Minutes - 12/16/2015
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MINUTES FROM THE HUNTSVILLE CITY COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING HELD ON THE 16 DAY OF DECEMBER 2015, IN
THE CITY HALL, LOCATED AT 1212 AVENUE M, IN THE CITY OF HUNTSVILLE, COUNTY OF WALKER, TEXAS, AT 6:00 P.M.
The Council met in a regular session with the following:
COUNCILMEMBERS PRESENT: Mac Woodward, Andy Brauninger, Lydia Montgomery, Don H. Johnson, Tish Humphrey,
Joe Emmett, Ronald Allen, Joe P. Rodriquez
COUNCILMEMBERS ABSENT: Keith D. Olson
OFFICERS PRESENT: Matt Benoit, City Manager, Leonard Schneider, City Attorney, Lee Woodward, City Secretary
MAIN SESSION \[6:00 P.M.\] - continuation of December 15, 2015 meeting, with item 5a under discussion
1. CALL TO ORDER - Mayor Woodward called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m.
5. MAYOR/CITY COUNCIL/CITY MANAGER AND CITY ATTORNEY REPORT
a. Presentation, public comment, discussion, and possible action on a request by Councilmember Allen to modify
the Retiree Health Insurance policy, dated September 17, 2015, to clarify eligibility for retiree health insurance for
current retirees who are employed by an employer who provides access to health insurance. \[Councilmember
Allen\]
Councilmember Allen moved that the retirement policy going into effect on January 1, 2016, be changed so that only
employees hired after January 1, 2016, are affected and that the changes not apply to current retirees or current
employees. The motion was seconded by Mayor Woodward. This item was pending when the meeting was postponed on
December 15, 2015, please refer to those minutes.
The item was taken up again at 6:00 p.m. on Wednesday, December 16, 2016. Julie O’Connell, Human Resources
Director, confirmed that each retiree could call to cancel any new plan and re-enroll with the City plan with United
Healthcare. Without objection, the motion was withdrawn.
Mayor Woodward moved to put post-65 retirees on Medicare supplement plan through United Healthcare and pay any
additional costs, the motion was seconded by Councilmember Montgomery. Councilmember Brauninger thanked Mrs.
O’Connell for her efforts. Councilmember Humphrey expressed her support of the motion, but reminded all that this
decision was possibly only a temporary solution. Councilmembers Humphrey and Rodriquez assured all that the actions of
the City Manager and HR Director were at the express direction of the City Council. The motion was adopted unanimously,
8-0. Mayor Woodward asked that the Council, City Manager, HR Director, and retirees work together on a solution in the
coming year. He also requested that the City Council Long Range Planning Ad Hoc Committee also consider this item, as
unfunded liability affects the City’s bond rating, interest rates, ability to issue debt, and other aspects of the City’s future and
growth.
6. REQUESTS FOR CITIZEN PARTICIPATION
An opportunity for citizens to be heard on any topic and for the City Council to participate in the discussion. No action will be
taken.
No requests received by noon on December 8, 2015.
7. MEDIA INQUIRIES RELATED TO MATTERS ON THE AGENDA
There were no media inquiries.
8. ITEMS OF COMMUNITY INTEREST
(Hear announcements concerning items of community interest from the Mayor, Councilmembers, and City staff for which no
action will be discussed or taken.)
Mayor Woodward congratulated the City Secretary for her receipt of two scholarships and a plaque for serving as the TMCA,
Inc. Salt Grass Chapter 2015 President. Councilmember Montgomery thanked Mayor Woodward for his service, leadership,
and mentoring, and especially his patience. Johnny Poteet offered the assistance of the retirees at any time. Mayor Woodward
wished everyone a Merry Christmas.
9. EXECUTIVE SESSION
a. City Council will convene in closed session as authorized by Texas Government Code Chapter 551, Section
551.071 legal advice on the following items:
1. Claim filed by George Russell against City regarding Town Creek;
2. Jerry DeWitt claim against City regarding sidewalk construction;
3. Log Cabin located at 1103 and 1105 University Avenue and Notice to Vacate.
The Mayor adjourned the Council into Executive Session at 6:34 p.m. to discuss item 9a(1).
10. RECONVENE
a. Take action, if necessary, on items addressed during Executive Session.
No action was taken.
11. ADJOURNMENT
Mayor Woodward adjourned the meeting at 6:45 p.m.
Lee Woodward, City Secretary