Minutes - 01/04/2011Agenda Item-_-_,
MINUTES FROM THE HUNTSViLLE CITY COUNCIL MEETING HELD ON THE 4TH DAY OF JANUARY 2011, IN THE CITY
HALL, LOCATED AT 1212 AVENUE M IN THE CITY OF HUNTSVIL.LE, COUNTY OF WALKER, TEXAS AT 6PM.
The Council met in a regular session with the following:
COONCiL.MEMBERS PRESENT: J. Turner, Tom Cole, Mac Woodward, Jack Wagamon, Wayne Barrett, James Fitch, Lydia
Montgomery, Don H. Johnson, Keith D. Olson
COUNCiLMEMBERS ABSENT: None
OFFICERS PRESENT. Bill Balne, City Manager, Leonard Schneider, City Attorney, Lee Woodward, City Secretary
REGULAR SESSION" [6:0011M]
1. CALL TO ORDER
Mayor Turner called the meeting to order at 6:00pm.
2. PLEDGES OF ALLEGIANCE AND INVOCATION
Councilmember Barrett gave the invocation.
3. PROCLAMATIONS AND PRESENTATIONS
a. Proclamation in honor of the establishment of the Republic of Texas. [Mayor Turner]
Councilmember Woodward reminded all that 2011 was also the 10011 anniversary of the dedication of the marker at
Sam Houston`s grave, and the 100°' anniversary of the repurchasing of the three tracts of land that make up the
Houston homestead by the a t>zens of Huntsville.
a. Presentation of recently swom4n police officers. [Kevin Lunsford, Director of Public Safety]
Director of Public Safety Kevin Lunsford presented newly swam Officers Lydia Richard, Mark Jenkins, Mac Norris, and
Kenny Posey.
0 4. PUBLIC HEARING
a. The City Council of the City of Huntsville, Texas will hold a Public Hearing to consider an amendment to the
Development Code, Chapter 11, Sign Standards, regarding Section 1104..5. Height Limitations and
Measurements. [Aron Kulhavy, Director of Public Works]
There were no comments made.
5. PUBLIC COMMENT
There was no public comment
CONSENT AGENDA
(Approval of Consent Agenda authorizes the City Manager to implement each Item In accordance with staff
recommendations An Item may be removed from the Consent Agenda and added to the Statutory Agenda for full
discussion by request of a member of Council.)
a. Approve the minutes of the City Council meeting held on the 1411 of December 2010, and Special Session held
on December 29, 2010. [Lee Woodward, City Secretary]
b.
Approve Ordinance 2011 -12, amending the trafflc schedule to ratify No Parking signs on the north side of 111'
Street between Avenue J and University Avenue, approximately 17V west of the intersection of Avenue J and
111i Street, 2"d reading. [Aron Kulhavy, Director of Public Works]
! c.
Approve Ordinance 2011.13, amending the traffic schedule to ratify No Parking signs In the area of 1511 Street
and Avenue 1, 2"d reading. [Aron Kulhavy, Director of Public Works]
d.
Approve Ordinance 2011 »14, amending the traffic schedule to ratify stop signs at the intersection of Sycamore
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Avenue and 1611 Street, 2"d reading. [Aron Kulhavy, Director of Public Works]
e.
Authorize the City Manager to reject all Request For Qualifications received In association with Initial bid for
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metal recycling building, and grant permission to reinitiate the competitive process. [Bill Balne, City Manager]
f.
Authorize the City Manager to enter into a 24 -month contract for local phone service with AT &T. [Chris
Vasquez, IT Manager]
g.
Authorize the City Manager to approve and award the contract for.the Downtown Street Lighting Project along
University Avenue from 10th Street to 11th Street, in the amount of $78,096.80, to Proficient Electric, Conroe,
TX, to complete both sides of university Avenue. [Winston Duke, Finance Director, and Dr. Sherry McKibben,
Community Development Specialist]
h.
