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Minutes - 03/01/2011City Council Meetings of March 2011 Book "W MINUTES FROM THE HUNTSVILLE CITY COUNCIL MEETING HELD ON THE 1d DAY OF MARCH 2011, IN THE CITY HALL, LOCATED AT 1212 AVENUE M IN THE CITY OF HUNTSVILLE, COUNTY OF WALKER, TEXAS AT 513M. The Council met in a regular session with the following: • COUNCILMEMBERS PRESENT: J. Turner, Tom Cole, Mac Woodward, Jack Wagamon, Wayne Barred, James Fitch, Lydia Montgomery, Don H. Johnson, Keith D. Olson COUNCILMEMBERS ABSENT: None OFFICERS PRESENT: Bill Baine, City Manager, Leonard Schneider, City Attorney, Lee Woodward, City Secretary WORKSHOP SESSION [5:00] — Presentation on a Typical Water System: From Source to Tap. [Carol Read, Director of Public Utilities] Carol Reed provided a framework of the City's water system for upcoming discussions on water production and capacity, including some educational materials from the standard- set#ing American Waterworks Association. REGULAR SESSION* [6:OOPM] 1. CALL TO ORDER Mayor Turner called the meeting to order at 6:00pm. 2. PLEDGES OF ALLEGIANCE AND INVOCATION Counciimember Barrett gave the Invocation. 3. PROCLAMATIONS AND PRESENTATIONS a. Recognition of current and prior citizenship classes, and their participation in the Path to Citizenship program. b. Recognition of Mike Yawn, SHSU Junior Fellows, and Richard Lane for the promotion and execution of the annual Path to Citizenship program. c. Employee recognition by City Manager Bill Bain. Mr. Baine recognized Justin Burnett and Shanni Miller. 4. PUBLIC COMMENT Bill Elmer spoke about ethics in politics and expressed his displeasure about what he felt were Councilmember Johnson`s actions In their church and during the last campaign. Julie Knight said she was Counciimember Johnson's daughter and named on the agenda, and that she had come to tell the facts herself. She discussed the evolution of Hometown Huntsville, saying she had agreed to be one of the people who could authorize expenditures on its behalf. She said that she and Counciimember Johnson, chose not to participate in the Hometown Huntsville Political Action Committee after she became his campaign manager. Mrs. Knight said she did not handle the finances for Hometown Huntsville. 5. 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 Special Session held on February 10, 2011, the City Council meeting held on the 15s' of February 2011, and the Special Session and Work Session held on February 22, 2011. [Lee Woodward, City SecTetary] b. Presentation and discussion to approve Ordinance 2011 -23 to waive the bidding process for City -owned property purchased with grant funding for moderate- to low- Income housing, 2nd reading. [ Councllmember Montgomery and Dr. Sherry McKibben, Community Development Specialist] C. Authorize the City Manager to award the bid and approve a construction contract with Rebel Construction, Inc. for street and sidewalk Improvements for Boettcher Drive. The amount Is for $185,440.90. There were 7 bids. Funding Is available In the FY2010 -11 Capital Improvement Projects budget. [Tom Weger, Project Manager] d. Authorize the City Manager to purchase designated library furniture from HBI Office Solutions, Inc., Huntsville, TX through the TXXAS State of Texas Cooperative Purchasing Program, in the amount of $87,488.23. [Linda Dodson, City Librarian] e. Authorize the City Manager to execute the Interlocal Agreement and The Cooperative Purchasing Network (TCPN) Purchasing Agreement allowing full membership and benefits with TCPN for current and future contracts, and approve Resolution 2011 -11 for same. [Billie Smith, Purchasing Manager] f. Approve bid for Trust Property Account 83323- 025 -0- 03800, Lot 38, Block 25, Section 3A, Elkins Lake, Walker County Appraisal District Property ID 25690, for $800.00. [Winston Duke, Finance Director] 0 Councilmember Woodward made a motion to approve the Consent Agenda and Councilmembers Barrett and Olson seconded. 0 Councilmember Cole pulled item d. Counciimember Johnson addressed item a, asking if there was policy for the written minutes and comparing it to the recordings of meetings. The Mayor asked Ms. Woodward about City Secretary training In this area She said the standard was primarily motions made and action taken, and that she typically Included additional Information, also noting that the minutes were the permanent record and that audio and video recordings were stored for two years. City Council Meetings of March 2011 Book "W Counclimember Johnson asked about the interiocal Agreement for item e, asking if there had been changes. The City Manager confirmed it was a purchasing agreement. iCouncilmember Woodward asked about item c, asking for a map and confirmation that this was from Old Houston Road. Tom Wager, Project Manager, said It was at the intersection of Highway 75 South near Highway 19, constructed between two apartment complexes. Mr. Wager said 80' of the right -of -way was received when the apartments were developed and the first half of the road was developed, and this would be the second half, to create a street through to the east interstate feeder