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Min CC 08/19/2024 Specialor C,0 A O 4 O �tR�f 'OryMO.+of SPECIAL CIBOLO CITY COUNCIL MEETING Cibolo City Hall 200 S. Main St. Cibolo, Texas 78108 August 19, 2024 6:30p.m. to 8:00p.m. Minutes 1. Call to Order —Meeting was called to order by Mayor Allen at 6:30 p.m. 2. Roll Call and Excused Absences — Members Present: Mayor Allen, Councilman Benson, Councilman Mahoney, Councilwoman Cunningham, Councilman Hetzel, and Councilman Hicks; Members Absent: Councilman Roberts and Councilwoman Sanchez -Stephens. Councilman Hicks made the motion to excuse the absence of both Councilmember Roberts and Sanchez -Stephens. The motion was seconded by Councilwoman Cunningham. For: All; Against: None. The motion carried 5 to 0. 3. Invocation — Invocation was given by Councilman Hicks. 4. Pledge of Allegiance — All in attendance recited the Pledge of Allegiance. 5. Citizens to be Heard This is the only time during the Council Meeting that a citizen can address the City Council. It is the opportunity for visitors and guests to address the City Council on any issue to include agenda items. All visitors wishing to speak must fill out the Sign -In Roster prior to the start of the meeting. The City Council may not deliberate any non -agenda issue, nor may any action be taken on any non -agenda issue at this time; however, the City Council may present any factual response to items brought up by citizens. (Attorney General Opinion — JC -0169) (Limit of three minutes each.) All remarks shall be addressed to the Council as a body. Remarks may also be addressed to any individual member of the Council so long as the remarks are (i) about matters of local public concern and (ii) not disruptive to the meeting or threatening to the member or any attendee. Any person violating this policy may be requested to leave the meeting, but no person may be requested to leave or forced to leave the meeting because of the viewpoint expressed. This meeting is livestreamed. If anyone would like to make comments on any matter regarding the City of Cibolo or on an agenda item and have this item read at this meeting, please email pcimicsnir cibolotx.eov and vchapman(ir cibolotx.eov or telephone 210-566-6111 before 5:00 pm the date of the meeting. The Assistant City Secretary read five emails that had been sent in by citizens to be read during the "Citizens to be Heard" portion of the meeting. Mr. Najar spoke on the recent behavior of Council towards staff over the past few meetings specifically the most recent meeting regarding the budget. He stated that speaking to staff in a disrespectful and demeaning was not appropriate. Mr. Najar also stated that those councihnembers that sit there and do nothing while this behavior is on display by their fellow members is disappointing. Mr. Najar says that it is clear that staff seems to get along and have built strong relationships under Mr. Reeds guidance. It is clear that Mr. Reed has brought fresh ideas to staff. Mr. Najar said that it is clear by the behavior of council, they are blissfully unaware at how hard staff work for the residents, They deserve at the very least respect for that. Mr. P. wrote as a past Law Enforcement professional he urge the council to demonstrate leadership and courage by seeking voter approval for a tax increase dedicated to enhancing public safety in Cibolo. He also expressed his concern with the tone and language used by some members of the council in recent months regarding city staff. Mr. P stated that negativity and disrespect has lasting impact on morale and can significantly hinder the City's ability to recruit and retain talented law enforcement professionals. He stated that it was time for City Council to act decisively and put the question of a tax increase for public safety before the voters. Mr. Escobar spoke on his deep concern regarding the ongoing discussion about the 100% market adjustment for city staff. He was also appalled by the way come council members have treated the staff. Mr. Escobar stated that this behavior is not only unprofessional but also unacceptable. He commended Councilwoman Cunningham for being the only one to speak up in favor of doing what is right for staff. Mr. Escobar