[CALL TO ORDER] [00:00:03] >> I NOW CALL THE CITY COUNCIL TO ORDER. IT IS 8:30 A.M. ON THIS BEAUTIFUL THURSDAY MORNING. [INVOCATION] COUNCILMAN JACK RENTZ. WILL PROVIDE BOTH. >> YOUR HEAVENLY FATHER THANK YOU FOR THE RECENT RAIN AND THE WARMER DAYS. LORD, I ASK YOU TO WATCH OVER OUR CITY AND STATE AND NATION AND THE ENTIRE PLANET AND HELP US WIPE OUT THE VIRUS THAT HAS WIPED OUT SO MANY OF OUR LIVES. HELP US TO REFLECT ON WHAT IS IMPORTANT IN LIFE AND IN THE FUTURE. DON'T EVER LET US TAKE OUR HEALTH OR WELL-BEING FOR GRANTED. WE'RE THANKFUL FOR THE FIRE AND POLICE AND NOW THE MEDICAL FIELD. I'M ALSO GRATEFUL FOR THE EMPLOYEES OF THE MOST ESSENTIAL BUSINESSES THAT MUST REMAIN OPEN THAT PROVIDE OUR MOST BASIC NEEDS. PLEASE WATCH OVER-ALL OF US AND KEEP US SAFE AND IT'S IN YOUR NAME I PRAY. AMEN. [PLEDGE TO THE UNITED STATES FLAG AND THE TEXAS FLAG] I PLEDGE ALLEGIANCE TO THE FLAG OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA AND TO THE REPUBLIC FOR WHICH IT STANDS, ONE NATION, UNDER GOD, INDIVISIBLE WITH LIBERTY AND >> HONOR THE TEXAS FLAG. ONE STATE UNDER GOING AND ONE INDIVISIBLE. >> THE PHONE NUMBER TO CALL TO LISTEN TO THE MEETING IS (888)475-4499. WITH MEETING ID NUMBER 810-81-5591. PLEASE MUTE YOUR PHONE WHEN YOU'RE ON THIS LINE. THE THE PHONE NUMBER TO PARTICIPATE IN THE PUBLIC HEARING IS (877)853-5257. WITH MEETING ID5138730228. PLEASE ONLY CALL WHEN THE ITEM YOU WISH TO SPEAK IS BEING PRESENTED. YOU WILL NEED TO SPEAK CLEARLY AND MAKE SURE ANY AUDIO FROM YOUR TV OR COMPUTER IS MUTED IN THE BACKGROUND. PLEASE NOTE THERE IS A SLIGHT DELAY IN THE AUDIO. I WILL LET YOU KNOW WHEN THE PUBLIC HEARING AND PUBLIC COMMENT SECTIONS ARE OPEN. YOU WILL BE MUTED UNTIL IT'S YOUR TIME TO TALK. YOU WILL BE NOTED WHEN YOU'RE UNMUTED WHEN IT'S YOUR TIME TO TALK. PLEASE MAKE SURE TO STATE YOUR NAME. YOU WILL NEED TO CALL BACK IF THERE IS ANOTHER ITEM THAT YOU WISH TO SPEAK UPON. IS THAT CLEAR? ANY CLARIFICATION, SHAUNA? >> YOU'LL NEED TO GIVE IT AGAIN. >> IT'S ON THE SLIDES TOO. WE NOW MOVE TO THE CONSENT [CONSENT AGENDA] AGENDA. ALL ITEMS WILL BE CONSIDERED WITH ONE MOTION AND THERE WILL BE NO SEPARATE DISCUSSION UNLESS A COUNCILMEMBER OR CITIZEN REQUESTS SEPARATE DISCUSSION. ITEM FOUR. >> IS THERE ANY CITIZEN THAT WISHES TO SPEAK TO ANY ITEM ON THE CONSENT AGENDA SEPARATELY. THOSE ARE ITEMS 2-7. >> YES. [00:05:10] >> AND YOU ARE. >> NUMBER FIVE. DAVID SWART. NUMBER FIVE AND SIX. >> SO WE'RE GOING TO PULL ITEM FIVE AND ITEM SIX ALONG WITH PREVIOUSLY MENTIONED ITEM NUMBER FOUR. IS THERE A CITIZEN THAT WOULD LIKE TO PULL ANY OTHER ITEMS FOR BEING SEPARATE DISCUSSION? SEEING NO ONE. I'LL ACCEPT A MOTION FOR ITEMS 2, ITEMS 3, ITEM 7. >> WE HAVE A MOTION BY COUNCILMAN RENTZ AND A SECOND BY COUNCILMAN PRICE. ANY FURTHER DISCUSSION. WE'RE READY TO VOTE. >> MOTION CARRIES. I'M GOING TO TURN THINGS OVER TO [4. Resolution: Receive a Report, Hold a Discussion and Public Hearing, and Take Action on Approving a Service Contract with Black Plumbing, Inc. for Plumbing Services (Lesli Andrews)] MAYOR PRO TEMPT WELDON HURT TO HANDLE ITEM FOUR. MY SON IS AN APPRENTICE PLUMBER. >> COUNCILMAN CRACK ALISTAIR YOU HAVE A QUESTION. >> YES. ON THE OTHER CONTRACT ISSUES WITHIN THE PAPERWORK IT LIST ALL OF THE BIDS AND THEN KIND OF THE ONE THAT WAS TAKEN. ON THIS ONE I NOTICED THERE ARE NO OTHER BIDS WERE RECEIVED. WERE THERE NO OTHER BIDS RECEIVED OR WAS IT JUST NOT PUT INTO THE PACKET. >> THERE WERE OTHER BIDS RECEIVED. WE RECEIVED I THINK THREE BIDS FOR THIS PARTICULAR PROJECT. BECAUSE WE'RE NOT AWARDING THIS TO AN EXCLUSIVE VENDOR THIS IS A BID PROCESS THAT WILL ALLOW US TO GO DOWN A LIST OF AUTHORIZED VENDORS. BLACK PLUMBING WAS THE LOW BID SO THEY WILL BE OUR FIRST PREFERENCE BUT THE OTHER TWO CAN BE USED IF BLACK IS UNABLE FOR SERVICE. WE'RE NOT REALLY AWARDING AN EXCLUSIVE CONTRACT. >> I WAS JUST CURIOUS BECAUSE I NOTICED SEVERAL OTHER ITEMS IT SHOWS ALL OF THE BIDS AND THE ONE THAT WE TOOK. AND I WAS JUST CURIOUS. OKAY. THAT IS FINE. THAT WAS MY ONLY QUESTION. >> ANY OTHER QUESTIONS FROM COUNCIL? I'LL NOW OPEN UP THE PUBLIC HEARING. DOES ANYONE FROM THE PUBLIC WISH TO PHONE IN ABOUT ITEM NUMBER FOUR? >> MR. SWARTZ. >> YES IT WAS FOR NUMBER FIVE OR SIX. I THOUGHT WE WERE STILL WAITING TO VOTE ON NUMBER FOUR. >> OKAY. >> I WILL CLOSE THE PUBLIC HEARING. DOES ANYONE ELSE ON THE COUNCIL HAVE ANY QUESTIONS OR I'LL ENTERTAIN A MOTION. >> SO MOVED. >> SECOND. WE'RE READY TO VOTE. >> [5. Resolution: Receive a Report, Hold a Discussion and Public Hearing, and Take Action on Awarding Bid No. CB 2043 to Bontke Brothers Construction for John Knox and Village Drive Reconstruction Project (Greg McCaffery)] >> WE'LL NOW MOVE TO ITEM NUMBER FIVE. AND MR. SWARTZ. YOU HAD A QUESTION ON ITEM NUMBER FIVE. >> THANK YOU, MAYOR WILLIAMS THIS MORNING. HOPEFULLY THIS DELAY I CAN HANDLE THIS. THIS IS A PROJECT UNDER THE STREET MAINTENANCE PROGRAM TO REPAIR TWO STREETS IN THE MALL AREA AND I'M DEFINITELY FOR THAT AND I APPRECIATE MR. MCAFEE DOING ALL OF THE FINE WORK THIS YEAR FOR THE STREET MAINTENANCE BUT MY CONCERN IS SOME OF THE MEETINGS FUNDING WAS CONTINGENT ON THE ELEVEN OF $5.5 MILLION AND THE 2-POINT -- MONDAY WITH THE CURRENT SITUATION. ARE THOSE LEVELS GOING TO MAINTAIN THAT OR IS THAT FUND GOING TO TAKE A HIT AS THE CITY MANAGER SPOKE A FEW DAYS AGO TO THE MEDIA THAT OVER-ALL THE CITY'S BUDGET MAY SUFFER WITH LOWER TAX SALES COMING IN AND [00:10:03] THAT IS ALL I HAVE ON THAT SUGGEST -- SUBJECT. >> THANK YOU, MAYOR AND COUNCIL. DAVID ASKED A REALLY GOOD