road. Councilmember Wagamon asked to pull item a for discussion. Counclimember Montgomery addressed item f and asked if the $800 covered back taxes. Mr. Baine said these go to the highest bidder, and that there was anticipation of a new structure for increased property value. The Mayor confirmed the bidders Intended to build. Carla Vasquez, Budget Manager, confirmed the back taxes had been waived. The motion passed unanimously, for all items except d and e. Counclimember Cole addressed item d, asking why the Friends of the Library didn't make the purchase on their own as these were donated funds, and whether any tax funds were also being used in this• purchase. Mr. Baine said there were no tax funds. Billie Smith, Procurement Manager, said the funds were kept In separate account. Councilmember Cole asked why the City's agency was necessary. Mrs. Smith said the Council had previously approved that the Friends would transfer the funds to the City In order to allow them to get a better price. The Mayor said it also eliminated the possibility of a lien placement, and ensured the financial process was totally followed. Councilmember Cole said he was concerned about not bidding this out. Councilmember Cole made a motion to co out for bids to other companies Councilmember Waaamon seconded Mrs. Smith said this was through the Texas Cooperative Purchasing Program, and that the City was piggybacking on the TXMAS contract for furniture, and met all the requirements for bidding. Councilmember Woodward confirmed the bid was put out by TXMAS. Councilmember Fitch confirmed this was done for numerous purchases. The motion tailed 2 -7. with Councilmembers Cole and Wagamon voting In sunpgrt. Councilmember Fitch made motion to approve. Councilmember Johnson seconded. Councilmember Cole asked for a list of bidders. The Mayor confirmed the TXMAS bid was on a pool for a wide range of items, and bidders anticipated the larger buying power of the pool. Counclimember Cole said he still had concern and would like to see a list of bidders. Councilmember Olson confirmed the Council had previously discussed this process and approved It. Mr. Baine said he trusted Mrs. Smith and the process. The motion passed 7 -2 with Councllmembers Wagamon and Cole voting against. Councilmember Woodward made a motion to approve Item e. Councilmember Olson seconded. The Mayor clarified that Councilmember Wagamon was discussing the County Interlocal agreement rather than a Consent Agenda item. The motion passed unanimously. 6. STATUTORY AGENDA a. Presentation, discussion, and possible action to authorize City Manager to approve Task Order #5 for a new wafer well study with Klaiz and Associates in the amount of $51,000.00. (Carol Reed] Councilmember Woodward made a motion to approve which was seconded by Counclimember Barrett. Councilmember Woodward confirmed this was the first step in replacing Weil #14. Ms. Read said they were trying to determine if locations nearby or an City -owned property would be appropriate. The Mayor asked about the potential capacity of new well and Ms. Reed said 10001galions per minute was hoped for. The motion passed unanimously. 7. MAYORICHY COUNCIL AND CITY MANAGER REPORT a. Annual update from Communication and Service Committee. [Councilmembers Wagamon and Fitch] Councilmember Fitch gave an update on small changes to the City Connection, noting Deputy City Secretary Kristin Edwards' Important contributions for appearance and content. Counclimember Wagamon added his appreciation of Ms. Edwards. b. Presentation, discussion, and possible action to nominate Chelsea McFarland to an open position on the Youth Advisory Board, [Mayor Turner] M&ar Tumor made a motion to approve the nomination and Councilmember Barrett seconded The motion passed unanimously. iusly. City Council Meetings of March 2011 Book "W c. Presentation, discussion, and possible action to approve updated lease of 12th Street and Avenue M parking lot to allow for Farmers Market [Mayor Tumor] Mayor Turner stated the lease had been discussed to permit the Farmers Market to be held there, the lease to be extended for five is years, and that the increase in annual fee was $984.07. Mayor Turner made a motion to approve the extended lease and Councilmember Cole seconded. The Mayor said the lot was well -sited for a farmers market to be held from May to September, on Saturday mornings from 8am- noon. He said several local organizations were interested, and that many other cities had successful markets. The Mayor said that the consideration at this time was not to charge vendors for space, but to request they donated leftovers to the Good Shepherd Mission. Councilmember Montgomery said she thought It was a great idea and she hoped the community would support it. She said she hoped that the City could recapture some costs after a grace period. • The Mayor also suggested this could be a future source of income for Main Street. Councilmember Johnson asked if the market hours could be extended to provide more service. The Mayor said that a lot of the current parking was courthouse overflow, but that the growers seemed to feel that early mornings were best. Councilmember