW, WE HAVE DEPARTMENTS THAT DO WHAT YOU DO IN A SMALLER SCALE. AND I'M THINKING, EVERYTHING IS APPLICABLE TO THE PRIVATE SECTOR.

THIS COUNCIL IS POSSIBLY GOING TO ASSESS RECOMMENDATION, AND I'M SENSITIVE, I KNOW WHAT THAT MEANS AND BECAUSE YOU MENTIONED, JUST BEING PART OF THE, THE HIRING CONVERSATION, ONCE -- AND, IS THERE SOME WISDOM IN MORE OF A CENTRALIZED WAY TO THE WAY, WE MASK THE DIGITAL SPACE.

I DON'T KNOW IF WE'RE COMMUNICATING WELL.

WE HAVE, LIKE IN SOCIAL MEDIA, WE HAVE EVERY DEPARTMENT, HAS THEIR OWN SOCIAL MEDIA PAGE. FOR A CONSUMER, I WANT IT TO BE IN ONE SPOT. MAYBE THAT'S NOT POSSIBLE BECAUSE ALL OF THE VOLUME. THAT'S NOT MY -- AND I KNOW, AS A CITIZEN, I WOULD BE ASKING THOSE QUESTIONS IN REGARDS TO, IS A BETTER MODEL OUT THERE, THAT ALLOWS US TO STILL BE ABLE TO MEET THE MODERN EXPECTATION. BECAUSE I THINK YOU AND DIRECTOR HERMAN, DURING COVID-19, PHENOMENAL, IN REGARDS TO -- FROM A CITIZENS PERSPECTIVE, TO SEE THE MULTIPLE PAGES FROM MULTIPLE DEPARTMENTS. HOW DO YOU DEAL WITH THAT?

>> THIS IS. >> THIS MULTI-MEDIA COORDINATOR, THAT WE'VE HIRED, IS GOING TO HELP STITCH ALL THIS OF BACK TOGETHER. WE HAD A VERY DIFFUSED MODEL.

EVERYBODY HAD A PAGE EVERYBODY IS DOING THEIR OWN THING. WE HAVE AT THE HAVE A MORE CONTROLLED AND MANAGED RESPONSE. PHASE ONE --

>> THE MESSAGE. >> THE MORE COMMON THE MESSAGING. PHASE ONE, THE INTENT IS STARTING TO ESTABLISH THAT. PHASE 2 TAKES IT ONE MORE FURTHER. I DO THINK, YOU ARE SPOT ON.

I THINK THE PLAN ADDRESSES THE VERY THING.

YOU'LL SEE THAT HAPPENING IN THE IMPLEMENTATION OF PHASE ONE.

>> SO MUCH OF THE DARN ALGORITHM CHANGING BEFORE, YOU COULD CREATE THE PAGES.

IT'S NOT HAPPENING THAT WAY ANYMORE.

THERE'S A BETTER CHANCE OF PEOPLE SEEING THINGS.

WITH THE MULTIMEDIA COORDINATOR, THEY ARE A PERSON THAT COULD GET INTO THE ANALYTICS AS THEY CHANGE TO, ALGORITHM, FAIRLY OFTEN. WE NEED TO CHANGE THINGS THAT

WAY AND BE MORE RESPONSIVE. >> HOW DO YOU SEE THIS AFFECTING OR NOT AFFECTING EMERGENCY COMMUNICATIONS IN TERMS OF LATITUDE TO COMMUNICATE ON YOUR OWN?

>> THAT'S A GREAT POINT. WE'VE BEEN CAREFUL TO MAKE SURE THEY HAVE THE AUTONOMY TO COMMUNICATE ON THEIR OWN WE WANT TO MAKE SURE TO ASSIST AND ELEVATE THE MESSAGE AS WELL.

IS THAT FAIR >> WE USE A PLATFORM RIGHT NOW: IN THE GIPPING, I WAS TOYING WITH THE IDEA.

FOR EXAMPLE, TAKING PD, FOR EXAMPLE, AS YOU HAD TO LOOK OUT AS SUSPECT ON THE LOOSE. I'VE MOVED TO TAKING AWAY APPROVAL. IF EVERYONE IS MOVING WITH THE SYSTEM, MULTIMEDIA, COULD MOVE, OH, PD PUT THIS THING OUT.

ALSO, MAYBE I WILL GIVE RICK A CALL.

DOES HE NEED ANYTHING? COULD HE HELP OUT.

WE'RE NOT GETTING AWAY IN THE KIND OF COMMUNICATION.

ALSO, MOVING TO A PLACE, THERE'S GREATER AWARENESS, OH, THEY ARE WORKING ON IT RIGHT NOW. UNLESS ANOTHER PO PINGED ME, AND

[03:50:02]

>> WHEN WE ARRIVED TO ABILENE, WE HAD A SILOED ORGANIZATION.