Authorize the City Manager to enter Into a contract with Transit Mix, Huntsville, TX, as primary vendor for
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concrete with limestone and washed send, and Texas Best Concrete, New Waverly, TX, as primary vendor for
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concrete with pea gravel, river rock, and mixtures; and award Transit Mbt as secondary vendor for concrete
with pea gravel and mixtures, and Texas Best Concrete as secondary vendor for concrete with limestone and
washed send. [Winston Duke, Finance Director]
I G Approve Ordinance 2011 -17, amending Ord. 2010 -46 by adding the City of Huntsville Post Employment Plan
investment Policy statement for the Investment of retiree medical bust funds to Exhibit D (single reading
required). [Winston Duke, Finance Director]
J. Authorize the City Manager to approve an interiocai Agreement between Walker County, TX, and the City of
! Huntsville, TX, for cooperative purchasing of tires and tubes. [Winston Duke, Finance Director]
Coundimember Woodward made a motion to approve the Consent Agenda. and Councilmember Johnson seconded.
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Councilmember Wag ma on asked to null Rem a. Councilmember Montaomary asked to pull Rem o.
The motion to pass the remaInIna items was approved unanimously.
Councilmember Was= made a motion to approve item e. and was seconded by Counrlimember Woo ward.
Councfimember Wagamon suggested item a would be discussed in an Executive Session, and asked If the Council
could vote contingent on what they heard there. City Attorney Leonard Schneider said the Council could do so.
The motion passed unanimously.
Councilmember Montgomery made a motion to approve item g. and was seconded by Councilmember Barrett.
Councilmember Montgomery said she wanted to clarify that the additional fighting would be the old- fashioned fighting
to achieve a particular look, not the overhead fighting. The Mayor confirmed this was so, that it was supplemental
lighting in the downtown area, and would be In Founder's Park.
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Dr. Sherry McKibben, Community Development Specialist, confirmed additional money was received from H -GAC to
complete the lighting, and credited KIm McAuliffe, Main Street Coordinator, with being a large part of the success.
The motion passed unanimously.
7. STATUTORY AGENDA
a. Presentation, discussion, and possible action to approve Ordinance 2011 -16, authorizing participation with
i other Entergy service area cities In matters concerning Entergy Texas, Inc. before the Public Utility
s Commission and the Federal Energy Reguiatory Commission In 2011, lot reading. [Leonard Schneider, City
Attorney]
CoundImember Woodward confirmed with the City Attorney that this was an annual alliance. Mr. Schneider confirmed
the Lawton Law Firm represented the group.
The Mayor revisited 6a and asked If the overhead lights downtown could be used In other areas of the City.
b. Presentation, discussion, and possible action to authorize the City Manager to sign a Chapter 380 Economic
Development Agreement with Huntsville Hotel Group, LLC. [Aron Kulhavy, Director of Public Works)
Counalimember Johnson made a motion to approve, which was seconded by Coul)qllmember Woodward.
Counciimember Woodward asked about the County had agreed to also offer $15,000, and Bill Balne, City Manager,
sold It was a verbal discussion with County Judge Danny Pierce. Coundlmember Woodward confirmed with Aron
Kulhavy, Director of Public Works, that there were performance measures the developer would have to meet by 2014,
who said they were tied to number of jobs and construction costs. Coundimember Woodward said that often the City
would reimburse funds based on infrastructure, capital improvements, and a percentage of sales tax, and that if the
established goals were not met, these manias would be collected by the City. The Mayor clarified that it was not
sales tax in this instance, but rather a one-time waiver of inspection fees. Councilmember Woodward said he wanted
to draw the distinction between this case and the previous 380 agreement
i Mr. Kulhavy said developer Al Zindani was present, that construction plans had not been submitted, although he
understood the developer had acquired the property and had subdivided ft, and wanted the agreement in place before
proceeding. Coundimember Fitch confirmed this was only for one hotel, not all hotels by that group. He also
confirmed that the only penalty was reimbursement to the City.