Woodward clarified the new lease increase was the amount of property taxes, and would effectively pay the taxes to other taxing entities. He also asked ff the County was paying anything, although most of the parking was courthouse overflow. Councilmember Olson asked why the City was paying if there were other owners willing to donate space. The Mayor said the City was already paying $550 a month on the current lease, but could not speak to why the lease was initially signed nine years ago. The Mayor said the location had a value to the City in its nearness to City Hall. Councilmember Olson asked how many other people utilized the lot, and asked 9 the City would renew the lease If they had to. The Mayor said the lot gets used by businesses around it, but that the decision to lease the lot was made before any of the current Councfimembers were serving. Councilmember Fitch asked what it was about the Farmers Market that was causing an increase in the lease. The Mayor said he felt it was more the extension of the lease. Councilmember Fitch asked why not use a side of the Square instead. The Mayor said the Airing of the Guilts took all four sides of the Square in May, and Fair on the Square did the same in October, and that they hoped for regularity in the location of the market. Councilmember Fitch pointed out that October was after the period the Mayor had said the market would end, and that he was concerned about spending City money in this way. Councilmember Barrett confirmed the current lease would expire in 2012. Councilmember Olson asked if ft was fair to say that all the others around the lot used ft more than the City. The Mayor said he felt It likely that the courthouse used the lot more than • anyone, and that the City thought ft owed it to the businesses downtown. Mr. Baine said he believed ft became a problem when the streets had been widened and parking spaces lost. Councilmember Barrett asked ff ft was practical to modify the current lease only to add the Farmers Market, and not sign an extension, giving time for reevaluation. Councilmember Barrett made a motion to amend the motion to modify the lease to permit the Farmers Market, without extending the lease. Councilmember Montgomery seconded. Councilmember Woodward suggested offering to pay the $984.07 for the last year of the current lease. The Mayor suggested also including an option for the five -year extension. Counciimember Barrett agreed to both amendments to his amended motion. Councilmember Montgomery said she understood this was more about the parking than the market, and liked the amendments. Councilmember Olson said he supported the market, and that this alleviated his major concerns. The amendments to the motion passed unanimously. The motion, as amended. passed unanimously. d. Presentation, discussion, and possible action to approve Resolution 2011 -10 to request support for state law that addresses water service Issues for annexed areas. [Mayor Tumor] The Mayor said that if the City annexed an area outside Its water service area, the City would. be responsible for providing fire protection without being able to loop the water line or earn water revenue. He said this would provide a mechanism to determine fair market value for service providers in an area being annexed. The Mayor made a motion to approve the Resolution and Councilmember Woodward seconded. Councilmember Woodward confirmed this was a request for Representative Kolkhorst to file this legislation, that ft would be an ongoing issue, and also suggested requiring water systems in the extra - territorial jurisdiction to provide fire protection. Mr. Bain said It was a complex issue and that he supported this step. The Mayor agreed that this was a good first step. The motion passed unanimously. 0 e. Presentation, discussion, and possible action to approve Ordinance 2011 -26 to setup triennial sunset review process for non - mandated Boards, Commission, or Committees, 1st riding. [Mayor Turner] The Mayor said the City had about fifteen citizen advisory boards and commissions, and that a periodic review of usefulness was prudent. Counciimember Johnson asked if this Ordinance would require revision of individual boards' ordinances when City Council Meetings of March 2011 Book %P reconfirmed. The Mayor discussed the typical process of service on a board, and that he thought it healthy that the Council review the boards periodically. Councilmember Johnson said there were Councilpersons who served on some of the boards, and asked It the Council would consider that perhaps citizens should have those positions. f. Discussion of Councilmember Don Johnson's denial of any Involvement with the Political Action Committee known as Hometown Huntsville during or after his campaign, In light of the facts that (1) his daughter handled finances for Hometown Huntsville, (2) his daughter was the campaign manager, and (3) that there Is documentation that clearly proves a relationship between first Tradition, LLC, Hometown Huntsville, and Don Johnson. [Councilmember Wagamon] Councilmember Wagamon addressed (1) of his agenda Item, and said the point was "Mr. Johnson's intimate involvement with Hometown Huntsville," and that, if someone is authorized to oversee expenditures that they probably do. He said he didn't know if Juice Knight did count money, but that she was one of only two persons authorized to do so. Counciimember Wagamon began to read a prepared statement, excerpted below. 