WE NEVER TALKED TO ONE ANOTHER. THE BEST EXAMPLE, WHEN I FIRST HAD MY FIRST DIRECTOR'S MEETING, I DID A ROUND ROBIN I HAD EVERY DIRECTOR GOING ON IN THE DEPARTMENTS, THAT NEVER HAPPENED BEFORE. CONSISTENTLY EVERY YEAR, BREAKING DOWN THE SILOS FURTHER. THAT WILL SUBMIT THE FINAL SLEDGE HAMMERS. AND AT THE SAME TIME, THERE ARE DEPARTMENTS, THAT HAVE CRITICAL MESSAGING NEEDS, AND THEY NEED TO GET IT OUT. THE PUBLIC WILL RESPOND MORE TO A MESSAGE FROM APD THAN THEY MAY RESPOND TO THE CITY OF ABILENE WE HAVE TO BE ABLE TO ELEVATE THAT, AND TO DO BOTH.

. >> RESIDENTSIAL FIRE AND AVOID THE 1200 BLOCK, MESSAGES, TIME CRITICAL, AND WE HAVE TO GET OUT. AND WE STILL --

>> AND I'LL BRAG ON. AND EMERGENCY REPAIRS HAD TO BE DONE. AND I GOT MESSAGED OUT IMMEDIATELY. HISTORICALLY MAY NOT HAPPEN LIKE THAT. .

>> I LOVE THE PLAN. AND I THINK, AS I SEE IT.

I SEE INCREDIBLE BEAUTIFUL PARTNERSHIPS WITH INTERNSHIPS AND UNIVERSITIES AND THINGS LIKE THAT.

I DO THINK THAT HAVING CENTRALIZED WAY OF MESSAGING IS TREMENDOUS. .

>> AND EVEN THOUGH IT'S BEEN A WH WHILE. SEVERAL YEARS AGO, IN A CONFERENCE, IT WAS DESIGNED FOR SMALL CITIES, THAT DON'T HAVE A PUBLIC RELATION OFFICER. AND ONE OF THE THINGS, WE NEED TO STILL TALK ABOUT, NEWS ROOMS, BARE BONES, YOU KNOW.

ONE OF THE THINGS, WE NEED TO JUMP ON, CONTROLLING THE NARRATIVE, MEANING THAT WE HAVE, TO HAVE THE SOUND BITES OR B.O.B.'S READY TO GO. WITH TECHNOLOGY THAT, YOU KNOW, THEY DON'T NEED TO BRING A CAMERA HERE ANY MORE.

IF WE CAN RECORD SOMETHING, 30 SECOND SOUND BITE, THEY CAN PUT IT IN THE NEWSCAST, IF WE PROVIDE THEM CONTENT, IF WE CAN PROVIDE THEM CONTENT, AND I KNOW THEY HAVE, TO SIT MR. HANNAH DOWN AND LESLIE, OKAY. MR. HANNAH, WE'RE GOING TO BE TALKING A COUPLE MONTHS BEFORE THIS.

THAT'S JUST THERE IN THE INTERNET, IN THE CLOUD WHATEVER AND PACK IT, IN SUCH A WAY, STATIONS ARE GOING DOWN.

AND IT ALLOWS US THE OPPORTUNITY TO CONTROL THE NARRATIVE, THAT WE ARE PROACTIVE. I THINK -- I APPRECIATE THIS WAY, TO PROVIDE SOME GUIDANCE, IF YOU WILL TO OUR MEDIA PARTNERS AND PROVIDE THE CONTENT, AND THAT ALSO EDUCATES THEM. THEN, THEY ARE UNDERSTANDING

THINGS ON THE FRONT END. >> AND, I THINK, TOO, THAT YOU CONTROL THE NARRATIVE, IT TRANSLATES INTO, AND JUST MAKING SURE INFORMATION IS ACCURATE; RIGHT? .

>> AND CONTROLLING THE NARRATIVE, IS LIMITED CANNOTATION AND I APOLOGIZE. I'M THINKING THAT'S NOT THE RIGHT THING. MAKING SURE, IF AN ORGANIZATION, HEARS SOMETHING, IF WE HAVE INFORMATION THEY CAN PULL.

WE HAVE THE FACTS IN THE FRONT END.

THE FACTS ARE DOWN HERE. IF WE CAN GET THE FACTS UP FRONT, AND SO I APOLOGIZE, NOT THE CORRECT MEANING OF THAT.

>> AND JUST LIKE YOU'RE SAYING, THERE'S NOT THE SUPPORT SYSTEM WITHIN, THE ORGANIZATION. THEY DON'T HAVE THE PERSONNEL.

I WOULD BE SAT DOWN WITH. THAT'S THE BACKGROUND

[03:55:05]

OF JUST FACTS. >> I WAS GOING TO MAKE A COUPLE COMMENTS. ONE, I SAID THIS, I GET MORE STRONGLY ABOUT THE DCOA. THE PROCESS AS WELL.

IT'S IMPORTANT THAT WE ARE TELLING THE STORY AND THIS PLAN PROVIDES A WAY TO BE CONSISTENT AND A WAY TO TELL THE STORY.

BRANDING AND EVERYTHING, AS THINGS FRAGMENT IN THE MEDIA.