QUESTION. IN THE FINANCIAL WORK WE'VE DONE TO PREPARE FOR THE INEVITABLE BOUNCE ASSOCIATED WITH THE COVID RESPONSIVE NOT BECAUSE IT'S A RESTRICTED REVENUE SOURCE AND DECIDED TO DO SO TOUCH THE STREET MAINTENANCE FEES FOR ANY FUNDING OTHER THAN THAT STREET MAINTENANCE. THE OTHER ITEMS THE DCOA FUNDS WHICH IS WHAT THIS PROJECT IS TIED TO THEY HAVE NOT ALSO BEEN DIMINISHED. THIS FUNDING HAS BEEN SET ASIDE. IT'S EARMARKED FOR THE PROJECTS. THEIR ABILITY TO MAYBE DO THIS AGAIN IN THE FUTURE YEARS DEPENDING ON HOW THE SALES TAX GOES COULD BE AN ISSUE BUT FOR THIS PARTICULAR FISCAL YEAR WE'RE FULL STEAM AHEAD. >> WAS THAT COMMITMENT $8.5 MILLION OVER FIVE YEARS. >> WE HAVE THREE MORE YEARS OF FUNDING. >> WE'RE STILL IN A PUBLIC HEARING. MR. SWARTZ ANY OTHER QUESTIONS IN REGARDS TO ITEM NUMBER FIVE? >> NO, MAYOR WILLIAMS. I BELIEVE I UNDERSTAND THE CITY MANAGERS THAT THE CURRENT FUNDING LEVEL WAS ALREADY TAKEN INTO ACCOUNT THAT EVEN THOUGH WITH LOWER SALES TAX REVENUE COMING IN THAT IS ALL I HAVE ON THAT ITEM NUMBER FIVE. THANK YOU, MAYOR WILLIAMS. >> WE'RE STILL IN A PUBLIC HEARING. ANY OTHER CITIZEN THAT WOULD LIKE TO SPEAK TO ITEM NUMBER FIVE THAT IS BEFORE US. UNDERSTANDING THAT THERE IS NO OTHER CITIZEN DOES COUNCIL HAVE ANY OTHER QUESTIONS ON ITEM NUMBER FIVE? IF NOT I'LL ACCEPT A MOTION. >> A MOTION AND A SECOND. ANY FURTHER DISCUSSION? WE'RE READY TO VOTE. [6. Resolution: Receive a Report, Hold a Discussion and Public Hearing, and Take Action on Awarding a Construction Contract to Barr Roofing Company for the National Guard Armory Roof Replacement & Miscellaneous Work (Michael Rice)] >> NOW I MOVE TO ITEM NUMBER SIX. MR. SWARTZ, YOU HAD A QUESTION ON ITEM NUMBER SIX. >> THANK YOU AGAIN, DAVID SWARTZ FOR THE RECORD. A LOT OF PEOPLE ARE WONDERING WHY THE CITY OF ABILENE IS REPLACING A ROOF ON A NATIONAL GUARD ARMORY. PEOPLE THINK WON'T THE MILITARY DO IT OR THE STATE. THE ONLY QUESTION I COULD NOT FIND IS THIS BUILDING LEASED OR GIVING FOR USE TO THE ARMORY. IT IS LOCATED FOR THE CITIZENS LISTENING NEAR ADVENTURE COVE IN THE EXTREME PART SOUTH OF THE ROSE PARK IN THE EXTREME AREA AND THAT IS THE ONLY QUESTION I HAVE. AND THIS FUNDING ACCORDING TO THE PACKET IS COMING FROM THE SETTLEMENT OF THE LAWSUIT AGAINST THE SELF-INSURANCE FUND FROM THE STATE FROM THE 2014 STORM. THAT IS ALL THE EXPLANATION -- IS THIS BUILDING LESIONED AND WHY IS THE CITY FIXING A BUILDING THAT IT DOESN'T SEEM TO BE THEIR BUILDING OUTRIGHT. IT SAYS THE ARMORY ON IT AND THAT IS ALL I HAVE MAYOR WILLIAMS. THANK YOU. >> THANK YOU, MR. SWARTZ. >> THIS BUILDING WAS GIVEN TO THE CITY BY THE NATIONAL GUARD SEVERAL YEARS AGO. SO WE DO OWN THE FACILITY. THE MONEY FOR THIS PROJECT IS INSURANCE PROCEEDS FROM OUR 2014 HAILSTORM. SO WE HAVE THE FUNDS AVAILABLE FOR THIS. THESE ARE EARMARKED FUNDS. WE SHOULD BE SPENDERRING ON THESE PROJECTS. WE NEED TO TAKE CARE OF OUR FACILITIES. >> DO YOU WANT TO TALK ABOUT THE CURRENT USE OF THE FACILITY? >> I DO. THAT FACILITY IS WELL USED. IT HOUSES STORM WATER AND PARKS & REC. WE USE IT FOR STORAGE IN SOME AREAS. THE BUILDING HOUSES RADIO SHOP PERSONNEL. WE USE IT TO MAKE READY OUR POLICE TAHOES. IT IS WELL USED AND IT NEEDS A LITTLE BIT OF WORK. NATIONAL GUARD USED IT WELL SO WE NEED TO MAKE SOME REPAIRS TO IT. >> WE'RE STILL ITEM NUMBER SIX. IS THERE ANYONE ELSE FROM COMMUNITY THAT WOULD LIKE TO PARTICIPATE IN ITEM NUMBER SIX? [00:15:05] MY UNDERSTANDING IS WE DO NOT SO WE'LL CLOSE THE PUBLIC HEARING. DOES THE COUNCIL HAVE ANY ADDITIONAL QUESTIONS ON ITEM NUMBER SIX? IF NOT I'LL ACCEPT A MOTION AND SECOND. >> WE HAVE A MOTION BY MAYOR PRO TEM HURT AND A SECOND BY COUNCILMAN CRAVER. ANY FURTHER DISCUSSION? WE'RE READY TO VOTE. [8. Ordinance (Final Reading) TC-2020-04: Receive a Report, Hold a Discussion and Public Hearing, and Take Action on a request from the City of Abilene to abandon public right-of-way within an 80’ wide segment of Cedar Street extending 300’ between the north line of right-of-way for North 5th Street and the south line of right-of-way for North 6th Street; and a request to abandon public right-of-way within a 20’ wide alley extending 300’ between the north line of right-of-way for North 5th Street and the south line of right-of-way for North 6th Street, midway and parallel between Cypress and Cedar Streets (Mike Warrix)] >> WE'LL NOW MOVE TO ITEM NUMBER 8 AND I'LL ASK MIKE WARRIX TO PRESENT THIS ITEM. >> GOOD MORNING, MAYOR AND COUNCIL. MY NAME IS MIKE WARRIX I'M THE PLANNING DIRECTOR. >> THIS IS FOR US. IF A CITIZEN IS WANTING TO SPEAK ON THE HAD BEEN HEARING FOR THIS ITEM PLEASE CALL NOW AND WAIT FOR THE HEARING TO BE OVER. >> THIS IS THOROUGHFARE CLOSER THE APPLICANT AND OWNER IS THE CITY OF ABILENE. THE REQUEST TO ABANDON APPROXIMATELY 300 FEET OF 80-FOOT RIGHT AWAY ALONG CEDAR STREET FROM NORTH 5TH STREET UP TO NORTH 6TH STREET AND ALSO AN ALLEY THAT RUNS APPROXIMATELY 20 FEET WIDE THE SAME DISTANCE 30 FEET. YOU HAVE A MAP IN THE PACKET. THESE ARE ASSOCIATED WITH THE DOWNTOWN HOTEL RELEVANT PROJECT. WE DID A NOTIFICATION. WE RECEIVED 8 IN RESPONSE IN FAVOR AND TWO IN OPPOSITION. THIS DID GO TO THE PLANNING AND ZONING COMMISSION AND THEY DID RECOMMEND APPROVAL TO YOU ALL. HERE IS THE LOCATION MAP SHOWING THE LOCATION OF THE CEDAR STREET AND THE ALLEY. EXTENDING FROM NORTH 5TH UP TO NORTH 6TH. NOTIFICATION RESULTS 8 IN FAVOR 0 OPPOSED. SOME PHOTOS OF THE IMMEDIATE AREA IN RELATION TO THE PROJECT SITES. THIS WAS REVIEWED BY THE DEVELOPMENT REVIEW COMMITTEE. THEY HAD SATISFACTORY COMMENTS. NO NEGATIVE OR