'At our last meeting, Councilman Johnson delivered a 12 and a half minute speech to Council that included, among other things, his rationale for making a settlement with the Chamber of Commerce in a case In which the City has already prevailed. My object this evening! Is to rebut several of the statements contained in that speech which are untrue... My presentation will focus on three main points. First; well take a look at Mr. Johnson's unequivocal denial of having anything to do with the politicol action committee Hometown Huntsville during or after his campaign. Second, l will address Mr. Johnson's characterization of his relationship with First Tradition, LLC of Houston, as being one Involving only a client seeking the services of a provider of campaign promotional products. Finally, I will speak to Mr. Johnson's remarks, regarding to [sic] what he referred to as the )rolitias of personal destruction' at City Hall. This last point will be accomplished by providing a sample of Mr. Johnson's own words, In which, In my view, shows that he Is actively precticing what he calls Me politics of personal destruction', while accusing others of doing the same..." Councilmember Wagamon discussed Councilmember Johnson's comments of the last meeting, and displayed documents including campaign finance filings for Hometown Huntsville and Councilmember Johnson, Including donations and expenditures from and to First Tradition, LLC and Hometown Huntsville. Councilmember Woodward called a point of order and asked what this had to do with City Council business at a City Council meeting. Councilmember Wagamon said it was a fair question, that his presentation would show a political bias through documentation,'and that he was essentially responding to a Councilmember making allusions to him as °destructive" and "overaggressive." Councilmember Wagamon said he didn't recall anyone worrying about Councilmember Johnson's latitude at the last meeting. Counciimember Woodward said he wanted to go on the record that this was not the proper time, place, or venue for this, that this was political. The Mayor read from Section 5.7 of the Rules of Procedure on the right of Personal Privilege, "The right of a member to address the City Council an a question of personal prMlege shall be limited to cases In which the member's integrity, character, or motives are assailed, questioned, or Impugned' Counciimember Olson said Councilmember Johnson's previous statement was a rebuttal. Councilmember Olson said he didn't think this was Council business unless a law had been broken, and that Councilmember Johnson's tie to his daughter was not his [Councilmember Olson's] business. He said he thought the interaction both ways was probably improper. Councilmember Olson made a motion to close debate. The Mayor said there was no motion on the table, so debate could not be dosed. Counciimember Wagamon returned to the City Council minutes from Magnolia, Texas, discussing Counciimember Johnson's statement that he had hired First Tradition for their services and expertise, and noting they were seeking to manage hotel occupancy tax funds for the City of Magnolia. Councilmember Wagamon displayed a $7,000.00 campaign contribution from First Tradition principal Joe J. Williams to Hometown Huntsville, and campaign expenditures to First Tradition from Councilmember Johnson for advertising, printing, design, layout, postage and distribution. Councilmember Wagamon said 'Mr. Johnson can certainly Balm that First Tradition was only his vendor for products and services. However, no reasonable person will believe that a typical vendor would give a PAC, that you are so intimately involved with, $7,000.00.... When we add up all the money flowing into Hometown Huntsville and back to First Tradition, we see that almost all of Hometown Huntsville 's funding originated with Joe J. Williams of First Tradition. Based on this, I can only come to one conclusion, that First Tradition was not a vendor for you, Mr. Johnson, he was In fact your partner In the endeavor to get you elected' Councilmember Wagamon said Mr. Joe Williams had a lot of Interest In Huntsville, and showed several Public information Requests placed by Mr. Williams on October 5, 2010, Including a request for payments, fines, or fees for a license plate number, which was registered to the Mayor's wife. Councilmember Wagamon said, 'First off, how personally destnrctive is someone who would send their political partner up the highway from Houston to by to dig up dirt on the Mayor's wife? Speaking for myself, I don? Mink 'personally destructive" Is adequate. And, second, it makes you wonder just who was in the room or on the phone that did this. Now while 1 don? have a document in front of me to show it was you, Mr. Johnson, and you can quote me on this, there's not a doubt in my mind that it was