AND YOU DON'T HAVE TV STATIONS AND -- YOU HAVE COUNTLESS INTERNET CHANNELS BUNCH OF TV CHANNELS AND EVERYTHING.

OTHER THING, WHEN I FIRST LOOKED AT THIS, WHEN I THAT BACK IN 2009 AND WE WERE CUTTING THINGS AND I COULD SEE THIS BEING IS THIS FAT TO BE TRIMMED OR IS THIS A CRITICAL ASPECT TO CONDUCT OUR BUSINESS. I WOULD ENCOURAGE US, AS WE DEVELOP THE JOB DESCRIPTIONS AND FUNCTIONS THAT ARE FULFILLED BY THE ROLES, THAT THEY ARE INT INTEGRAL WITH THE OPERATION AND SUCCESS WITHIN THE DEPARTMENTS. THAT IS A POINT I WANTED TO MAKE. .

>> IT'S A GREAT POINT. AND TRANSPARENCY COST MONEY.

WE HAVE AN OBLIGATION TO BE TRANSPARENT.

IT'S ONE OF THE THINGS, WE GET ACCUSED OF, NOT BEING TRANSPARENT. THIS HELPS US GET THE INFORMATION, IN THE HANDS OF THE PEOPLE.

THAT'S IMPORTANT. >> TO YOUR POINT, MAYOR, WITH REGARD TO THE VARIOUS CHANNELS, HAVING ALTOGETHER AND THERE'S TOO MUCH IN ONE PLACE. I DON'T KNOW IF THERE'S AWAY TO HAVE FEEDS OR SOMETHING. YOU COULD, YOU COULD GO ON WINDOWS. YOU COULD SAY, I'M INTERESTED IN SPORTS OR I'M INTERESTED IN THIS PARTICULAR TEAM OR WHATEVER.

AND TO PROVIDE THAT TYPE OF FOCUS.

YOU GO TO WEB PAGE AND THE FIRST THING YOU SEE, WATER DEPARTMENT STUFF. THAT'S WHAT YOU ARE INTO.

>> I SEE THE POINT. .

>> I DON'T KNOW IF THAT'S AVAILABLE IN THE WEBSITE.

WHEN YOU SIGN UP FOR AN ACCOUNT IN THE WEBSITE, TO RECEIVE INFORMATION, COULD BE SENT THROUGH A TEXT MESSAGE, SENT THROUGH AN E-MAIL. IT GOES TO A SOCIAL MEDIA DISTRIBUTION TOO, DEPENDING ON WHAT YOU SET OUT.

LIKE AGENDAS, FINANCIAL STUFF OR PARKS AND REC AND PUBLIC SAFETY.

SO YOU DO HAVE THE ABILITY TO DO THAT.

IF YOU COULD FINE TUNE THAT, THAT'S GOOD FEEDBACK.

WE CAN LOOK AT THAT FOR SURE.

>>. >> I'M CURIOUS TO KNOW, BECAUSE -- DO YOU HAVE A ROUGH ESTIMATE TO THE PUBLIC.

>> I DON'T HAVE -- IN THE LAST YEAR, WE WENT AHEAD AND UPPED OUR ABILITY TO SEND OUT A TEXT PER 1,000.

I COULD GET YOU THAT.

>>. >> DO HAVE ANYTHING BY TELETYPE.

>> AND YOU KNOW, THE NEXT ISSUE WE'LL TALK ABOUT, YOU KNOW, I'M FROM ABILENE. NORTH AND SOUTH IS VERBIAGE, FROM A NUMBER OF DIFFERENT THINGS.

ABILENE HIGH AND THE OTHERS, LYNNE AND IN SHANE.

COOPER AND WILEY RESPECTIVE MUCH WE USE NORTH AND SOUTH AN AWFUL LOT. I APPRECIATE COUNCIL MEMBER MCALISTER BRING IT FORTH. WE ALL THOUGHT ABOUT IT.

A LOT HAS HAPPENED IN THE LAST 60 YEARS, IN REGARDS TO HOW WE AND THIS IS A CONVERSATIONAL PIECE ONLY, PROVIDE AN OPPORTUNITY FOR US TO HAVE DIALOGUE NOW.

[04:00:01]

>> THIS IS ON THIS DISCUSSION, BECAUSE COUNCIL MEMBER MCALISTER ASKED FOR IT TO BE ON HERE. I DON'T HAVE ANY INFORMATION ON THIS, BECAUSE WE NEVER TALKED ABOUT IT.

IT'S 100 PERCENT POLICY DRIVEN. THERE'S NO, I MEAN, I COULD GIVE YOU FACTS AND FIGURES, ONCE YOU KNOW -- WE HAVE THE ABILITY TO HAVE THE POLICY FIRST. I KIND OF BLEW IT OUT, SO PEOPLE COULD SEE THE ENTIRE COUNTY OPTIONS.

IT IS A LARGE CITY. WE COME FROM A LARGE FOOTPRINT.