states it's now time for the rest of the council to stop sitting in silence and start supporting the backbone of this organization the first responders, the staff, and everyone who works tirelessly to keep this city running smoothly. Ms. McAvinew-Mims spoke on an incident that happen at El Sereno Apartments in Cibolo on February 8, 2024. She stated that a tenant at El Sereno accosted another tenant eventually causing the death of this tenant. This final incident happen over a dog bite a few days before the tenant's death. She states that the manager did nothing while witnessing the rage -filled rant on a tenant. El Sereno's corporate office refused to evict the tenant. The police department was called, and a report was made. Ms. McAvinew-Mims wants to know why the police never spoke with this tenant and why no charges were filed against her. She states she is disappointed and frustrated in the Cibolo police, the progress on a case she was told would be filed and told a detective was working on. It's been six months, and nothing has been done. Ms. Latimer wrote strongly opposing the proposed property tax increase. She stated that she had reviewed the city's financial audits available on the city's website and it clearly shows that Cibolo has already experienced a huge increase in revenue from both property taxes and other taxes generated by the residents and local businesses over the past for years. Ms. Latimer showed the increase in revenue from 2019 to 2023 which reflects an increase of over $4.5 million in property tax revenue alone. She also showed the increase of other tax revenues over the same time period to be over $3.3 million in other tax revenues. Ms. Latimer states that the city should prioritize responsible spending and ensure that any increase in expenses are in line with actual growth. She was particularly concern in the increase in expenses within the City Managers office and overall management. She urged the city council to reconsider the proposed increase and focus instead on managing expenses more effectively. 6. Public Hearing A. Conduct a public hearing to hear public testimony regarding FY 25 Budget. Mayor Allen opened the public hearing at 7:21 p.m. No one wish to speak on this item and Mayor Allen closed the public hearing at 7:21 p.m. B. Conduct a public hearing to her public testimony regarding the Tax Rate for Tax Year 2024. Mayor Allen open the public hearing at 7:30 p.m. No wish to speak on this item and Mayor Allen closed the public hearing at 7:30 p.m. 7. Resolutions A. Approval/Disapproval of a Resolution Supporting State Legislation to Establish a Dedicated Funding Mechanism for the Disabled Veteran's Homestead Exemption Program. Councilwoman Cunningham made the motion to approve the Resolution Supporting State Legislation to Establish a Dedicated Funding Mechanism for the Disabled Veteran's Homestead Exemption Program. The motion was seconded by Councihnan Hetzel. For: All; Against: None. The motion carried 5 to 0. 8. Ordinances A. Approval/Disapproval of an Ordinance of the City of Cibolo Increasing the Texas Municipal Retirement System (TMRS) Statutory Maximum Rate Limit. Councilwoman Cunningham made the motion to approve an Ordinance of the City of Cibolo Increasing the Texas Municipal Retirement System (TMRS) Statutory Maximum Rate Limit. The motion was seconded by Councilman Mahoney. For: All; Against: None. The motion carried 5 to 0. B. Approval/Disapproval of an Ordinance of the City of Cibolo adopting the Budget for Fiscal Year 2024-2025, beginning October 1, 2024 and ending September 30, 2025. Councilman Mahoney made the motion to table this item. The motion was seconded by Councilwoman Cunningham. Before a vote was taken Councilman Mahoney withdrew his motion as did Councilwoman Cunningham. Councilwoman Cunningham moved to approve the Ordinance adopting the budget based on a tax rate of $0.4990, sets appropriations for fiscal year 2024-2025 of $71,818,630. The motion was seconded by Councilman Mahoney. For: Councilwoman Cunningham and Councilman Mahoney; Against: Councilman Benson, Councilman Hetzel, and Councilman Hicks. The motion failed 2 to 3. Councilwoman Cunningham made the motion to extend the meeting 30 minutes. The motion