CONDITIONAL COMMENTS. STAFF IS RECOMMENDING APPROVAL TODAY. >> THANK YOU, MR. WARRIX. ANY QUESTIONS? >> I THINK THE NEXT SLIDE HAS THE CALL IN NUMBER IN CASE SOMEONE MISSED THAT EARLIER. >> COUNCIL HAVE ANY QUESTIONS PRIOR TO THE PUBLIC HEARING? >> THANK YOU, MR. WARRIX. AT THIS TIME I WILL OPEN UP THE PUBLIC HEARING. IS THERE ANYBODY WHO WOULD LIKE TO SPEAK EITHER FOR OR AGAINST THIS ITEM? WE WILL GO IN ORDER OF THE CALLS THAT HAVE COME IN. WHEN YOU HEAR THAT YOU'VE BEEN UNMUTED PLEASE STATE YOUR FULL NAME CLEARLY FOR THE RECORD. >> MR. SWARTZ, YOU'RE ON. >> I'M JUST WAITING FOR THE PUBLIC COMMENTS. >> WE'RE IN A PUBLIC HEARING RIGHT NOW. >> HE IS WAITING FOR PUBLIC COMMENTS. >> THANK YOU. ANY OTHER CITIZEN THAT WOULD LIKE THE OPPORTUNITY TO SPEAK TO ITEM NUMBER 8? MY UNDERSTANDING IS THERE IS NOT. SO I WILL CLOSE THE PUBLIC HEARING. DOES THE COUNCIL HAVE ANY QUESTIONS ON ITEM NUMBER 8? IF NOT I'LL ACCEPT A MOTION & A SECOND. >> WE HAVE A MOTION AND SECOND. ANY FURTHER DISCUSSION? WE'RE READY TO VOTE. >> MOTION CARRIES. >> WE'LL NOW MOVE TO ITEM NUMBER [9. Ordinance (Final Reading) TC-2020-05: Receive a Report, Hold a Discussion and Public Hearing, and Take Action on a request from Jeff Prince Operating, L.P., to abandon public right-of-way within an unimproved 60’ wide segment of South 23rd Street extending approximately 500 feet between the east line of right-of-way for South Treadaway Boulevard and the west line of right-of-way for the Abilene & Southern Railway (Mike Warrix)] NINE. I'LL ASK AGAIN MIKE WARRIX TO PRESENT THIS ITEM. IF A CITIZEN IS WANTING TO SPEAK PLEASE CALL NOW AND WAIT FOR THE HEARING TO BE OVER. >> THANK YOU, MAYOR. WE'RE WAITING ON THE SLIDES. [00:20:04] >> THIS IS ANOTHER THOROUGHFARE CLOSER REQUEST. THE APPLICANT AND OWNER IS JEFF PRINCE OPERATING LIMITED PARTNERSHIP. THIS IS ABOUT A 500-FOOT EXTENSION 60-FOOT WIDE SEGMENT OF SOUTH 23RD STREET WHICH IS PROPOSED FOR ABANDONMENT. WE DID -- HERE IS THE LOCATION. YOU'LL SEE SOUTH 23RD STREET DIRECT TO THE WEST. THE PROPOSED ABANDONMENT IS SHOWN IN YELLOW. THAT'S AN UNUSED RIGHT-OF-WAY. THE CITY DOES NOT USE THAT. THERE ARE NO UTILITIES IN PLACE. IT IS OUR UNDERSTANDING THAT THE OWNERS WANT TO HAVE THE PROPERTY ABANDONED AND REPLATTE THE PROPERTY AND SELL IT FOR ECONOMIC PURPOSES. THAT IS THE LOCATION THAT WE'RE LOOKING AT THIS MORNING. ANOTHER VIEW. NOTIFICATION MAP. WE HAD ONE OUTSIDE AND THAT ONE WAS IN FAVOR. SOME PHOTOS OF THAT GENERAL AREA. AGAIN THIS DID GO TO THE DEVELOPMENT REVIEW OF COMMITTEE. THEY REVIEWED IT AND CAME BACK WITH A SATISFACTORY. STAFF RECOMMENDED APPROVAL AND IT'S HERE BEFORE YOU THIS MORNING FOR YOUR CONSIDERATION AND ACTION. >> THANK YOU, MR. WARRIX. DOES THE COUNCIL HAVE ANY QUESTIONS PRIOR TO THE PUBLIC HEARING? >> MIKE, DID YOU SAY I DIDN'T HEAR. DID YOU SAY THERE ARE NO UTILITIES? >> NO THERE ARE NONE. >> COUNCIL HAVE ANY ADDITIONAL QUESTIONS? THANK YOU, MR. WARRIX. >> AT THIS TIME I WILL OPEN UP THE PUBLIC HEARING. IS THERE ANYONE WHO WOULD LIKE TO SPEAK OR AGAINST THIS ITEM? WE'LL GO IN ORDER OF THE CALLS THAT HAVE COME IN. WHEN YOU HEAR THAT YOU'VE BEEN UNMUTED PLEASE STATE YOUR FULL NAME CLEARLY FOR THE RECORD. >> GOOD MORNING, JEFF PRINCE. JEFF PRINCE OPERATING. CAN YOU GUYS HEAR ME? >> WE CAN. DO YOU HAVE ANY COMMENTS? >> ARE YOU STILL THERE? >> I AM HERE. I'M SORRY. I WAS WAITING FOR THE LAG. >> GO AHEAD. >> OKAY. JUST WANTED TO BE PRESENT THIS MORNING. JUST TO STATE MY CASE ON THIS. I'M IN THE PROCESS OF TRYING TO SELL THIS PROPERTY AND DISCOVERED THAT WE HAVE QUITE A MESS ON PLATTES AND DIFFERENT THINGS RELATED TO MY PROPERTY. I'VE BEEN CONSIDERABLE ARMOUNT OF MONEY TRYING TO GET THIS CLEANED UP AND HOPE YOU GUYS WILL APPROVE THIS THOROUGHFARE ABANDONMENT AND GET IT CLEANED UP FOR MY NEIGHBOR AND I. WE'VE BEEN TALKING BACK AND FORTH ABOUT REPLATTE ON THIS PROPERTY AND IT BENEFITS THE BOTH OF US AND DOES NOT NEGATIVELY AFFECT ANY OF MY NEIGHBOR. >> THANK YOU, MR. PRINCE. WE ARE STILL IN A PUBLIC HEARING. ANY OTHER PERSON WHO WANTS TO PARTICIPATE IN THE PUBLIC COMMENT ON ITEM NUMBER NINE? MY UNDERSTANDING IS THERE IS NOT. SO I WILL CLOSE THE PUBLIC HEARING. DOES COUNCIL HAVE ANY ADDITIONAL QUESTIONS ON ITEM NUMBER NINE. >> CAN YOU COME BACK REAL QUICK AND GO BACK TO A MAP THAT HAS THE BOUNDARIES? JUST WANTED TO ASK A QUICK QUESTION ON THAT. THERE IS THAT TRIANGULAR PIECE IN THE MIDDLE AND RIGHT NOW IT FRONTS ON TO THE RIGHT-OF-WAY. WILL THAT BE FIXED IN THE PLATTE? >> YES. THAT WILL BE. THAT WILL BE PART OF THE CLEAN UP THAT JEFF HAD MENTIONED. >> THAT WAS MY ONLY QUESTION. TO MAKE SURE WE DIDN'T ABANDON SOMETHING. >> DOES COUNCIL HAVE ANY ADDITIONAL QUESTIONS? >> WE HAVE A MOTION AND SECOND. ANY FURTHER DISCUSSION? WE'RE READY TO VOTE. [PUBLIC COMMENTS] [00:25:10] >> WE'LL NOW MOVE TO THE PUBLIC COMMENT PERIOD. IF THERE IS ANY CITIZEN WISHING TO PARTICIPATE IN THE PUBLIC COMMENT PERIOD PLEASE CALL (877)853-5257. SO WE'RE STILL LEARNING THIS WHOLE PROCESS AND APPRECIATE THE STAFF PUTTING THIS TOGETHER. WE'LL GET THIS ALL FIGURED OUT AND IT'S BETTER THAN OUR LAST MEETING. SO I'M GOING TO READ THE NUMBER AGAIN. THE NUMBER IS (877)853-5257. THAT IS FOR THE PUBLIC COMMENT PERIOD. AND THE CODE IS (513)873-0228. WE'LL GO IN ORDER OF THE CALLS THAT HAVE COME IN. WHEN YOU HEAR THAT YOU'VE BEEN UNMUTED PLEASE STATE YOUR FULL NAME CLEARLY FOR THE RECORD. THERE WILL BE A THREE MINUTE TIME LIMIT ON ALL PUBLIC COMMENT AND WE'LL NOTIFY YOU WHEN YOU GET CLOSE TO THE VERY END. >> THANK YOU, MAYOR WILLIAMS. DAVID SWARTZ. >> GO AHEAD AND SPEAK, DAVID. 