City Council holds regular meeting Tuesday, September 8th

The San Saba City Council held a regular meeting on Tuesday, September 8th, in the City Hall Chambers. Mayor Ken Jordan called the Council to order at 6:00 p.m., announced a quorum, and welcomed everyone. Alderman Michael Nelson gave the invocation and led everyone in the flag pledges.

The following Council Members were in attendance: Kenneth Jordan, Mayor; Shawn Oliver, Alderman; Robert Whitten, Mayor Pro-Tem; Marcus Amthor, Alderman and Michael Nelson, Alderman. Stan Weik, City Manager, and Oleta Behrens, Alderman, did not attend the meeting.

Others present at this meeting included: Sabrina Maultsby, City Secretary; Charlene Lindsay, City Treasurer; Scott Glaze, City Public Works Director; Michael Whitley, Golf Course Supervisor; Juan Montoya, Sanitation Department Supervisor; Alonzo Jimenez, Sanitation Department Employee; Bridgett Macedo, Utilities Billing Clerk; Sarah Saldivar, EDC/KSSB; Michael Wadsworth, City Inspector and Djuana Payton, Reporter, San Saba News & Star.

Open Public Hearings –

Mayor Ken Jordan opened the public hearings.

PUBLIC HEARING

1) The City of San Saba will hold a Public Hearing at this time to consider adopting a proposed budget for FY 2020-2021 and tax rate for the 2020 tax year. The proposed tax rate increased to last year's effective tax rate, $.344000 per $100 evaluation. Property taxes collected in 2020 will be $7,518.00 more than what was collected in 2019 due to an increase in the total tax roll. All citizens are invited to express their views on the proposed City budget and tax rate.

Mayor Jordan explained that there were new properties that went on the tax roll and some improved properties that went on the tax roll; the tax rate is the same.

No public comments.

2) Tony Jacobs, Jr. is requesting that the Planning and Zoning Commission and the San Saba City Council approve a Zoning Variance to the City of San Saba's zoning ordinance in regard to the minimum baseline yard requirements, for property located 501 W. Lewis Street, San Saba, Texas, Block 12, lots 11 and 12 in the Riverside Addition, zoned Commercial-Local and Through Highway Business District (C-2). The Planning and Zoning Commission met in Open Session on August 26, 2020 and voted with a 3 to 0 Vote in favor of approving this Zoning Variance. The City encourages citizens to make their views known at this public hearing.

No public comments.

3) Tony Jacobs, Jr. is requesting that the Planning and Zoning Commission and the San Saba City Council approve a Zoning Variance to the zoning ordinance in regard to the City of San Saba's minimum baseline yard requirements, for the property located at 1204 West Brown Street, San Saba, Texas, Legal Description, Campbell & Martin, Block 3, Lots 3 and 4, 100x120 zoned Multi-family Residence District (R-4).

The Planning and Zoning Commission met in Open Session on August 26, 2020 and voted with a 3 to 0 Vote in favor of approving this Zoning Variance. The City encourages citizens to make their views known at this public hearing.

No public comments.

4) Joel Estrada, Jr. is requesting that the Planning & Zoning Commission and the San Saba City Council approve a variance to the zoning ordinance in regard to the City of San Saba's minimum baseline yard requirements for property located at 1206 W. Sunset, San Saba, Texas, Legal Description, Highland Addition, Block 8, Lots 2 and 3, from twenty-five (25) ft. to fifteen (15) ft. in order to construct a new carport for the existing structure, zoned One-Family Residence District (R-2).

The Planning and Zoning Commission met in Open Session on August 26, 2020 and voted with a 3 to 0 Vote in favor of approving this Zoning Variance as presented from twenty-five (25) ft. to ten (10) ft. The City encourages citizens to make their views known at this public hearing.

No public comments.

Mayor Jordan closed the Public hearing.

PUBLIC COMMENTS: None. CEREMONIAL PRESENTATIONS:

1. "Supervisor of the Third Quarter" for 2020: Michael Whitley, Golf Course Supervisor, received recognition as Supervisor of the Third Quarter. Scott Glaze made the presentation in Stan Weik’s absence. Mr. Glaze noted that what Michael has done at the golf course is very impressive: there is actual grass on the fairways with an aggressive weed control plan. Michael is very knowledgeable about everything. The green fees are up, this past month even doubled, and people are wanting to come play the course at San Saba because it is green and the greens are running great. Michael’s name was engraved on a dedicated “Supervisor of the Quarter” plaque. In addition, he received a gift certificate to a local restaurant.