Councilmember Cole asked If there was any reservation that K the $15,000 was not granted, that the project would not
move forward, mentioning that Hampton Inn was a large corporation. Mr. Kulhavy said the number came up in initial
discussions with the group, but he would have to defer to the developer. Coundimember Cole said it violated a
doctrine of fairness to him, that the other hotels had to pay the fees and this put the Council on a *slippery slope."
Coundimember Olson confirmed an estimated value of $6 million taxable value for the project, and the discussion was
over $15,000.
Counciimember Wagamon asked how the $30,000 figure was reached. Mr. Zindani said they had had to pay
additional for sewer and storm drainage and overall expanses were coming to the point they might break the deal.
Councilmember Wagamon asked If the group would do the project If this Item were voted down. Mr. Zindani said he
could not answer that Immediately, but that his group had Initially discussed $100,000 with the City Manager for tax
abatements and other considerations, but had finally arrived at $30,000. Mr. Zindan€ sold it was difficult In today's
economy, especially In the hotel lndustry, to find the financing.
Councilmember Wagamon said Mr. Kulhavy said the group had acquired the land, and asked If they had the financing.
i Mr. Zindani said they would, they had purchased the property with cash, the business plan for development Included
the $30,000, and If It did not pass, they would have to reevaluate it
= Counciimember Montgomery asked what the costs would be for the sewer and storm drainage. Mr. Zindan€ said the
negotiations with MetroNational included a detention pond and drainage, which came in around $37,000. The Mayor
added that the City's topography often required additional land for drainage structures, and was In this case.
Mr. Balne said the verbal agreement with the County was reached about two months ago, that he had been involved
with four hotel consortiums, and this group's was far and away the lowest contribution the City could negotiate. He
said that even # the property is appraised at $4 or 5 million, it would be a nine month payback, and reasonable. Mr.
Baine also suggested Council think about time and money thresholds on these kinds of things.
Coundimember Woodward asked Mr. Duke, if the hotel were on tax rolls for $8 million, It would generate about
$24,000 annually in property taxes, about $48.000 by the time the requirement In the proposed would have to be met.
Counclimember Johnson said he believed everyone was Interested In what Mr. Zindaffs group was doing and
thanked for coming to Huntsville. Mr. Zindanl said theirs would be one of the best hotel properties in town. The Mayor
also thanked Mr. 2€ndan€ for personally coming to the Council meeting.
Councilmember Wagamon said fees are revenue to the City and are charged for a reason, and that they would have
to be made up in the budges, like any other gift. He then made the following points:
1) He had heard the drainage improvements called additional, but that they are rules and requirements, and
business after business has to do this;
2) He acknowledged that the hotel industry Is tough, but that it was not a reason to give up fees and revenue
to the City;
3) He felt that in light of the magnitude of this deal, if $15,000 were a deal breaker, Metro Nations! could give it
up on the sale prig, and further, that property that Is Inadequate sells for less money;
4) He felt this deal was done, that the group Is going to do it, and therefore the $15,000 is not an incentive, ft's
a reward;
5) He said economic development by the government Is a myth, that the Council should concentrate on things
governments do, like essential services. and that his objection was about the principle, not the amount of
money.
' Councilmember Wagamon reminded the Council that at three different times he had come to Councii to get a drug lot
1 cleared off as a significant community safety issue, and that it was voted down every time because the Council didn't
c want to set the precedent of using City resources on private property.
Councilmember Fitch said he was big on accountability, and confirmed that the City Manager would be responsible for
# collection If the guidelines were not met.
Coundimember Olson said Counclimember Wagamon had very valid points, but that the return on Investment In
development of property was nine months. He built two businesses locally, received no money, but did not have as
mpny employees, or put as much Into focal economy through payroll. He said that personally, he thinks property of
this size, with $100,000 annual In HOT tax from one source, wasn't a bad deal.