6. >> THANK YOU, VERY MUCH COUNCIL. THIS MORNING. THIS IS SOME UNCERTAIN TIMES WE'VE HEAD OF US RIGHT NOW. I DON'T BELIEVE ANYBODY WOULD HAVE BELIEVED THE SITUATION THAT HAS CAUSED SUCH A DECLINE IN THE OVER-ALL ECONOMY ACROSS THE NATION AND ACROSS THE STATE AND ACROSS THE CITY. YESTERDAY WHEN I WENT OUT TO A RESTAURANT TO PICK UP SOME FOOD I WENT BY THE -- SHOPS AND THERE ARE SIR, THE -- VIRTUALLY NO CARS. THERE WAS NO VEHICLES AT THE MALL. WITH UNCERTAIN TIMES AHEAD I KNOW THAT CITY MANAGER SAID AGAIN THAT THERE MAY POSSIBLY BE A BUDGET SHORTFALL WITH SALES TAX REVENUES DOWN AND I KNOW MANY YEARS AGO NOW THERE WAS FURLOUGHED DAYS AND ALL CITY EMPLOYEES HAD FURLOUGH DAYS INCLUDING POLICE AND FIRE AS BEST I REMEMBER BUT THAT HAS BEEN SEVERAL YEARS AGO FOR A BUDGET SHORTFALL THERE. AND THE ONLY THING I CAN ADD TO THAT IS AS IS EVERYBODY ELSE I'M TRYING MY BEST. IT'S HARD TO EAT A MEAL AND GET TAKE OUT AND EAT IT IN THE CAR BECAUSE YOU DON'T WANT IT TO GET COLD BEFORE YOU GET HOME. TOMORROW IS GOOD FRIDAY AND THE SIGNIFICANCE TO THE COMMUNITY BUT WITH THESE UNCERTAIN TIMES I HOPE WE CAN ALL HAVE A SPIN ON IT. I'LL TURN IT BACK OVER. THANK YOU FOR LETTING ME COMMENT. >> I'M GOING TO READ A STATEMENT THAT I SHOULD HAVE READ. THERE WILL BE NO VOTES OR ANY FORMAL ACTIONS TAKEN DURING PUBLIC COMMENT PERIOD. THE PUBLIC COMMENT PERIOD WILL ONLY ALLOW MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC TO PRESENT IDEAS AND INFORMATION TO CITY OFFICIALS AND STAFF. MR. HANNA. >> I JUST WANTED TO REPLY WITH A STATEMENT OF FACT. HE HAD MENTIONED FURLOUGHS AND AT THIS TIME I DO NOT ANTICIPATE FURLOUGHING EMPLOYEES. WE HAVE ASKED NONESSENTIAL WORKERS TO GO HOME AND SO THERE IS A HANDFUL OF FOLKS COMPRISED OF THE CITY 1527 OF THEM. WE'VE ASKED A HANDFUL TO GO HOME. THEY ARE USING THEIR LEAVE BALANCES FOR THOSE WHO DO NOT HAVE LEAVE FOR THIS PAY PERIOD I'VE AUTHORIZED ADMINISTRATIVE LEAVE WITH PEYTO BRIDGE THE GAP. I DO ANTICIPATE CAN GO TO CALL SOME FOLKS BACK TO THE OFFICE TO DO DIFFERENT JOBS. [00:30:03] IF WE HAVE EMPLOYEES WHO GET SICK OR IF WE NEED EXTRA HANDS WE WILL BE TAXING THEM WITH JOBS THAT MAY BE OUTSIDE THEIR JOB DESCRIPTION. WE HAVE ALL HANDS ON DECK BUT I WANT TO LET THE COMMUNITY KNOW AND THIS IS REALLY IMPORTANT YOUR PUBLIC SERVANTS ARE HERE TO SERVE YOU. WE'RE HERE TO MAKE SURE WE HAVE A VIABLE AND SUFFICIENT RESPONSE FOR THE CITY OF ABILENE DURING THE COVID EPIDEMIC AND I APPRECIATE YOUR TIME HERE. >> WE ARE STILL IN THE PUBLIC COMMENT PERIOD. IS ANYONE ELSE THAT WOULD LIKE TO PARTICIPATE IN THE PUBLIC COMMENT PERIOD? >> HELLO? >> STATE YOUR NAME FOR THE RECORD. >> MICHELLE TAYLOR. >> GO AHEAD AND SPEAK. >> THIS IS SO WEIRD. I HAVE TWO QUESTIONS. BOTH RELATED TO COVID 19. ONE, I'D LIKE TO GET CLARIFICATION ON WHY PRIVATE DOCTORS ARE REFUSING TO TEST PATIENTS WHO ARE SHOWING SYMPTOMS IF THEY DON'T HAVE INSURANCE AND ARE WILLING TO PAY PRIVATELY? BECAUSE AS I READ IN THE SENATE BILL AS OF MARCH 18TH EVERYONE WAS ABLE TO BE TESTED. SO, THAT IS ONE QUESTION. I WAS TOLD THAT I NEEDED TO BE TEST TED AND SCHEDULED THE APPOINTMENT AND THEY OF CALLED ME BACK AND SAID I DIDN'T HAVE INSURANCE AND I WOULD NOT BE TESTED. >> AM I ALLOWED TO GIVE ANY FACTUAL INFORMATION OR PLEASE GUIDE ME SO I DON'T PUT THE CITY IN AN AWKWARD SPOT. >> YOU CAN GET GENERAL INFORMATION THAT THE COUNCIL HAS AWARENESS OF BUT AS FAR AS TO SPECULATION -- >> I WON'T SPECULATE. BUT HERE IN THE MEDICAL CENTER AND IT'S A PHONE NUMBER FOR COVID 19 HELP AND THAT IS (325)216-4824. AGAIN THERE IS A NUMBER THAT IS SET UP. (325)216-4824. AND I THINK THAT THAT MAY SATISFY SOME OF YOUR CONCERNS. >> THANK YOU. I APPRECIATE THAT AND ONE MORE THING. I KNOW THAT WE'VE GONE INTO LIMITED SHELTER IN PLACE AND I APPRECIATE THAT. BUT I HAVE BEEN AT HOME WITH MY DAUGHTER LUCKILY BUT MY HUSBAND IS STILL WORKING 12-14 HOURS. HE DID NOT HAVE AN ESSENTIAL -- HE DOESN'T WORK IN THE HEALTH CARE FIELD. HE IS A SALESMAN IN A CAR LOT. FOR 14 YEARS. THEY CANNOT PRACTICE SOCIAL DISTANCING FOR THEIR CUSTOMERS AND OBVIOUSLY SINCE MOST OF THE PUBLIC IS NOT FOLLOWING THE LIMITED SHELTER IN PLACE ORDER SO I'M CONCERNED THAT THEY ARE SITTING DUCKS AT THIS POINT BECAUSE THEY COME INTO CONTACT WITH SO MANY PEOPLE AND NO ONE IS WEARING A MASK. SO MY QUESTION IS WHEN ARE WE GOING TO MOVE INTO SHELTER IN PLACE BECAUSE WE NEED TO BE PROACTIVE RATHER THAN REACTIVE. BECAUSE IT MAY NOT BE AS GRIMACE IT IS IN NEW YORK YET OR IN L.A. YET BUT WE NEED TO BE PROACTIVE SO IT DOES NOT BECOME THAT WAY. WE HAVE A VERY LARGE ELDERLY POPULATION IN THE CITY. SO I JUST WANT TO KNOW IF THERE IS A TIME LINE. IF THAT IS ON THE TABLE FOR DISCUSSION AND WHAT WE SHOULD KNOW ABOUT IT? WITHOUT BEING RUDE OR ABRUPT. >> THANK YOU FOR YOUR QUESTION. >> THANK YOU, MAYOR AND COUNCIL. THAT IS A GREAT QUESTION AND WHAT WE HEARD YESTERDAY IN THE PRESS CONFERENCE FROM OUR HOSPITAL CEOS IS THAT ABILENE HAS DONE A GREAT JOB FLATTENING THE CURVE. AND IF WE CONTINUE THE COURSE OF WHAT WE'RE DOING WE'LL CONTINUE TO MONITOR THE SITUATION AND IF FURTHER MEASURES ARE NEEDED WE'LL IMPLEMENT THEM. BUT THE ORDER THAT THE GOVERNOR OF TEXAS HAS GIVEN SEEMS TO WORK [00:35:01] FOR THE CITY OF ABILENE AT THIS TIME. I WOULD ALSO SAY TO FOLKS YOU CAN GO TO THE GOVERNOR'S WEBSITE AND DOWN LOAD THE LIST OF ESSENTIAL AND NONESSENTIAL BUSINESSES AND INVESTIGATE THAT FOR YOURSELF. >> THANK YOU. I DID DO THAT. >> AND HIS BUSINESS IS NOT LISTED AS ESSENTIAL BUT THEY HAVE NOT CLOSED DOWN. THEY ARE STILL REQUIRED TO GO IN. >> SO THE GOVERNOR