2. "Employee of the Month" Award for September 2020: Alonzo Jimenez, Sanitation Department, received recognition as September's Employee of the Month. His supervisor, Juan Montoya, stated Alonzo does an awesome job. He volunteers for Saturdays and works extra hours. He stays busy all the time and works hard. Alonzo’s name was engraved on a dedicated “Employee of the Month” plaque. In addition, he received a gift certificate to a local restaurant.

CONSENT AGENDA ITEMS:

1. Minutes from the August 11, 2020 Council Meeting.

2. Payment of bills presented to City Council.

3. Approve the Dispatcher Services Interlocal Agreement between the County of San Saba, Texas and the City of San Saba, Texas.

4. Approve an Interlocal Agreement between City and County for the Emergency Management Coordinator position.

5. Approve updated contract with appointed Municipal Judge Sharon Blossman.

Decision: The Council unanimously approved all of the above items.

DISCUSSION/ACTION ITEMS:

1. Discuss and Consider approval of Resolution 2020-32 approving the proposed budget for the Fiscal Year beginning October 1, 2020 and ending September 30, 2021.

Decision: This resolution required a recorded vote:

(1) Mayor Pro-Tem Robert Whitten - Aye

(2) Alderman Marcus Amthor - Aye

(3) Alderman Shawn Oliver - Aye

(4) Alderman Michael Nelson - Aye

With four Aye’s and no Nay’s, the Council passed the Resolution 2020-32 approving the proposed budget for the Fiscal Year beginning October 1, 2020 and ending September 30, 2021.

2. Discuss and Consider approval of Resolution No. 2020-33 ratifying the property tax increase reflected in the budget.

Discussion: Mayor Jordan again explained that the increase is because of new items on the tax roll and not because of an actual tax increase.

Decision: The Council unanimously approved Resolution No. 2020-33 ratifying the property tax increase reflected in the budget. Discuss and Consider approval of Ordinance No. 2020-08 levying a tax rate of $.344000 for the City of San Saba for 2019.

3. Discuss and Consider approval of Ordinance No. 2020-08 levying a tax rate of $.344000 for the City of San Saba for 2019. This rate will raise more taxes for maintenance and operations than this rate raised last year.

Decision: This ordinance required a record vote.

Decision: The Council unanimously approved Resolution No. 2020-33 ratifying the property tax increase reflected in the budget. Discuss and Consider approval of Ordinance No. 2020-08 levying a tax rate of $.344000 for the City of San Saba for 2019.

3. Discuss and Consider approval of Ordinance No. 2020-08 levying a tax rate of $.344000 for the City of San Saba for 2019. This rate will raise more taxes for maintenance and operations than this rate raised last year.

Decision: This ordinance required a recorded vote.

1. Mayor Pro-Tem Robert Whitten - Aye

2. Alderman Marcus Amthor - Aye

3. Alderman Shawn Oliver - Aye

4. Alderman Michael Nelson - Aye

With four Aye’s and no Nay’s, the motion passed. The Council unanimously approved Ordinance No. 2020-08 levying a tax rate of $.344000 for the City of San Saba for 2019. This rate will raise more taxes for maintenance and operations than this rate raised last year.

4. Discuss and Consider approving Ordinance No. 2020-09, an Ordinance Granting a Variance to the Existing Zoning Boundaries within the City of San Saba Texas in regard to the minimum baseline yard requirements, for property located on Block 12, lots 11 and 12 in the Riverside Addition, zoned Commercial-Local and Through Highway Business District (C-2).

5. Discuss and Consider approving Ordinance No. 2020-10, an Ordinance Granting a Variance to the Existing Zoning Boundaries within the City of San Saba, Texas in regard to the City of San Saba’s minimum baseline yard requirements, for the property located at 1204 West Brown Street, San Saba, Texas, Legal Description, Campbell & Martin, Block 3, Lots 3 and 4, 100x120 zoned Multi-family Residence District (R-4).

Decision: After a lengthy discussion, the Council unanimously approved Ordinance No. 2020-10, an Ordinance Granting a Variance to the Existing Zoning Boundaries within the City of San Saba, Texas in regard to the City of San Saba’s minimum baseline yard requirements, for the property located at 1204 West Brown Street, San Saba, Texas, Legal Description, Campbell & Martin, Block 3, Lots 3 and 4, 100x120 zoned Multi-family Residence District (R-4).