WHEN I DID THE NORTH, SOUTH, DIVISION LINE AND DROPPED A RULER, TO THE SOUTH OF THE CITY LIMITS, BY MASS, NOT NECESSARILY BY THE TOTAL FIGURE OF THE LAKE, YOU HAVE ABOUT A 2 1/2 MILE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN, BY THE TIME YOU GOT TO THE SOUTHERN END TO THE TIME WE GOT TO THE MOST OF THE MASSES OF NORTHERN END.

GEOGRAPHICALLY THERE'S A DIFFERENCE BETWEEN THE MAIL LINE. MAYOR, IT'S A POLICY DISCUSSION HERE. .

>> I THINK, THAT WE HAVE SO MUCH OF THE POPULATION SOUTH OF THE RAILROAD TRACKS, THAT IT WOULD BE, I THINK MORE EQUITABLE FOR THE CITIZENS AND FOR THOSE WANTING TO RUN FOR OFFICE.

AND THAT'S THE MAIN THING. YOU HAVE TO LIVE NORTH OF THE TRACKS AND SOUTH OF THE TRACKS. I WANTED US TO START LOOKING AT THIS. WE HAVE NO IDEA HOW THE LINE WILL BE. IT COULD BE SOUTH 14.

FROM A LEGAL STAND POINT, IF THIS IS SOMETHING WE WANT TO STUDY NOW, ANY LINE WE MAKE, DO WE WANT TO PRESENT THAT TO ANYBODY, TO MAKE SURE IT'S EQUITABLE.

IT'S A GEOGRAPHICAL LINE. >> I'M NOT LOOKING, THE LINE IS IN THE CHARTER. SO THAT WOULD BE --

>> I KNOW WE HAVE TO HAVE A CHARTER.

>> I THINK THAT'S A GREAT POINT OF THE DISCUSSION.

I THINK WE NEED TO GATHER QUESTIONS AND HAVE FURTHER

DISCUSSESES. >> THE LAF TIME I SAY THIS.

IF YOU LOOK AT SOUTH 14TH. THAT MOSTLY DIVIDES THE POPULATION OF THE CITY. THAT WAS THREE YEARS AGO.

IF SOUTH 14TH WAS THE BORDER. TO BE CLEAR, ANYTHING THAT WILL CHANGE, IN REGARDS TO THE IDENTIFIED BORDER, WITHIN THE CHARTER ELECTION, WITHIN THE CHARTER.

AND THE CITIZENS OF COMMUNITY, THERE MAY BE IDEAS AND OPINION ON THE DIE AS. THE COMMUNITY WOULD VOTE TO CHANGE THAT. CERTAINLY DURING THE INTERIM, THERE COULD BE, ADDITION AL CONVERSATIONS ON THE LEGALITY.

THE CALL IS TO HAVE AN OPPORTUNITY TO HAVE THE CONVERSATION. WE DON'T TALK ABOUT THIS.

THIS IS JUST A WAY TO HAVE SOME DIALOGUE ABOUT THE SUBJECT MATTER. .

>> JUST FOR BENEFIT, THAT MAY NOT UNDERSTAND THE POINTS OF CONSTRUCTION. THE CHARTER ESTABLISHES, RESIDENCY, THREE HAVE TO LIVE NORTH OF THE RAILROAD TRACKS.

THREE HAVE TO LIVE SOUTH, THE MAYOR IS AT LARGE.

THE BOUNDARY WAS ESTABLISHED IN 6 62: THINK OF THE POPULATION AND DEMOGRAPHICS SHIFTS OF THE CITY, IN THE LAST 61 YEARS. MY QUESTION, NORTH, EAST WESTBOUNDRY. I THINK WE HAVE A GOOD SYSTEM OF

GOVERNMENT. >> SOUTHBOUNDRY.

>> NORTH SOUTHBOUND, WITH RESIDENCY REQUIREMENTS.

WE REPRESENT THE ENTIRE POPULATION.

PEOPLE WHO LIVE IN THE NORTH SIDE, MEMBERS WHO LIVE IN THE

[04:05:01]

I THINK SINGLE MEMBER DISTRICTS ARE CURIOUS WITH OUR SIDE.

WHAT'S CURIOUS, WHAT QUESTIONS DO WE HAVE? I WOULD LIKE TO KNOW, WHERE THE LINE IS.

THERE'S SO MANY DIFFERENT WAYS TO GAUGE POPULATION AND RESIDENCY NOW BY DRAWING BOXES ON A MAP TO SEE HOW MANY PEOPLE LIVE IN ONE AREA, HOW MANY PEOPLE LIVE IN ANOTHER AREA.

I WOULD LIKE TO KNOW WHERE THAT IS? IS IT 14TH, IS IT 7TH? I HAVE NO IDEA.

>> I'M NOT ASKING THAT WE CHANGE, THE NORTH SIDE, GETS TO VOTE ON THE NORTH SIDE. I LIKE THE SYSTEM.

WE COULD VOTE ON THEM. >> AND BECAUSE HOW WE'RE SET UP, I HAVE TO CARE ON WHAT HAPPENS AT THE PARK; RIGHT? PEOPLE VOTE FOR ME, LIKE SOMEONE WOULD LIVES IN THE SOUTH SIDE.