HAS NOT SHUT DOWN NONESSENTIAL BUSINESSES BY THE HIS ORDER. THERE IS A LOT OF CONFUSION IN THE GOVERNOR'S ORDER AND EVERYONE IS TRYING TO FIGURE OUT WHAT HE MEANS. >> MY UNDERSTANDING IS WHAT I READ AND WHAT I HEARD WAS THAT HE WAS LEAVING IT UP TO LOCAL MUNICIPALITIES. UP TO THE MAYOR AND THAT IS WHAT IS HAPPENING ACROSS OTHER COUNTIES TOO. TOM GREEN, EAST LAND. DALLAS COUNTY. ALL OF THEM HAVE SHELTER IN PLACE ORDERS. >> THANK YOU, MA'AM. WE ALSO HAVE A SHELTER IN PLACE ORDER AND THERE IS GOOD PEOPLE THAT DISAGREE. OUR HEALTH PROFESSIONALS BELIEVE OUR STRATEGY IS WORKING. IF YOU'RE UNCOME FORTABLE GOING TO WORK DON'T GO TO WORK. IF WE SHUT DOWN ALL BUSINESSES IN ABILENE, TEXAS SO YOU FEEL LIKE YOU CAN STAY HOME ALL THAT IS GOING TO DO IS ALLOW TO YOU STAY HOME AND YOU'LL LIKELY LOSE YOUR JOB. IF YOU CHOOSE THOUGH STAY HOME STAY HOME. IF YOU'RE SICK PLEASE STAY HOME. I WISH EMPLOYERS WOULD GIVE PEOPLE GRACE DURING THIS TIME. >> WE'RE NOT SUPPOSED TO BE RESPONDING BACK AND FORTH BUT I'LL SAY THIS. -- THIS.THEY ARE PUTTING SAFEGU. ADDITIONALLY THERE ARE DAILY INVESTIGATIONS OF BUSINESSES AND ENTITIES TO BE SURE THEY ARE CREATING ENVIRONMENTS THAT ARE NOT HARMFUL. ANYONE ELSE. WE'RE STILL IN PUBLIC COMMENT. >> NO. >> STATE YOUR NAME FOR THE RECORD. >> MAYOR WILLIAMS THIS IS DAVID SWARTZ. I'M JUST LISTENING. >> THANK YOU. ANYONE ELSE THIS MORNING? MY UNDERSTANDING IS THERE IS NOT AND SO WE'LL CLOSE THE PUBLIC COMMENT PERIOD. [EXECUTIVE SESSION] IT IS NOW 9:09:00 A.M. AND WE WILL RECESS INTO EXECUTIVE SESSION PURSUE AMOUNT TO THE OPEN MEETING ACT. >> IT IS 10:50:00 A.M. AND WE REOPENED. [11. Resolution: Receive a Report, Hold a Discussion and Public Hearing, and Take Action on Appointing Members to Various Boards and Commissions per the City Charter (Shawna Atkinson) • Development Corporation of Abilene • Mayor's Downtown Task Force • West Central Texas Municipal Water District Board] WE'LL ALL MOVE TO ITEM NUMBER 11 PROVIDING A REAL APPOINTMENT OF INDIVIDUALS TO VARIOUS BOARDS AS OUTLINED IN EXHIBIT "A" OF THE RESOLUTION. AT THIS TIME WE WILL OPEN UP THE PUBLIC HEARING. IS THERE ANYONE WHO WOULD LIKE TO SPEAK EITHER FOR OR AGAINST THIS ITEM. WE'LL GO IN ORDER OF THE CALLS THAT HAVE COME IN WHEN YOU HEAR THAT YOU'VE BEEN UNMUTED PLEASE STATE YOUR FULL NAME CLEARLY FOR THE RECORD. >> MR. SWARTZ YOU'RE NOW ON. >> I DON'T HAVE ANYTHING ON NUMBER 11. NO COMMENTS ON THOSE. >> IT'S MY UNDERSTANDING THERE IS NO ONE WANTING TO PARTICIPATE IN THE PUBLIC HEARING SO I'LL CLOSE THE PUBLIC HEARING. DOES COUNCIL HAVE ANY ADDITIONAL [00:40:01] COMMENTS OR QUESTIONS. -- I HAVEA MOTION AND A SECOND R DISCUSSION WE'RE READY TO VOTE. >> MOTION CARRIES. >> WE'LL NOW MOVE TO ITEM 12 AND [12. Resolution: Receive a Report, Hold a Discussion and Public Hearing, and Take Action on Approving the Development Corporation of Abilene, Inc.'s Incentive Package Agreement with Project ISO. (Misty Mayo)] I'LL ASK MISTY MAYO TO PRESENT THIS ITEM. >> MAYOR AND COUNCILMEMBER AND TO THE PUBLIC THANK YOU FOR THIS OPPORTUNITY ON BEHALF OF THE DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION OF ABILENE'S BOARD OF DIRECTORS TO PRESENT THIS OPPORTUNITY. WE ARE BRINGING PROJECT ISO WHICH IS HARTMANS, HARTMANS IS A LOCAL BUSINESS. THE THREE PILLARS OF THE ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT CORPORATIONS EFFORTS AND MISSION ARE FOUNDED ARE IS THE ATTRACTION OF NEW BUSINESS. THE RETENTION OF EXISTING BUSINESSES AND ENTREPRENEURSHIP THAT FALL UNDER THE TEXAS LEGISLATIVE CODE FOR TYPE "A" SALES TAX ORGANIZATIONS OF WHICH THE DCOA IS. MARKETING AND WORKFORCE TOUCH ALL OF THOSE. SO HARTMANS IS A LOCAL EXIST CAN COMPANY. THEY STARTED IN ABILENE IN 1955 AND THEY HAVE 27 EMPLOYEES. WE STARTED WORKING WITH THEM SEVERAL YEARS AGO. THEY ARE A MACHINE OPERATION THAT HAS TOOLING AND OPPORTUNITY FOR PARTS AND VARIOUS METAL CREATION. HERE IS THEIR CUSTOMER BASE JUST TO HIGHLIGHT SOME OF THEIR CUSTOMERS. THEY ARE EXPANDING VERY RAPIDLY. YOU CAN SEE A PICTURE OF THE TYPE OF BUSINESS THAT THEY ARE DOING HERE IN ABILENE. THEIR EXISTING FALL SILT ON MAPLE AND SOME PICTURES OF THEIR EXISTING FACILITY HIGHLIGHTS THE NECESSITY THAT THEY HAVE FOR EXPANDING THEIR EXISTING OPERATION. I'M SHOWING YOU A PICTURE OF YOU SEE THE UPPER LEFT HAND CORNER IS AN ORANGE ARROW. THAT SHOWS YOU THE LOCATION OF THE RECOMMENDED NEW BUILDING AND IT'S NOT A NEW BUILDING BUT A NEW LOCATION IN FIVE POINTS BUSINESS PARK WHICH IS THE DEVELOPMENT CORPORATIONS PROJECT AT THE BUSINESS PARK. THIS IS AN EXISTING BUILDING THAT THE DCOA OWNS. 100,000 SQUARE FEET AND JUST OVER 8 ACRES. YOU SEE ON THE PICTURE YOU CAN SEE THE ACTUAL BUILDING. IT'S A VACANT BUILDING AT THIS TIME. THE PROJECT SUMMARY, THE IDEA FOR THE PROJECT IS FOR HARTMANS TO PURCHASE THE EXISTING BUILDING AND ACREAGE FROM THE DCOA FOR $2.5 MILLION WHICH IS JUST SLIGHTLY MORE THAN THE APPRAISED VALUE. THEY WILL RETAIN THEIR 27 JOBS AND CREATE AN ADDITIONAL 70 JOBS. OF THOSE 70 NEW JOBS THE AVERAGE WAGE IS $48,000. YOU'LL SEE THE NEW PAYROLL OF ALL 97 JOBS WILL BE $49.6 MILLION ESTIMATED. MOST OF THE NEXT SLIDE IS A HIGHLIGHT OF WHAT I'VE ALREADY SAID WITH THE EXCEPTION THAT THEY WILL PURCHASE THE BUILDING OVER 10 YEARS FOR A 0% INTEREST LOAN. THE INCENTIVE PACKAGE IS FOR 900,000 OF THE $12 MILLION IN VESTSMENT. THE TOTAL INVESTMENT CAPITAL INVESTMENT AND PURCHASE OF THE BUILDING AND FOR EXPANSION OF THE BUILDING AND FINISH OUT WILL BE $12 MILLION TOTAL SO THE INCENTIVE OF $900,000 IS 7.5% OF THEIR TOTAL CAPITAL INVESTMENT. SHOWING OVER 10 