Coundimember Barrett said he thought It was a good investment financially. He said that if he thought It would hurt
existing businesses, he would have an Issue, but that he thought information received showed the city could use more
I high -end hotel rooms. He said he thought the presence of more roams could help generate more overnight event
1 business. He said hotels were a hybrid between base Industry and retail, as most people staying there were from out
of town. Counclimember Barrett concluded by saying that some of the proposed $15,000 was being generated by
I hotels already here, and he couldril support the Item If he thought it would hurt them.
Councilmember Wagamon asked the Council If anyone thought the group would not build the hotel If City did not give
$15,000. He said that if they thought it was going to be built anyway, the money was a reward, not an incentive.
The motion passed 7 -2, with Crrunciimembers Cole & Vy/Namon voting against.
c. Presentat fon, discussion, and possible action to approve Ordinance 2011.15, amending speed zones on State
Highway 75 In the City of Huntsville, Is' reading. [Aron Kulhavy, Director of Public Works]
Counciimember Woodward confirmed with Mr. Kulhavy that the City had asked TxDoT to took at specific areas, and
also that TxDoT had suggested the limits under discussion. Mr. Kulhavy said a detailed speed study for Highway 75
from city limit to city IimIL
Mr. Kulhavy said the City had Identified trat'fic Issues and had requested the speed study and some signal warrants.
He said TxDoT recommended speed limit changes, many lowered in high traffic areas, and raised outside town, to
move tra0lc more efficiently. Mc Kulhavy said the City's Engineering Department and the Police Department had
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reviewed and approved the recommendations.
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Mayor asked what Impact improvements on Highway 19 would have, and Mr. Kulhavy said he thought TxDoT had only
i looked at existing conditions, but would check on that~
Councilmember Woodward said that a few years ago there had been concern about students crossing Sam Houston
Avenue at Avenues i and J, and at 2001.19r', 17°i, and 1 e Streets, and that perhaps this would help. Councilmember
Fitch clarified speeds on the map (below).
Councilmember Fitch said he believed speeds would be decreased near now apartments on South Sam Houston,
where there have been many accidents, and that stowing people down would greatly Increase safety for all.
Counclimember Barrett confirmed there was a death there recently.
Councilmember Montgomery said most changes seemed to be only about a Smph adjustment, which should not
overly inconvenience anyone.
Mayor reminded all that this was a first reading and no action would be taken.
d. Presentation, drscusslon, and possible action to approve Ordinance 2011 -18 to amend the Development Code.
Chapter 11, Sign Standards, regarding Section 1104.5, Height limitations and Measurements, 1a reading.
(Aron Kulhavy, Director of Public Works]
Mayor reminded all that this was a first reading and no action would be taken.
Coundimember Woodward said this applies to some specific businesses along 145 at Highway 30, and that the
Ordinance was extending the tail sign areas from 500' to 600'. Mr. Kulhavy said businesses In that area were the
catalyst, but that the change would apply to entire 1-45 corridor In the city limits. Counclimember Woodward said this
item went to the Planning and Zoning Commission (P8Z) and asked if it was as a variance. Mr. Kulhavy said
particrlar businesses did request and were denied a variance. Counclimember Woodward asked about the vote of
the Commission on the ordinance before the Council, and Mr. Kulhavy said denial was also recommended.
CouncHmember Wagamon asked that the Council receive the minutes from that P&Z meeting, end suggested the
Mayor talk to P8Z Chair Eric Johnson before the next Council meeting. Councilmember Olson confirmed the
ordinance was not a height change, but expanding the permitted area along the corridor.
Counciimember Montgomery confirmed that businesses outside the corridor could only have signs up to 20', but up to
42112' In corridor. She was told by Mr. Kulhavy that variances for businesses in the 1- 45/Highway 30 area had been
applied for multiple times, and all had been denied. Counclimember Montgomery said she was deeply concerned
about eleven miles along the corridor being affected.