I THINK WE SHOULD STAY THAT WAY? >> I THINK THERE MAY BE AN OPPORTUNITY, WE'LL BREAK IT DOWN.

QUESTIONS, BY ZIP CODES. THIS ZIP CODE, THIS ZIP CODE, IS ONE NORTH SIDE IS THE ZIP CODE.

I DON'T KNOW. WHAT'S THE BEST WAY TO MAKE IT,

AS -- >> LET ME ASK SOME QUESTIONS.

TO COUNCIL MEMBER'S POINT, WHERE IS THE LINE? THE GEOGRAPHIC CENTER, REALLY ALMOST IS SOUTH 14TH.

BUT IF THE INTENT IS TO CAPTURE AN EQUAL AMOUNT OF CITIZENS ON OERT -- EITHER SIDE OF THE LINE, IT MAY BE A GOOD EXERCISE TO COUNT DWELLING UNITS, THAT WAY YOU COULD CAPTURE APARTMENTS AND SINGLE FAMILY HOMES. WE CAN COUNT THAT WITH OUR PROCESSES. COME BACK WITH ADDITIONAL TO COUNCIL YOU COULD LOOK AT RESIDENTIAL WATER METERS. WE HAVE A COUPLE OF OPPORTUNITIES THAT WE CAN BRING WHERE DATA, TO COUNCIL TO HAVE A MORE INFORMED DISCUSSION. .

>> I THINK THERE'S SOME WISDOM BECAUSE WE'RE LIMITED ON WHAT PARAMETERS ARE, TO PROVIDE DIFFERENT VARIABLES FOR THE COUNCIL TO CONSIDER. STANLEY, IF YOU WOULD LOOK AT THE LEGALITIES AROUND SUCH AND BRING THAT BACK AND SOME TIME THIS SUMMER, WHEN DONNA AND I ARE DRINKING A COLD BEVERAGE.

>> AND ALL WE CAN LOOK, LOOKING AT THE IDEA.

>> GOING TO THE VOTE. THE ABILENE COMMUNITY WILL

DECIDE. >> I BROKE THIS UP EVERY YEAR, I SERVED ON THE COUNCIL. THIS NEEDS TO HAPPEN.

>> WE'VE DONE AGE -- >> HURTS A LITTLE BIT.

. >> INFIELD, COCOMPLIANCE.

THIS IS REQUESTED BY COUNCIL, TO CONTINUE THE DISCUSSIONS WE'VE HAD HISTORICALLY ON THIS. THIS IS AN IMAGE ON THE SEARS NEIGHBORHOOD. THE HATCHED AREA IS THE FLOOD PLAIN AND FLOOD WAY. WHICH YOU WILL SEE, ONE OF THE BIGGEST DIFFERENCE IS BETWEEN SEARS AND CARVER, SEARS HAS A LOT OF FLOOD PLAIN THAT IMPACTS THE ABILITY TO DO THINGS.

ORANGE ARE OCCUPIED LOTS. GREEN IS NO STRUCTURE.

YOU COULD SEE THE SMALLER RECTANGULARS AND SINGLE RESIDENTIAL LOTS, WHICH DON'T HAVE A BUILDING ON THEM.

THERE'S 184 VACANT LOTS IN THE SEARS NEIGHBORHOOD.

THERE'S EIGHT STRUCTURES THAT WE BELIEVE MEET THE -- DILAPIDATED, WE CAN LOOK AT FURTHER OPPORTUNITIES FOR BOARD OF BUILDING ACTION, POTENTIALLY, IF THE OWNER CANNOT AND WILL NOT GET THE PROPERTY UP TO REUSABLE STRUCTURE.

COUPLE OF TOOLS WE HAVE TOWARDS US, AND I'LL SHOW CARVER IN A SECOND. MINIMUM PROPERTY CODE THAT COUNCIL JUST ADOPTED. TO ALOY STAFF TO IDENTIFY THOSE BUILDINGS BEFORE THEY GET TO A CONDEMNATION STATE, THEY CAN

[04:10:01]

IN OUR TARGET AREAS, AND MAKE SURE THEY HAVE THE OPPORTUNITY TO MAKE SURE. AND THERE ARE THOSE, ON THE PRESCRIPTIONS, AND THEY ARE FIXING THIS OFF AND WE HAVE FUNDS THAT COULD HELP PEOPLE.

WE WANT TO MAKE SURE WE USE THEM FOR THE PURPOSES.

AND THE MAJOR ISSUE IS TO DO JUST THAT.

TO SIT DOWN WITH THE FOLKS INVOLVED, TO LOOK AT OTHER OPTIONS AND TO HELP THEM IDENTIFY FUNDING OPPORTUNITIES TO MAKE THOSE REPAIRS. ON THE CARVER NEIGHBORHOOD SIDE, YOU WILL SEE, IN FACT, I DON'T SEE ANY.

MAYBE JUST A TAD BIT ON THE NORTH.