YEARS THE COMMUNITY BENEFIT TO BE JUST OVER $1.8 MILLION. ALMOST $1.9 BILLION. THAT IS CITY AND COUNTY TAXES. >> THANK YOU. [00:45:05] DOES COUNCIL HAVE ANY QUESTIONS OF MS. MAYO BEFORE THE PUBLIC HEARING? THANK YOU. AT THIS TIME I'LL OPEN UP THE PUBLIC HEARING. IS THERE ANYONE WHO WOULD LIKE TO SPEAK EITHER FOR OR AGAINST THIS ITEM. WE WILL GO IN ORDER OF THE CALLS THAT HAVE COME IN. WHEN YOU HEAR THAT YOU'VE BEEN UNMUTED PLEASE STATE YOUR FULL NAME CLEARLY FOR THE RECORD. >> MR. SWARTZ, YOU'RE ON. MR. SWARTZ. CAN YOU HEAR US? >> I'M GOING TO TAKE LIBERTY AND THINK THAT DAVE IS NOT GOING TO PARTICIPATE IN THIS ITEM. ANYONE ELSE? MY UNDERSTANDING IS THERE IS NO ADDITIONAL PERSONS WANTING TO PARTICIPATE. AT THIS TIME I'LL CLOSE THE PUBLIC HEARING. DOES COUNCIL HAVE ANY QUESTIONS OF MS. MAYO. IF NOT I'LL ACCEPT A MOTION AND A SECOND. >> I HAVE A MOTION BY COUNCILMAN RENTZ AND A SECOND BY COUNCILWOMEN ALBUS. >> MOTION CARRIES. WE'LL NOW MOVE TO ITEM 13 AND [13. Resolution: Receive a Report, Hold a Discussion and Public Hearing, and Take Action on Approving the Development Corporation of Abilene, Inc.'s Incentive Package Agreement with Project Windmill. (Misty Mayo)] I'LL INVITE MISTY MAYO TO PRESENT THIS ITEM. >> THANK YOU, MAYOR AND I JUST WANT TO THANK THE COUNCIL FOR SUPPORT OF THE HARTMANS PROJECT. IT IS AN OUTSTANDING PROJECT AND VERY EXCITING TO SEE A LOCAL COMPANY THAT HAS CALLED ABILENE HOME FOR SO LONG. IT'S A WOMAN OWNED BUSINESS. VERY EXCITED TO SEE US WALK ALONG SIDE THIS COMPANY AND SUPPORT THEM AS THEY GROW. THANK YOU FOR THAT. I APPRECIATE IT. NOW WE'RE LOOKING AT THE NEXT PROJECT. AGAIN IN THE THREE FILM ARRESTS THIS FALLS UNDER THE PILLAR OF BUSINESS RETENTION. A LOCAL EXISTING COMPANY. ABBY MAR. THEY ARE CURRENT EXISTING TENANTS 4109 VINE STREET. IT HAS BEEN REPLOTTED. THEY ARE CURRENT TENANTS AND LOOKING TO MOVE IN SUPPORTING ABBY MARS GROWTH. THE EXISTING FACILITY IS ALL WAREHOUS THEY NEED EXPANDING CAPABILITY. WITH THE OPPORTUNITY FOR OF THE DCOA TO SELL THIS FACILITY TO THEM WE GET THE OPPORTUNITY TO NOT ONLY SUPPORT THEIR FUTURE EXPANSION AND REALLY SPUR THAT BUT ALSO THE OPPORTUNITY TO STEP OUT OF THE POSITION OF HAVING TO MANAGE, MAINTAIN AND CONTINUE TO SPEND MONEY ON A BUILDING THAT IS NOT AN OPPORTUNITY FOR US FOR FINANCIAL GROWTH OR WELFARE SO IT'S A GREAT OPPORTUNITY TO GIVE AN EXISTING TENANT THE ABILITY TO EXPAND WHILE ALSO REDUCING THE WORKLOAD AND THE PURVIEW OF RESPONSIBILITY AS AN ORGANIZATION. THIS IS 187,000 SQUARE FEET. IT'S ON 9.95 ACRES. SO IT'S A SL -- PRECISELY WHAT E NUMBERS ARE. THIS IS A BUILDING THAT WE'RE ESTIMATING IS -- THE BUILDING IN THE ENTIRE PROPERTY HAS BEEN APPRAISED AT $3 MILLION. THE ESTIMATES ARE SLIGHTLY UNDER THAT. BUT WE'VE GONE WITH THE LARGER APPRAISAL AMOUNT OF $3 MILLION AND THAT IS WHY YOU WILL SEE A $2 MILLION INCENTIVE. AGAIN IT'S NOT AN INCENTIVE THAT IS GIVEN TO THE COMPANY. IT IS BY WAY THAT THE DCOA CAN CAPTURE THE ACTUAL VALUE OF THE PROPERTY. THIS ALLOWS US ON A THREE-YEAR NOTE SELL THE BUILDING TO ABBY MARCH FOR $1 MILLION UNDER A [00:50:04] PERFORMANCE AGREEMENT. THEY ARE COMMITTING TO RETAIN THEIR EXISTING 550 EMPLOYEES. >> THANK YOU. QUESTIONS OF MS. MAYO AND COUNCIL PRIOR TO THE PUBLIC HEARING? THANK YOU. AT THIS TIME I WILL OPEN UP THE PUBLIC HEARING. IS THERE ANYONE WHO WOULD LIKE TO SPEAK EITHER FOR OR AGAINST THIS ITEM. WE'LL GO IN ORDER OF THE CALLS THAT HAVE COME IN. WHEN YOU HEAR THAT YOU'VE BEEN UNMUTED PLEASE STATE YOUR FULL NAME CLEARLY FOR THE RECORD. >> DAVID SWARTZ. >> YOU'RE ON DAVID. >> THANK YOU, MAYOR WILLIAMS. I MISSED THE OTHER ITEM BUT WITH THIS CURRENT ENVIRONMENT RIGHT NOW WE DON'T KNOW EXACTLY HOW LONG THIS HEALTH SITUATION WILL LAST. IF YOU KNOW HISTORY BACK IN THE 1917-18 THE FIRST WAVE WAS NOT VERY BAD BUT THEN IT CAME BACK WITH A VENGEANCE SO THIS COULD DO THE SAME THING WITH BUSINESSES IF YOU SPEND YOUR MONEY RIGHT NOW YOU SHOULD HAVE SAVED IT MIGHT, A GOOD ALTERNATIVE TO WAIT AND TAKE A STEP BACK AND DECIDE WHETHER IT IS NOW A GOOD TIME TO MAKE ANY INVESTMENTS. JUST LIKE THIS THING WHAT IF IT LASTED TO THE FALL OR IT CAME BACK AGAIN? THERE IS A MAJOR RESTAURANT CHAIN THAT SAID THEY ARE GOING UNDER WITH THIS. SO I WOULD BE VERY CAUTIOUS ABOUT ANY EXPENDITURES RIGHT NOW DURING THESE TIMES -- EVERYTHING UNTIL WE SEE HOW THIS IS GOING TO PLAY OUT. THAT IS ALL I HAVE, MAYOR WILLIAMS. THANK YOU FOR LETTIN ME GIVE A COMMENT. >> THIS IS A PURCHASE THE DCOA IS SELLING A PROPERTY. THANK YOU. IS THERE ANY OTHER CITIZEN ON-LINE THAT WOULD LIKE TO PARTICIPATE IN THE PUBLIC HEARING? MY UNDERSTANDING IS THAT THERE IS NOT. SO I WILL CLOSE THE PUBLIC HEARING. DOES THE COUNCIL HAVE ANY QUESTIONS OF MS. MAYO IN REGARDS TO ITEM NUMBER 13? WE HAVE A MOTION AND A SECOND. ANY FURTHER DISCUSSION? >> AND I WILL BE ABSTAINING ON THIS ONE. >> DULY NOTATED. >> WE HAVE A MOTION AND A SECOND AND WE'RE READY TO VOTE. >> AND GIVE OUR REGARDS TO YOUR TEAM AND BOARD. TO HELP SUPPORT GROWTH IN THE PRIVATE SECTOR. >> AND I APPRECIATE THAT, MAYOR AND I AMEX STREAMLY PROUD OF THE BOARD THAT YOU HAVE APPOINTED. WE HAVE FIVE BOARD MEMBERS A COINED BY THE CITY COUNCIL THAT OF COURSE THE MAYOR RECOMMENDS SO THANK YOU ALL FOR THOSE APPOINTMENTS -- ADDRESSING HOW WE CAN BE PART OF THE SOLUTION. THEY'VE SET ASIDE $3 MILLION IN A GRANT BY WAY OF INCENTIVES THAT CAN START TO HELP AGAIN FLOW MONEY BACK INTO THE ECONOMY WITH THESE QUALIFIED COMPANIES SO MORE TO COME ON DETAILS ON THAT. I KNOW MAYOR YOU WERE INSTRUMENTAL IN PROPOSING AND CHALLENGING THE DCOA BOARD TO