Councilmember Barrett it was a serious consideration to overturn a unanimous PtiZ action, and that he would like to
have them here to explain their point of view. Anecdotally, he said he had just returned from traveling at the holidays,
and the 'signs in the sky' really helped him determine where to exit the Interstate. He said the City would want to be
up to date, reasonable, and normative, and that he was sympathetic to the businesses. but wanted to hear from P&Z
Counclimember Montgomery confirmed with Mr. Kulhavy that new billboards are not permissible, existing billboards
may remain. Counclimember Montgomery said she also knew of TxDo rs logo and directional sign program, as an
at11R:
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Councilmember Fitch said he believed speeds would be decreased near now apartments on South Sam Houston,
where there have been many accidents, and that stowing people down would greatly Increase safety for all.
Counclimember Barrett confirmed there was a death there recently.
Councilmember Montgomery said most changes seemed to be only about a Smph adjustment, which should not
overly inconvenience anyone.
Mayor reminded all that this was a first reading and no action would be taken.
d. Presentation, drscusslon, and possible action to approve Ordinance 2011 -18 to amend the Development Code.
Chapter 11, Sign Standards, regarding Section 1104.5, Height limitations and Measurements, 1a reading.
(Aron Kulhavy, Director of Public Works]
Mayor reminded all that this was a first reading and no action would be taken.
Coundimember Woodward said this applies to some specific businesses along 145 at Highway 30, and that the
Ordinance was extending the tail sign areas from 500' to 600'. Mr. Kulhavy said businesses In that area were the
catalyst, but that the change would apply to entire 1-45 corridor In the city limits. Counclimember Woodward said this
item went to the Planning and Zoning Commission (P8Z) and asked if it was as a variance. Mr. Kulhavy said
particrlar businesses did request and were denied a variance. Counclimember Woodward asked about the vote of
the Commission on the ordinance before the Council, and Mr. Kulhavy said denial was also recommended.
CouncHmember Wagamon asked that the Council receive the minutes from that P&Z meeting, end suggested the
Mayor talk to P8Z Chair Eric Johnson before the next Council meeting. Councilmember Olson confirmed the
ordinance was not a height change, but expanding the permitted area along the corridor.
Counciimember Montgomery confirmed that businesses outside the corridor could only have signs up to 20', but up to
42112' In corridor. She was told by Mr. Kulhavy that variances for businesses in the 1- 45/Highway 30 area had been
applied for multiple times, and all had been denied. Counclimember Montgomery said she was deeply concerned
about eleven miles along the corridor being affected.
Councilmember Barrett it was a serious consideration to overturn a unanimous PtiZ action, and that he would like to
have them here to explain their point of view. Anecdotally, he said he had just returned from traveling at the holidays,
and the 'signs in the sky' really helped him determine where to exit the Interstate. He said the City would want to be
up to date, reasonable, and normative, and that he was sympathetic to the businesses. but wanted to hear from P&Z
Counclimember Montgomery confirmed with Mr. Kulhavy that new billboards are not permissible, existing billboards
may remain. Counclimember Montgomery said she also knew of TxDo rs logo and directional sign program, as an
alternative to large signing. She said she agreed with Counclimember Barrett that signage is critically Important for
business, but that the Council had to remember this was affecting the whole 11 -mile corridor.
8. MAYORICITY COUNCIL. AND CiTY MANAGER REPORT
a. Presentation, discussion, and possible action to appoint Mayor Tumor as the 2011 H -GAC Representative.
[Mayor Turner]
The Mayor said he wished to nominate himself and was seconded by Councilmember Wagamon. The Mayor said he
had been on board the last five and a half years, describing H -GAC as an °incredible organization." He said he felt his
participation had been very beneficial.