ON THE FLOOD PLAIN AREA. YOU WILL SEE 210 VACANT LOTS AND 17 DILAPIDATED STRUCTURES. WE'RE GOING TO GO THROUGH THE PROCESS AND CORRECT OPPORTUNITIES THERE.

SOME DISCUSSIONS HAS BEEN HAD ABOUT COMMUNITY LAND BANK THAT COULD BE AFFORDABLE HOUSING OPPORTUNITIES FOR FOLKS.

WE CAN EXPLORE THAT IN AN INTENTIONAL WAY.

THERE'S LARGER DISCUSSIONS ON THE OPPORTUNITY.

THEY HAVE NOT GROWN LEGS JUST YET.

THOSE ARE DISCUSSION US POINTS. AND COUNCIL HAS APPROVED.

ADDITIONAL OFFICERS, WITH THE FISCAL 23 BUDGET.

THOSE ARE IDENTIFIED AND USED AS PART OF THE PROPERTY STANDARDS PROGRAM AND INFIELD PROGRAM. COUNCIL MEMBER HURT, DO YOU HAVE QUESTIONS YOU WANT TO ASK SPECIFICALLY

>> I BELIEVE THIS IS A CHANGE IN ENVIRONMENT CULTURE THE WAY THEY HANDLED THESE. THAT WE HAVE COMMUNICATIONS WITH ALL OF OUR BOARDS, SO THAT WE ARE ALL WORKING IN THE SAME DIRECTION. WHEN WE TALK ABOUT INFIELD DEVEL DEVELOPMENT.

WHEN WE'RE REALLY WANTING TO STRUCK SUR SOME AFFORDABLE SINGLE FAMILY HOMES FOR THE AREAS, I THINK, AND WE HAVE TALKED ABOUT IT SOME INCENTIVES FOR HOME BUILDERS AND ET CETERA.

AND ALL THE LOTS, CITY OWNED OR PRIVATELY OWNED?

>> I BELIEVE MOST ARE PRIVATELY OWNED.

THE CITY, MOST OF THE LOTS, RESIDENTIAL CHARACTER ARE IN THE FLOOD PLAINS. WE OWN THEM BECAUSE THEY ARE NOT

DEVELOPABLE. >> SINCE IT IS BUDGET, I WANT TO MAKE SURE, WE HAVE ENOUGH CODE OFFICERS TO GO FORWARD WITH THIS. .

>> I BELIEVE WE DO. IT IS IN LARGE PART TO ASSIST WITH THE PROGRAM. I HEAR WHAT YOU'RE SAYING.

AFTER TALKING TO THE STAFF OF THE BUDGET PROCESS, THEY BELIEVE IT EVEN MORE. I'LL MAKE SURE THEY BRING THE

OPPORTUNITIES TO COUNCIL. >> ABSOLUTELY.

. >> COUNCIL IDENTIFIED, WILL BE THE AUTHORITY. IT WAS MAYOR BALL IN 1999, THAT CONDUCTED THE ACE STUDY. AT THE SAME TIME, THERE WERE 320 ACRES IN THE VACANT LOT IN THE CORE OF THE CITY THE DEAL, HOW COULD WE INCENTIVIZE.

YOU CREATE A GREAT OPPORTUNITY FOR RESOURCE FOR THE COUNCIL TO ADDRESS THE ISSUES. I HOPE THAT CONTINUES.

I CAUTION IN REGARDS TO THE LAND BANK MODEL, MODERN STANDING, THE LAND BAKE MODEL, THAT THE CITY COULD COLLECT THE PARCELS OF LAND. I THINK INCENTIVIZING, AND OTHER INCENTIVES FOR THE PRIVATE SECTOR, WILL YIELD BETTER BENEFITS THAN GOING DOWN THE LAND BANK MODEL.

I THINK THERE'S TREMENDOUS OPPORTUNITIES.

AND SINCE WE'RE HERE, ANY COUNCIL MEMBER AT ANYTIME, COULD ADD AGENDA ITEM. I THINK THE LAST TWO EXAMPLES, FROM COUNCIL MEMBER, MCALISTER AND HURT, MADE A PHONE CALL NOT TO MAYOR. THAT'S HOW ANY AGENDA ITEM COULD BE ADDED TO COUNCIL MEMBER. WE WANT TO BE SURE THAT'S COMMUNICATED CLEARLY IN THAT REGARDS.

QUESTIONS FOR THE COUNCIL? >> I HAD ALSO ASKED FOR THIS

[04:15:01]

THERE'S LESSONS LEARNED, THINGS THAT WORKED AND THINGS THAT THEY WOULD HAVE DONE DIFFERENT. ONE IDEA, WE CAN CONSIDERING, ASSISTANCE FOR DEMOLITION, WHERE THE STRUCTURE IS NO LONGER SAFE.

SOMEONE WOULD COME IN, 380 OR SOMETHING, TO WHERE WE'RE NOT INCUMBENTING AS A LAND BANK. THERE'S WAYS TO MAKE THEM MORE APPEALING TO DEVELOPERS. I WANT TO SEE THIS, CONTINUE TO BRAINSTORM AND TAKE ACTIONS THAT HELP ADDRESS AND FILL.