was seconded by Councilman Mahoney. For: Councilman Mahoney, Councilwoman Cunningham, Councilman Hetzel, and Councilman Hicks; Against: Councilman Benson. The motion carried 4 to 1. Councilwoman Cunningham made the motion to approve the Ordinance adopting the budget based on a tax rate of $0.4990, sets appropriations for fiscal year 2024-2025 of $71,818,630 and to have quarterly workshop concerning the budget. The motion was seconded by Councilman Mahoney. For: Councilman Benson, Councilman Mahoney, Councilwoman Cunningham, and Councilman Hetzel; Against: Councilman Hicks. The motion failed 4 to 1. (The budget must be approved by at least 5 of the 7 members of Council). Councilman Hicks made the motion to approve the Ordinance adopting the budget based on a tax rate of $0.4990, sets appropriations for fiscal year 2024-2025 of $71,818,630 and to have true sit-down meetings with staff and council concerning the budget. The motion was seconded by Councilwoman Cunningham. For: Councilman Benson, Councilman Mahoney, Councilwoman Cunningham, Councilman Hetzel, and Councilman Hicks; Against: None. The motion carried 5 to 0. 9. Resolutions A. Approval/Disapproval of a Resolution of the City of Cibolo to Ratify the Property Tax Increase reflected in the Fiscal Year 2024-2025 Budget. Councilwoman Cunningham made the motion to approve a Resolution of the City of Cibolo to Ratify the Property Tax Increase reflected in the Fiscal Year 2024-2025 Budget. The motion was seconded by Councilman Hicks. For: All; Against: None. The motion carried 5 to 0. B. Approval/Disapproval of a Resolution of the City of Cibolo providing for Defeasance and calling for Redemption of certain outstanding City Obligations and other matter in connection therewith. Councilman Benson made the motion to approve a Resolution of the City of Cibolo providing for Defeasance and calling for Redemption of certain outstanding City Obligations and other matter in connection therewith. The motion was seconded by Councilman Mahoney. For: All; Against: None. The motion carred 5 to 0. 10. Ordinances A. Approval/Disapproval of an Ordinance of the City of Cibolo setting the Ad Valorem Tax Rate for Tax Year 2024. Councilwoman Cunningham made the motion to approve an Ordinance of the City of Cibolo setting the Ad Valorem Tax Rate for Tax Year 2024. Councilman Mahoney seconded the motion. A roll call vote was taken. For: Councilman Benson, Councilman Mahoney, Councilwoman Cunningham, Councilman Hetzel, and Councilman Hicks; Against: None. The motion carried 5 to 0. Councilman Hicks made the motion to establish a tax rate of $0.3514 for the purposes of Maintenance and Operation. The motion was seconded by Councilman Mahoney. A roll call vote was taken. For:: Councilman Benson, Councilman Mahoney, Councilwoman Cunningham, Councilman Hetzel, and Councilman Hicks; Against: None. The motion carried 5 to 0. Councilman Hicks made the motion to establish a tax rate of $ 0.1793 for the payment of Principal and interest on the Debt of this city. The motion was seconded by Councilman Mahoney. A roll call vote was taken. For: Councilman Benson, Councilman Mahoney, Councilwoman Cunningham, Councilman Hetzel, and Councilman Hicks; Against: None. The motion carried 5 to 0. B. Approval/Disapproval of an Order Calling a Tax Ratification Election to be held by the City of Cibolo, Texas on November 5, 2024. C. Councilman Hicks made the motion to approve an Order Calling a Tax Ratification Election to be held by the City of Cibolo, Texas on November 5, 2024. The motion was seconded by Councilman Hetzel. Before a vote was taken Councilman Hicks and Councilman Hetzel withdrew their motions. The council went back to item 10A. Councilman Hicks made the motion to approve an Order Calling a Tax Ratification Election to be held by the City of Cibolo, Texas on November 5, 2024. The motion was seconded by Councilman Mahoney. For: All; Against: None. The motion carried 5 to 0. 11. Adioumment Councilman Hicks made the motion to adjourn the meeting at 8:13 p.m. The motion was seconded by Councilman Mahoney. For: All; Against: None. The motion carried 5 to 0. PASSED AND APPROVED THIS 10 DAY OF SEPTEMBER 2024. ark Allen Mayor ATTEST Peggy Cimics, TRMC City Secretary