STEP UP AND BE PART OF TEAM ABILENE AND THEY'VE BEEN THAT AND I APPRECIATE YOUR LEADERSHIP ON THAT AND TO THE COUNCIL THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR THE SUPPORT YOU'RE GIVING OUR BOARD AS WELL. >> WE'LL NOW MOVE TO ITEM 14. [14. Resolution: Receive a Report, Hold a Discussion and Public Hearing, and Take Action on a Funding Request from United Way of Abilene for Pass Through Funding for Partner Agencies Under the City’s Chapter 380 Agreement (Robert Hanna] AND I'LL ASK CITY MANNER ROBERT HANNAH TO PRESENT THIS ITEM. >> ITEM 14 IS THE CONTINUATION OF AN ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AGREEMENT. WHAT WE'RE ASKING COUNCIL TO CONSIDER IS THE AUTHORIZATION OF UP TO $250,000 IN FUNDING FOR THE UNITED WAYS PARTNER AGENCIES SPECIFICALLY DAYCARE FOR ESSENTIAL SERVICE EMPLOYEES AND ALSO HOUSING AND RENTAL [00:55:01] ASSISTANCE. THE DAYCARE PROGRAM IS BEING RUN BY THE ALLIANCE WOMEN AND CHILDREN, THE BOYS AND GIRLS CLUBS OF ABILENE AND YOU NEED WAY ITSELF. WE'RE IN PARTNERSHIP WITH THE CITY OF EMPLOYEES AND ALSO TEACHERS AND NURSES. THIS WOULD BE A REIMBURSEMENT BASED COMPONENT. THIS WOULD NOT BE A CHECK FOR $250 TO YOU UNITED WAY. IT'S BASED OFF AS THEY SPEND MONEY WE AGREE TO REIMBURSE THEM. WE DON'T KNOW IF THIS IS GOING TO LAST ANOTHER WEEK OR SIX MONTHS. WE JUST DON'T KNOW SO WE WANT TO MAKE SURE THAT WE DON'T SPEND THE FUNDS THAT DON'T NEED TO BE SPENT AND THIS IS A GOOD WAY TO DO THAT. HOUSING AND RENTAL ASSISTANCE WILL BE THROUGH THE CHRISTIAN SERVICE CENTER. FOR THAT UNITED WAY HAS WORKED HARD ON THE LAST MONTH TO GET THESE PROGRAMS IN PLACE. THEY INTEND THIS MONEY IS TO BE SPENT DIRECTLY WITH THE PARTNER AGENCIES THROUGH UNITED WAY FOR THESE ACTIVITIES. THE REASON WHY STAFF IS ADVOCATING FOR UNITED WAY TO RECEIVE THESE FUNDS VERSUS JUST WRITING A CHECK TO A LOCAL FOUNDATION IS THAT UNITED WAY HAS DONE THE GROUNDWORK TO GET THESE PROGRAMS ESTABLISHED. THEY ARE ACTIVE PROGRAMS NOW THAT THE COMMUNITY IS USING AND THE RESOURCES ARE BEING PROVIDED THROUGH THE PARTNER AGENCIES AND WE HAVE A LONG HISTORY OF DOING THIS WITH THE UNITED WAY. THE MOST RECENT WAS THE LAST TORNADO. BECAUSE THIS IS GOING TO BE A LONGER PERIOD OF TIME VERSUS JUST A SLIVER OF TIME I WANTED COUNCIL TO CREATE AN AGREEMENT TO PUT US UNDER THE FULL PROTECTION OF THE LAW. ANY FURTHER QUESTIONS? >> THANK YOU, MR. HANNAH. WE WILL HAVE A PUBLIC HEARING ON THIS ITEM. THERE HAS BEEN A QUARTER OF A MILLION DOLLARS TO ASSIST IN THIS ENDEAVOUR. THIS IS ANOTHER CONTRIBUTION TOWARD THAT EFFORT ACKNOWLEDGING THAT EVEN WITH THE HALF MILLION DOLLARS THAT NOT ALL WILL BE ADDRESSED BUT THIS IS AN ATTEMPT TO HELP THOSE IN OUR COMMUNITY THAT ARE IN NEED MOST. WE ARE NOT GIVING MONEY UP FRONT BUT RATHER THIS WILL BE A REIMBURSEMENT THROUGH A CHECK AND BALANCE SYSTEM THAT WILL GO INTO THE SERVICE PROVIDERS IN THE COMMUNITY. DOES COUNCIL HAVE ANY QUESTIONS OR COMMENTS PRIOR TO THE PUBLIC HEARING? >> I APPRECIATE ALL OF THE WORK THAT ROBERT AND STAFF HAVE DONE. THE CHAPTER THREE THAT WE APPROVED PROVIDED THE LEGAL UMBRELLA FOR THE WORK THAT WHAT ABOUT BEING DONE IMMEDIATELY BY STAFF UNDER ROBERT'S DIRECTION AND THEY HAVE -- SOME MEMBERS HAVE BEEN WORKING SEVEN DAYS A WEEK, ROBERT IS ONE OF THEM AND I APPRECIATE THEIR DEDICATION TO THIS COMMUNITY AND PEOPLE THERE AND AS ROBERT SAID ON THE 23RD WHEN WE APPROVED CHAPTER 380 THIS IS THE PEOPLE'S MONEY AND THIS IS A WAY IN ADDITION TO THE BOOTS ON THE GROUND THAT WE'VE ALREADY COMMITTED THAT WE CAN HELP THOSE THAT ARE IN NEED THE MOST. >> AGAIN WE ACKNOWLEDGE THIS EVEN WITH THE HALF MILLION THIS DOES NOT MEET ALL OF THE NEED THAT EXIST IN OUR COMMUNITY BUT AN EFFORT TO TRY TO PARTICIPATE TO HELP THE LEAST IN OUR COMMUNITY. ANY OTHER QUESTIONS PRIOR TO THE PUBLIC HEARING? AT THIS TIME I WILL OPEN UP THE PUBLIC HEARING. IS THERE ANYONE WHO WOULD LIKE TO SPEAK EITHER FOR OR AGAINST THIS ITEM? WE'LL GO IN ORDER OF THE CALLS THAT HAVE COME IN. WHEN YOU HEAR THAT YOU'VE BEEN UNMUTED PLEASE STATE YOUR FULL NAME CLEARLY FOR THE RECORD. >> I'M WAIT CAN FOR ITEM 16, MAYOR. THANK YOU. >> THANK YOU, MR. SWARTZ. >> IT'S MY UNDERSTANDING THAT THERE IS NO ONE ELSE THAT ARE WANTS TO PARTICIPATE IN THE PUBLIC HEARING. SO I'LL CLOSE THE PUBLIC HEARING. DOES COUNCIL HAVE ANY ADDITIONAL COMMENTS OR QUESTIONS. WE HAVE A MOTION BY COUNCILMAN RENTZ AND A SECOND BY COUNCILMAN PRICE. ANY FURTHER DISCUSSION? WE'RE READY TO VOTE. [01:00:02] >> AND I'M GOING TO BRING ITEM NUMBER 15. [15. Resolution: Receive a Report, Hold a Discussion and Public Hearing, and Take Action on Approving a Amendment to the Bylaws of the Development Corporation of Abilene, Inc., Section 7.11, Expenditures of Corporation Money for Projects or Borrow Money (Robert Hanna)] I WANT TO MAKE A MOTION THAT WE TABLE ITEM NUMBER 15. >> SECOND. >> DO WE NEED TO HAVE A PUBLIC HEARING? OKAY. I'LL MAKE A MOTION TO TABLE ITEM 15. WE HAVE A SECOND. ANY FURTHER DISCUSSION? WE'RE READY TO VOTE. [16. Emergency Resolution: Receive a Report, Hold a Discussion and Public Hearing, and Take Action on Postponing the May 2, 2020, General Election for Mayor and City Council Place 3 & 4] >> WE'LL NOW BRING OUR LAST ITEM FOR THE DAY. ITEM 16. I'LL ASK ROBERT HANNA TO P PREST THIS ITEM BEFORE THE COUNCIL. >> THE SECRETARY OF STATE'S OFFICE ISSUED AN ADVISORY THAT HOLDING AN ELECTION IN MAY DURING THE COVID 19 PANDEMIC COULD POSSIBLY CALL INTO QUESTION AND CREATE A CHALLENGE AND THEY HIGHLY ENCOURAGE MUNICIPALITIES TO MOVE THE ELECTION TO NOVEMBER. SO, THAT IS WHAT STAFF