6. Discuss and Consider approving Ordinance No. 2020- 11, an Ordinance Granting a Variance to the Existing Zoning Boundaries within the City of San Saba, Texas in regard to the City of San Saba’s minimum baseline yard requirements for property located at 1206 W. Sunset, San Saba, Texas, Legal Description, Highland Addition, Block 8, Lots 2 and 3, from twenty-five (25) ft. to ten (10) ft. in order to construct a new carport for the existing structure, zoned One-Family Residence District (R-2).

Decision: After a long discussion, the Council unanimously approved Ordinance No. 2020-11, an Ordinance Granting a Variance to the Existing Zoning Boundaries within the City of San Saba, Texas in regard to the City of San Saba’s minimum baseline yard requirements for property located at 1206 W. Sunset, San Saba, Texas, Legal Description, Highland Addition, Block 8, Lots 2 and 3, from twentyfive (25) ft. to ten (10) ft. in order to construct a new carport for the existing structure, zoned One-Family Residence District (R-2).

7. Discuss and Consider approving Ordinance No. 2020- 12, an Ordinance of the City of San Saba, Texas, Amending/ Adding Curfews to all the City Parks as set out in Article 1.08, Parks and Recreation, Section 1.08.003, Risien Park Curfew; Providing an Effective Date; Providing for Open Meetings, and Provided for Related Matters.

Discussion: The hours of curfew was discussed. It was decided the hours of parks in the City would be 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. during Daylight Savings and 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. during Central Standard Time. There will be signage put up, and citations can be given. This does not apply to RV parks.

Decision: After discussion, the Council unanimously passed Ordinance No. 2020-12, an Ordinance of the City of San Saba, Texas, Amending/ Adding Curfews to all the City Parks as set out in Article 1.08, Parks and Recreation, Section 1.08.003, Risien Park Curfew; Providing an Effective Date; Providing for Open Meetings, and Provided for Related Matters.

8. Discuss and Consider approving Ordinance No. 2020- 13, an Ordinance of the City of San Saba, Texas, Repealing the Term Limits Set out in Article 1.04, Boards, Commissions and Committees, Division 2, Keep San Saba Beautiful Commission; Providing an Effective Date; Providing for Open Meetings; and Providing for Related Matters.

Decision: After discussion, the Council unanimously passed Ordinance No. 2020-13, an Ordinance of the City of San Saba, Texas, Repealing the Term Limits Set out in Article 1.04, Boards, Commissions and Committees, Division 2, Keep San Saba Beautiful Commission; Providing an Effective Date; Providing for Open Meetings; and Providing for Related Matters.

9. Discuss and Consider approving Ordinance No. 2020- 14, an Ordinance of the City of San Saba, Texas, Finding the Need to Amend the Municipal Fees and Fee Schedule to Modify Fees Associated with Construction and Development Related Fees, Miscellaneous Fees, Zoning Fees, and Utility Fees; Providing an Effective Date and Open Meetings Clauses, and Providing for Related Matters.

Discussion: Scott Glaze explained the reason behind these fees: many contractors are needing help from the City which takes many man hours and equipment. He also stated these fees will be published in the newspaper.

Decision: The Council unanimously approved Ordinance No. 2020-14, an Ordinance of the City of San Saba, Texas, Finding the Need to Amend the Municipal Fees and Fee Schedule to Modify Fees Associated with Construction and Development Related Fees, Miscellaneous Fees, Zoning Fees, and Utility Fees; Providing an Effective Date and Open Meetings Clauses, and Providing for Related Matters.

CITY MANAGER’S REPORT:

In the City Manager’s absence, Scott Glaze gave the following report:

• The Golf Course is one of the highlights here in San Saba. Michael Whitely reported to the Council that the green fees have doubled.

• In reference to Lowe’s new building, Michael Wadsworth reported there are still unresolved issues and investigations with the insurance companies before construction can proceed.

• Sarah Saldivar reported the fall clean up is October 10th, but it will be difficult because of COVID-19. There will be possible recommendations for elderly needing help. She mentioned having to-go food for volunteers that help. On-line sign up for volunteers is planned.

• Ms. Saldivar updated the Council on KSSB. They will be sponsoring a tribute to local first responders at the fire station on Friday morning, September 11th. She also noted KSSB will be ready to assist in the Downtown Plaza area by the Visitor’s Center and is excited to help with any landscaping needs there.

• Ms. Saldivar stated the EDC is assisting Stan Weik with a project. They also have a new member on the board, Jason Philips. He is helping with maximizing the use of Found Media. The Council commented on his expertise.

• The new ambulance service is going really well - good response times, and really friendly, good guys working there.

Mayor Ken Jordan adjourned the meeting at 7:09 p.m.