>> WE COULD BRING YOU MORE ELEMENTS OF THE DENISSON PLAN.

YOU SAW THE HUGE IMPACT MADE IN THE COMMUNITY.

IT WAS NOT GENDERIZATION. IT WAS QUALITY HOMES THAT DENISONIANS CHOSE TO LIVE IN, AND WE PARTNERED WITH THE PRIVATE SECTOR. AND PART OF THAT IS GIVING THE FOUNDATION, WHERE WE'RE PREPARED TO START DOING THAT AND WE'RE ALMOST THERE. DENNISON WAS THE SIZE OF ABILENE. WE'RE MAKING GOOD HEADWAY.

I THINK THE TOOLS WE HAVE IN PLACE, AND IN THE DEVELOPMENT SIDE, IS EXACTLY THE TOOLS WE NEED TO ADDRESS THAT.

HOUSING IS SOMETHING THAT'S 100 PERCENT MARKET DRIVEN.

MY E-MAIL WITH YOU, THE BIG CONCERN RIGHT NOW, AS INTEREST RATES GO UP, LET IT COME DOWN A LITTLE BIT, AS THEY GO UP, YOU DISPLACE A PERSON'S ABILITY TO BUY A HOME.

IF YOU'RE LOOKING FOR AN AFFORDABLE HOME, THE PURCHASING POWERS IS ALREADY LESS THAN WHAT IT MAY BE TO BUY A HOME, THAT OTHERS MAY BE ABLE TO AFFORD. THE PROGRAMS, TO CREATE A PRIVATE STRUCTURE, IN A PRICE, THAT'S AFFORDABLE, TAKING IN THE DIFFERENT VARIABLES, FINANCING, DOWN PAYMENTS, COST OF PRODUCTION, LAND COSTS AND ALL OF THOSE THINGS YOU COULD LOOK AT THAT AND MAY BE LOOKING AT THAT.

>> ONE THING WITH THE DENNISON MODEL THAT I HAD COMMENTED ON WHEN WE WERE THERE, AS WE DROVE AROUND, YOU COULD TELL, THEY HAVE NOT BEEN PUTTING MONEY IN THEIR STREETS.

I DON'T WANT TO TACKLE THIS TO OTHER DETRIMENTAL AS A CITY.

I DON'T WANT TO RUSH IN AND MAKE MIS MISTAKES. I'M DEFINITELY LOOKING FOR THE PERFECT, WHEN WE CAN REACH GOOD. .

>> IF YOU DRIVE AROUND OTHER COMMUNITIES IN TEXAS, ABILENE STREETS IS NOT AS WHAT PEOPLE THINK THEY ARE.

I COULD TAKE YOU TO OTHER PLACES.

>> AND ROBINSON LOVE, AND HE'S THE ARCHITECT OF THE DENNISON MODEL. YOU MENTIONED STREETS AND THAT

WOULD BE GOOD. >> COUPLE OF THINGS, IN REGARDS TO THE -- SO THE LAY PERSONS COMMUNITY KNOWS WHAT WE'RE TALKING ABOUT, BECAUSE OF INFIELD DEVELOPMENT.

SAN ANGELO IS A GOOD JOB. WE MET WITH THE HOMEBUILDER A COUPLE OF YEARS ABOUT THAT. YOU LOWED THE DEVELOPMENT.

YOU'RE INCENTIVIZING, THE HOMEBUILDER TO LOWER HIS COSTS.

THEY CAN BE A NUMBER OF DIFFERENT THINGS.

FOR THAT TO OCCUR, IN ANY SORT OF MASK, YOU HAVE TO ENCOURAGE T THAT.

FOR THE CITY TO HANDLE THE PROPERTY HERE THAN OUT HERE.

AND SOUTH SIDE EROSION. LOOKING FOR A GIVING INCENTIVES AND IT MAY BE JUST DOLLARS IN MANY DIFFERENT WAYS, COULD DO IT UP FRONT LATER ON: INCENTIVI INCENTIVIZING, AND SECOND, HAVING A LENDER IN THE COMMUNITY THAT PROVIDES MORE FLEXIBILITY FOR FINANCING FOR THE HOMEBUILDER.

THAT'S WHAT YOU HAD IN DENISSON AND THAT PROVIDES THE INCENTIVE FOR THE BUILDER TO MOVE. AND I THINK WE WILL MOVE THE

[04:20:01]

INVEST IN THE CORE OF THE CITY >> WE HAVE FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS WILLING TO THE EDUCATION.

ESPECIALLY, SOME MAY BE FIRST-TIME HOME BUYERS, HOW TO PLAN AHEAD, WHEN THEY ARE BUYING A HOME, THE COSTS THAT WILL BE OCCURRED. WE HAVE FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS

THAT ARE WILLING TO HELP, TOO >> AND I'VE HAD AT LEAST ONE DISCUSSION, WITH A LARGE LOCAL BANK WHO IS INTERESTED IN REACHING OUT TO AN ENVIRONMENT TO HELP MORE PEOPLE TO HOMES.