done with your full knowledge and approval." Counciimember Johnson addressed Councilmember Wagamon, and Councilmember Cole called a Point of Order, saying that the Chair should be addressed, not an Individual Counciimember. Councilmember Johnson said had a concern about Councilmember Wagamon's putting pieces of information together and coming up with wrong assumptions and erroneous conclusions, and that Counciimember Wagamon did not choose to believe the facts. Councilmember Johnson said he was falsely accused and had to satisfy a higher authority. City Council Meetings of March 2011 Hook °V" Councilmember Wagamon responded by saying 'There may be people out there that believe that all this money going in and out of this Houston 11C into Hometown Huntsville... don? have anything to do with this,... people may believe that this guy just showed up in Huntsville... there may be people that believe you. My belief is there's a real short list of people who don't, and a lot of them are sitting right here at this dais. ° • Councilmember Johnson said he was bothered that there was a personal attack against the Mayor and his wife. Councilmember Olson said his personal information had come up in connection with Councilmember Wagamon's friend and that he did not bring it to Council. Councilmember Olson asked if he would be accused of the same things if he had hired Mr. Williams. g. Presentation, discussion, and possible action to approve Ordinance 2011 -25 to amend Veterans Affairs Advisory Board requirement for a quorum to six (6) members, 16t reading. [Mayor Turner] The Mayor said a suggestion to reduce the quorum was due to a death in the membership and would help facilitate the orderly process of this committee. h. Presentation, discussion, and possible action to authorize the City Manager to approve the 2011 Tax Increment Reinvestment Zone (TIRZ) Interlocal Agreement with Walker County. [Mayor Turner] The Mayor made a motion to accept the agreement and Councilmember Fitch seconded. The Mayor said the TIRZ Ad Hoc Committee had met with the County and all had agreed to give the City four seats, the County three seats, and that the HISD Superintendent would be named as an Ex- officio member of the Board of Directors, mirroring the City's $0.40 contribution and the County's nearly $0.30. He pointed out that there was no more Infrastructure to be built for this TIRZ and that the Board would supervise the reimbursements for the next approximately 14 years. He said he thought it was a fair deal. Counciimember Barrett characterized the conversation with the County as very positive and agreement was reached rather quickly. He pointed out school districts are not legally allowed to participate in TIRZs and that HISD's had been a courtesy position in view of the previously proposed homes and school district Income, but that these reasons no longer existed. Councilmember Fitch said he appreciated the County's participation, and acknowledged this was an advisory board but that Council still made final decisions. Councilmember Wagamon said he was really happy with the 4-3 split and that it showed perfect cooperation. He referred to the January 15, 2011 Council meeting, saying the following Sunday's newspaper had quoted Judge Pierce making what he felt to be misstatements, and could not understand the Judge being confused about the issue. Councilmember Woodward suggested Councilmember Wagamon call and visit with the Judge about his concerns. is Councilmember Cole asked Mr. Baine if the Commissioner's Court had forwarded any sort of resolution in relation to resurrecting this issue. Mr. Baine said he did not follow the Court very closely but that the Council action seemed well overdue, the negotiations were basically positive, and that he was hopeful for the future. Councilmember Olson said he had concerns why the newspaper quote was being brought up and why a Councilmember was upset about the Judge's statement, which he characterized as an opinion. The City Attorney suggested the Council return to the issue and said he had two comments, the first being that the Ordinance be amended for the change In number of positions on the Board, and also that he felt the Board was advisory in nature, although the City could choose to give it powers. Councilmember Woodward made a motion to table the Agreement until the Ordinance was brought to the next meeting. The Mayor suggested voting the Agreement in good faith. Turner corrected the minutes from "amend° to "restate", as was at the Counciimember Cole seconded Councilmember Woodward's motion. Councilmember Cole said he felt the Council needed more legal advice. The Mayor reminded him discussion was not permissible on a motion to table. The motion to table failed 4-5 Counclimembers Olson, Woodward. Cole. and Wagamon voting for. Councilmember Olson said he would support if the City Attorney felt this was the right thing to do. Mr. Schneider said the simple way was to approve the contract contingent on the update to the Ordinance. Councilmember Olson made a motion to call the vote Councilmember Olson withdrew the motion so it could be discussed further. Councilmember Wagamon