IS RECOMMENDING THAT WE DO IN THIS SITUATION. THE RESOLUTION ALLOWS US TO MOVE THE ELECTION TO NOVEMBER OR SOONER DATE IF AVAILABLE. THERE HAS BEEN SOME DISCUSSION ABOUT HAVING THE ELECTION IN JULY DURING THE PRIMARIES. THE GOVERNOR HAS NOT AUTHORIZED THAT AND MAY NOT BE ABLE TO. IF COUNCIL WANTED US TO PURSUE THAT YOU COULD DIRECT STAFF TO VISIT WITH OTHER SURROUNDING COMMUNITIES ABOUT THE DESIRE TO DO THAT AND THEN TAKE THE CASE TO THE DISTRICT COURT AND ALLOW THE JUDGE TO MAKE A DECISION WHETHER OR NOT THERE IS A COMPELLING REASON TO HAVE THE ELECTION IN JULY VERSUS NOVEMBER. >> THANK YOU. AND THIS WILL BE A PUBLIC HEARING AND I CONQUER WITH THE RECOMMENDATION AS WELL AS THE SECRETARY OF STATE. I THINK -- PROVIDING AN OPPORTUNITY TO SEE THE POSSIBILITY OF A JULY ELECTION AND IF NOT A NOVEMBER ELECTION WOULD BE VERY PRUDENT AND I'M VERY SUPPORTIVE OF THAT. DOES COUNCIL HAVE ANY QUESTIONS? >> I WOULD ASK STANLEY TO GIVE US CLARIFICATION IF WE WERE TO BE ABLE TO PURSUE THE ELECTION IN JULY LEGALLY HOW THAT WOULD BE DONE. >> MAYOR AND COUNCIL STANLEY SMITH CITY ATTORNEY. IT'S ESSENTIALLY AN OPPORTUNITY UNDER THE ELECTION CODE TO ASK THE LOCAL DISTRICT JUDGE TO ORDER AN ELECTION AT A DIFFERENT DATE OTHER THAN THE UNIFORMED ELECTION DATE OF NOVEMBER 3RD FOR OUR COUNTY. THE JULY DATE WOULD BE THE OPTIMAL TIME. SO IT'S REALLY AN AVENUE THAT THE ELECTION CODE ALLOWED THE LOCAL COMMUNITY TO ASK THEIR LOCAL JUDGE TO DO THAT. >> THANK YOU. >> IF WE WERE TO PROCEED OR PURSUE THE JULY DATE BECAUSE I THINK NOVEMBER IS -- I'M NOT A FAN -- IT'S EITHER MAY 2ND OR NOVEMBER 3RD. WHAT IS THE TIME FRAME FOR US TO KNOW IF WE WERE ABLE TO HAVE IT IN JULY AND IF WE ARE WAIT CAN YEAH OR NAY DO WE NEED TO POSTPONE TODAY'S DECISION. >> NO. I WOULD NOT RECOMMEND THAT WE POSTPONE TODAY'S DECISION. THAT NEEDS TO TAKE PLACE SOONER THAN LATER BECAUSE THE EARLY VOTING IS ABOUT TO START AND IF THE COUNCIL VOTES TO MOVE IT TO NOVEMBER 3RD THAT RESETS ALL OF THE EARLY VOTING DATES. IT RESETS MANY OF THE DATES OTHER THAN -- IT DOESN'T REOPEN THE CANDIDATES BEING ABLE TO FILE. SO THERE ARE LOTS OF DEADLINES WHEN YOU HAVE AN ELECTION AS TO BACKING THINGS UP. IF WE WERE TO SEEK A COURT ORDER FOR ANY DATE THEN THOSE DEADLINES WOULD ALSO HAVE TO BE RESET BASED ON A DATE THAT THE DISTRICT JUDGE MAY OR MAY NOT ORDER. AS FAR AS THE TIME LINE FOR THAT GOING TO COURT I CANNOT SAY HOW FAST THAT WOULD HAPPEN BUT WE WOULD OBVIOUSLY NEED TO GET IT IN PLACE BEFORE ANY EARLY VOTING WOULD TAKE PLACE. SO QUICKLY. >> IF WE APPROVE THIS TODAY I GUESS WHAT I'M SAYING IF WE [01:05:05] APPROVE IT MOVING TO NOVEMBER I DON'T WANT THAT TO COME ACROSS AS TO NOT PURSUING THE JULY DATE. >> I WOULD VOTE TO APPROVE MOVING THE ELECTION TO NOVEMBER 3RD AND GIVING OPPORTUNITY TO SEEK OTHER AVENUES TO HAVE THAT DATE EARLIER IF THAT IS A POSSIBILITY IS WHAT MY RECOMMENDATION WOULD BE. >> THE LANGUAGE IS SPECIFIC IN SAYING TO NOVEMBER 3RD OR AN EARLIER DATE IF DEEMED POSSIBLE SO IF WE APPROVE WHAT IS BEFORE US WE'RE NOT LOCKED IN UNCHANGEABLY TO NOVEMBER 3RD. IF NO OTHER AVENUE WORKS OUT NOVEMBER 3RD IS WHEN WE'LL HAVE IT. >> AND JULY IS THE ONLY OTHER DATE? >> IT'S ANY OTHER DATE THAT THE JUDGE WOULD ALLOW BUT THE JULY DATE MAKES SINCE BECAUSE THERE IS ALREADY A PRIMARY RUN OFF SO THE POLLS WILL BE OPEN, THE VOTERS OF TAYLOR COUNTY WILL BE GOING TO THE POLLS SO OUR THOUGHTS ARE THAT MIGHT BE AN OPPORTUNE TIME. >> AND I HOPE WE DO PURSUE THAT BECAUSE I THINK THAT IS A BETTER DATE. >> SO IT'S MY UNDERSTANDING THAT ANYONE THAT IS ALREADY APPLIED FOR VOTING BY MAIL THAT THOSE WILL HOLD UP WHETHER IT BE IN JULY OR WHETHER IT BE IN NOVEMBER? >> THAT IS CORRECT. IF YOU MADE THE APPLICATION TO VOTE BY MAIL AND YOU QUALIFY THOSE WILL STILL BE VALID FOR THE ELECTION BEING MOVED TO NOVEMBER 3RD OR ANY OTHER DATE THAT WE SEEK. >> AND ISN'T THE JULY 3RD DATE AT RISK OF BEING CHANGED? THE RUN OFF DATE. IS IT AT RISK OF BEING PUSHED OUT IF THE VIRUS DOESN'T CLEAR UP. >> I'M NOT AWARE OF THAT. THAT WOULD BE UP TO THE GOVERNOR. >> WE ARE -- WITH ELECTION DAY MAY 2ND WE'RE ALREADY PAST THE DATE THAT SOMEONE SHOULD HAVE REGISTERED. >> IT WILL BE RESET. >> OKAY. >> EVERYTHING IS RESET EXCEPT FOR CANDIDATES FILING. >> THE QUESTIONS BEFORE THE PUBLIC HEARING? THANK YOU. AT THIS TIME I WILL OPEN UP THE PUBLIC HEARING. IS THERE ANYONE WHO WOULD LIKE TO SPEAK EITHER FOR OR AGAINST THIS ITEM. WE'LL GO IN ORDER OF THE CALLS THAT HAVE COME IN. WHEN YOU HEAR YOU'VE BEEN UNMUTED PLEASE STATE YOUR FULL NAME CLEARLY FOR THE RECORD. >> DAVID SWARTZ. THANK YOU, MAYOR WILLIAMS. IT SOUNDS LIKE YOU'VE DONE SOME GOOD RESEARCH AND YES THAT JULY MEETING VOTING COMING UP WILL BE A GOOD ALTERNATIVE INSTEAD OF HAVING THE FALL. WE DON'T KNOW HOW MUCH LONGER THIS PANDEMIC VIRUS -- I WOULD SAY THAT IS A GOOD ALTERNATIVE FOR THE CITIZENS OF ABILENE. THAT IS ALL I HAVE. THANK YOU, MAYOR WILLIAMS. >> THANK YOU. WE'RE STILL IN THE PUBLIC HEARING. IS THERE ANYONE ELSE? MY UNDERSTANDING IS THERE IS%-Ú. I WILL CLOSE THE PUBLIC HEARING. DOES COUNCIL HAVE ANY ADDITIONAL QUESTIONS OF STAFF? OR COMMENTS? >> WE HAVE A MOTION BY COUNHURT ANDA SECOND BY COUNCIL. WE HAVE A MOTION AND A SECOND. ANY FURTHER COMMENT? >> JUST TO EXPRESS MY SUPPORT FOR PURSUING THE JULY DATE AND EARLIER DATE AND WORKING WITH THE OTHERS -- >> I'LL ADD THAT SUPPORT TOO. >> AND I WILL ADD THAT SUPPORT AS WELL. >> MADAM, SECRETARY. WE'RE READY TO VOTE. >> LADIES AND GENTLEMEN, IT IS 11:21:00 A.M. AND THIS MEETING * This transcript was compiled from uncorrected Closed Captioning.