The motion Passed unanimously.
b. Presentation, discussion, and possible action on proposed Economic Development Policy andlor Procedures
[Counclimember Barrett and Counclimember Woodward]
The Mayor said this item and the next had some overlap.
fff Councilmember Barrett presented a document of August 2005 called 'Targeting Analysis °, prepared for the City by
Pathfinders, inc., saying the City Manager will put the document back on the webslte. Counclimember Barrett
encouraged anyone Interested In economic development to review It and read from the Introduction, discussing base
and non -base operations. Councilmember Barrett said the report was an analysis of Huntsville to identify types of
base industries to recruit
Councilmember Barrett said this document had Influenced his thinking, that In discussions about economic
development this has been quite neglected, and that he feels this Is an area to focus on more than any other (how to
recruit and attract the kinds of base Industries felt to be good for Huntsville). He said that as the economy grows, it will
greatly benefit retail establishments that are already here, rather than 'dividing the pie' further. He also pointed out
that development, in the university world, means outside money being raised, and that Huntsville Is supremely located
to do that, having a university, a work force, and a location an hour from an International airport and a little over an
hour from a major port. He said he would like to see a task force formed that could return with suggestions In 6-8
weeks, and common goals and philosophy for the need budget cycle.
The Mayor referred to the sentence reading, 'The future well -being of Huntsville Is largely dependent on its ability to
recruuit, nourish, and maintain companies In the economic base," saying that often, first question is 'what has
happened?" He sold the City has nourished Weatherford on two separate occasions, for a testing lab and a
production factllity. The Mayor said Weatherford fits the term of base Industry, that there was more to be done, that he
brought this up as encouragement.
Councilmember Woodward mentioned the Strategic Plan of three years ago, saying the City was making progress,
although the situation has changed. He said the document was not Intended to be static, and included great starting
points for discussion. He added that at the last meeting, Councilmember Barrett suggested more comprehensive
analysis, and he agreed with that.
Counclimember Olson said he agreed with Councilmembers Barrett and Woodward, asking for the next steps to take,
and that he would be glad to offer tax Incentives to "get another Weatherford"
} c. City Manager's Report
iC 1. Discussion of Resolution 2011 -K establishing a Chapter 380 Economic Development Policy and
Procedures document.
Mr. Balne he needed to know, on base industries, a consensus from the Council, saying they had to tell him what they
wanted to spend their most valuable asset dollars, on. He said he approximated about 14,000 government
employees In the community, leaving a small workforce after then subtracting retirees and children. He said the
community needed to decide what they want and define It for him. Mr. Baine said the city has done a lot of things this
past year, Including new cemetery tours and a doubling of local events. He said that he was not In the business of
making policy, but in the business of execution.
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The Mayor said that, for him, the aspect of payback Is an Important consideration, and he would prefer to have a
payback of no more than three to five years. He sold his concern on the Ravenwood 380 was that the sales tax was
i fourteen -year program, forever in city government He said Mr. Bainds point In the TIPS report was very important,
j namely, what Is It that affects people's decision to come here, that money was an easy answer and a flawed
approach, pointing more to quality of life, resources, and workforce.
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Councilmember Montgomery said she liked that the Ordinance was changed to a Resolution, and acknowledged that
guidelines are a nice marketing tool for recruiting. She pointed to the body of trained students coming out of the
university, recalling that In Silicon Valley students graduated Into companies who then supported those departments.
Councilmember Olson said he often hears about economic leakage, but thought it was a failure to realize workforce
leakage Is the larger problem, whether skilled or unskilled, from the University and the high school.
Counclimember Wagamon sold he also liked the change to Resolution from an Ordinance. He said that as long as
something doesn't give cash out of the taxpayers' pockets, he was for It and that everyone thinks we need more base
jobs. He said it was vary important that City realize they can affect economic development through policy. but vital to
i talk to people In Industries here and talk frankly about why irs hard to get workers in Huntsville. He called it eye
opening and challenging and needed to be squarely addressed. He said the Council should do everything they could
reasonably do to help get jobs here and face qualify of life Issues.