said the Judge's statement was not an opinion, that the economy could have been what it was before , and the school district would still not get the money. He asked the Mayor his understanding. The Mayor requested the Council• return to the matter at hand. Councilmember Woodward said the school district was never going to contribute to the TIRZ The City Attorney said the Council was drifting. The Mayor said called for a vote. Councilmember Wagamon said it was relative because it was brought up from the first time the topic was discussed, that it was up to the County to improve the relationship, that the County had actually threatened to sue the City and had never apologized. The City Council Meetings of March 2011 Book "V" Mayor said Judge Pierce told him that the threat of suit was a misquote, and that the school district funding had been discussed previously and was not germane. The motion Passed 8-1 Councilmember Wagamon voting against. L City Manager's Report 1. Water rate study update Mr. Bain said he would shortly turn this over to Council and that a lot of progress had been made. Councilmember Woodward said the Flnance Committee had come to a consensus and said it was a Flnancial Plan for the future of the City. It Is to be presented at the next Council meeting. Councilmember Woodward said there were several goals: -to have the lowest impact on the smallest water users and not raise the minimum rate -to create an annual deposit to a capital improvement plan to upgrade the water system - to have a 60 -day reserve in the water fund - to reduce debt as quickly as possible before raw water rates to the City increase in 2020 2. Sale of effluent update This item was handled last Carol Reed said all was going well and that the application kickoff would be March 2, 2011. Councilmember Olson thanked the staff for their work on the Water Rate Study, and that Councilmembers Woodward, Wagamon, and Barrett, and he had worked very well together. 3. Gary Shearer retirement Mr. Baine discussed this item first, saying the event would be at HPD at 3pm on March 10. 4. Updates on city construction, grants, studies, city► projects, city purchases and economic development Mr. Baine said the library was about $20,000 into the $150,000 contingency budget, but was going well overall. He said the problem with Zumba was the size of the class and that it kept growing. He asked for public assistance in finding a new location. Mr. Baine said the Capacity Study would be coming soon. He also announced the March 9 TxDoT Highway 190 Public Hearing at the Walker Education Center at 6pm and encouraged public support. Mr. Baine said he had alluded to information from the County that was incorrect and he was working on a written agreement. • S. PUBLIC COMMENT Joseph Milam read comments about electromagnetic fields. 9. MEDIA INQUIRIES RELATED TO MATTERS ON THE AGENDA There were no media inquiries. 10. 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) a. Comments on "citizenship" by Councilmember Barrett. Councilmember Barrett read the words from a plaque called "My Town," written in 1938: My town is the place where my house is found, business is located, and where my vote is cast. It is where my children are educated, and where my life Is. My town has a right to my civic loyalty. It supports me and 1 should support It My town wants my citizenship, not my partisanship. My friendliness, not my dissensions. My sympathy, not my criticism. My intelligence, not my indifference. My town supplies me with protection, trade, friends, education, schools, churches, and the right to free moral citizenship. It has some things better than others. The best things 1 should see to make better, the worst things I should help to suppress. Take it all -in -all, it is my town and it is entitled to the best there is in me. b. Rededication of plaque at Courthouse for Texas Society of the Sons of the American Revolution on Saturday, April 9, at 10 a.m., lunch to follow at the Veterans Shelter, free and open to the public. c. On March 26P, about 4:30pm, Bataan Death March Survivor Sgt. Virgil LaRue will be escorted through town on his way to the airport to be flown to New Mexico for the Death March annual marathon, to be run by a team named In his honor. The Mayor announced the activities for Sam Houston Birthday on March 2, 2011. The Mayor encouraged the public to attend the Chamber of Commerce Trade Expo on Thursday evening. Mr. Baine thanked Raymond loser for the approximately $12,000 surplus sent to the City by the Walker County Appraisal District City Council Meetings of March 2011 Book °V° Councilmember Woodward gave information for the Griff Smith photography exhibit opening March 5 at the Walker Education Center. 11. EXECUTIVE SESSION a. City Council will convene In closed session as authorized by Texas Government Code, Chapter 551, Section 551.074 - personnel matters regarding the evaluation of City Secretary Lee Woodward. [Mayor Turner] The Council adioumed into Executive Session at 8:54 p.m. 12. RECONVENE a. Take action, if needed, on items discussed In Executive Session. The Council reconvened at 9:26 p.m. No action was taken. • •