WHAT'S COMMONLY KNOWN, FUTURE PREDICTION OF WEALTH IS HOME OWNERSHIP. IT'S A BEDROCK OF THE AMERICAN DREAM. AND IT'S PEOPLE HAVE ATTACKED IT. RIGHTLY SO.

IT MAY NOT BE FOR EVERYBODY. THERE'S STILL A FUNDAMENTAL TRUTH TO IT. .

>> WE CAN PUT OUR GENERAL FUNDS IN THERE FOR FIRST-TIME HOME BUYERS, THAT WILL MAKE IT EASIER TO ACQUIRE HOMES, TOO.

ANYTHING ELSE IN THAT REGARD. >> THAT CONCLUDES OUR FORMAL PRESENTATION. ANY ADDITIONAL QUESTIONS.

>> COUNCILMAN BEARD IS WONDERING ABOUT PERSONAL ASSISTANCE.

>> THAT'S WHY WE HAVE THE RAMPS. >> APPRECIATE THE PRESENTATION AND ALL THE WORK THAT'S BEEN DONE ALREADY.

>> I WANT TO THANK THE STAFF THAT WORKED HARD TO PUT THE

POWER POINTS TOGETHER. >> AS I SAID TO THEM AND PUBLICLY, I HAVE NEVER WORKED THE 22 YEARS I'VE BEEN A CITY MANAGER, COMING TO ABILENE, I'VE NEVER BEEN BLESSED TO WORK WITH THE LEVEL OF PROFESSIONALISM, CARE AND LEVEL OF ACCOUNT IBILITY THAT THE MEN AND WOMEN WHO SERVE THE COMMUNITY BRING TO THE TABLE. IT'S BEEN A JOY AND PLEASURE TO THE MEN AND WOMEN WHO SERVE THE COMMUNITY.

>> I WANT TO SAY ONE QUICK THING.

TO EVERYONE OVER HERE. IN MY TWO YEARS, I WAS FAIRLY ACCUSTOM, THAT EVERYBODY CRITICIZING EVERYTHING WE DO ALL THE TIME. IN MY TWO YEARS, COMING UP ON TWO YEARS ON COUNCIL NOW, I'M REALLY PROUD TO BE ASSOCIATED WITH YOU ALL. YOU GUYS GET A LOT OF CRITTISM TO A LOT OF PEOPLE WHO DON'T KNOW WHAT THEY ARE TALKING ABOUT. I APPRECIATE THE PRESENTATION TODAY. I APPRECIATE ALL YOUR EFFORTS AND IT'S AN HONOR TO SERVE WITH YOU.

>> I THINK THE VIDEO SHOWS THE VIDEO THE WORK THAT'S BEEN DONE.

YOU WORK ON IT EVERY DAY AND YOU REALIZE YOU'RE DOING A LOT.

UNTIL YOU PUT IT TOGETHER IN ONE PACKAGE, IT JUST REALLY DOESN'T COME TO THE FOREFRONT LIKE IT DOES, WHEN YOU SEE IT IN SEQUENCE AND WHAT ACCOMPLISHMENTS.

>> AND I GUESS I THED TO LEARN PICKLE BALL.

>> GET RACKETS SIR. >> WE HEAR SO MUCH AND WE SIGN UP FOR ALL OF IT. IT MAKES IT SO MUCH MORE ENJOYABLE WHO LOVE THE CITY AND DO AN INCREDIBLE JOB.

AND KNOWING THAT WE ARE IN THIS TOGETHER, BECAUSE WE REALLY ARE CONNECTED IN SO MANY WAYS. YOU'RE RIGHT.

YOU HAVE THE MOST INCREDIBLE TEAM AND YOU'RE AN INCREDIBLE CEO. IT'S A JOY TO SERVE ALONGSIDE EACH OTHER AND ESPECIALLY IN THE HARDER DAYS.

IT MAKES IT MORE ENJOYABLE WHEN YOU COULD TRUST THE PEOPLE YOU

WORK ALONGSIDE. >> AND WHILE WE'RE LOW IN KISSES, IN MY 21ST YEAR OF BEING IN THE COUNCIL I'M JUST SO PROUD OF COUNCIL MEMBERS, BOTH TODAY AND THE PAST.

WE'VE ALL TAKEN OFF OUR DAY JOBS, TO BE HERE TODAY, TO TALK ABOUT THE BETTERMENT OF THE COMMUNITY.

YOU DO IT CONSISTENTLY. IT COSTS YOU MONEY AND TIME AND WE ASK TORE YOUR TALENT. I APPRECIATE THOSE WHO SERVE NOW AND THOSE WHO SERVE IN THE PAST AND THOSE WHO ARE CONSIDERING SERVING, CARE ENOUGH ABOUT THEIR NEIGHBORS TO HARKEN THE CALL AND

[04:25:01]

>> AND YOU WILL BE IN THE BUDGET RETREAT.

>> I'M SURE WE WILL BE. IT'S NOW 1:41 P.M. AND THIS MEETING OF YOUR ABILENE

* This transcript was compiled from uncorrected Closed Captioning.