Councimember Woodward said a larger portion of the community needed to be involved, and the Citizen Surveys. He
said the City should take the lead. He said he suspected that In last two years, probably the largest added values for
i tax base were apartment projects, which have not asked for anything, and were likely driven by growth at the
University, and in the medical community.
Counclimember Cole said that for everyone locally who supported base Industry, there were equally as many who
come here to get away from that type of community, seeking to avoid smokestacks, labor disputes, etc. He said that
historically the community has been hostile to certain types of Industry, saying they didn't want railroads because they
didn't want the type of residents who came with them, didn't want oil and gas development because it messes up the
land. Counciimember Cole said there were sociological reasons for not having Industry in town or Walker County,
other than the main two, the prison and the university. He said If there was a defidency In the labor pool that the
prison has a labor force that should used to be used, refeMng to the book Prisons for Profit.
Councimember Fitch agreed that the City needed to get to work, and that he was happy to sea and delve Into talk
about Incentives for already existing local businesses.
Counclmember Johnson said he agreed, that everybody had deep feelings about moving the community forward, and
an appeal from the City Manager for succinct guidelines. He said one thing not talked about was to be positive and
take the lead. He suggested coming up with answers, knowing they can eliminate what won't work while keeping
enthusiasm and pos"•
Councimember Woodward got consensus that at his and Councimember Wagamon's Town Hall, they could Include
this as part of the discussion.
Mr. Balne sold he was glad to hear about positivfty, saying the Council needed to be positive as a group. He said that
when he worked for a major corporation In expansion, they first looked for labor, then a smile. He said he had
meetings coming up with the Chamber, small business owners, and the university, and the prison relationship was
pretty good. He said he wanted to improve with the County and the Chamber, and be entrepreneurial, He said his
notes Included 'don't leave out our locals, be positive, don't destroy quality of life, 3-5 year payback, listening to
partners, talk to local employers, workforce leakage'. He said everyone sees the City as a source of deep pockets,
but that doesn't mean it can't be creative.
The Mayor assured the Council that Mr. Balne had made copious notes, and that tontghrs discussion showed the
wealth of perspectivves on Council, that everyone should appreciate the value of a diverse Council, and that this was a
first step.
9. PUBLIC COMMENT
There were no comments.
10. MEDIA INQUIRIES RELATED TO MATTERS ON THE AGENDA
There were no inquiries.
11. ITEMS OF COMMUNITY INTEREST
(Hear announcements concerning items of community Interest from the Mayor, Counclimembers, and City staff for which
no action will be discussed or taken.)
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a. Town Hall cosponsored by Councilmembers Woodward and Wagamon.
Councimember Woodward said it would be held January 27 at 6:30pm, at the Katy and E. Don Walker Education
Center on 191' Street
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b. Reminder for birthday cards for Hattye Owens Day.
The Mayor reminded everyone about Hattye Owens' birthday, and birthday cards were sought.
The Mayor had the Council sing Happy Birthday to Councimember Montgomery.
12. EXECUTIVE SESSION
a. City Council will convene In closed session as authorized by Texas Government Code, Chapter 551; Section
I 51.079 — consultation with counsel on legal matters including current and pending litigation, Including, but
i not limited to, the City of Huntsville v, the HuntsvillsNalker- County Chamber of Commerce; and Altom v. the
City of Huntsville. CLeonard Schneider, City Attorney]
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( Mr. Schneider reminded everyone the Council would also discuss item 6e. The Council adjoumed Into Executive
Session at 7:54pm.
13. RECONVENE
IL Take action, if needed, on items discussed In Executive Session.
The Council reconvened at 8:53pm.
There was no additional action taken.
14. ADJOURNMENT
The meeting was adjourned at 8:54p.m.
p1jr-.8ENTED TO CC UNCIL