The Ledger

Fate City Council Regular Meeting - August 5, 2024

Fate Gazette

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The Fate Gazette — Ledger

Meeting Information

  • Meeting Type: Regular City Council Meeting
  • Date: August 5, 2024
  • Time: 6:00 p.m.
  • Location: Fate City Hall, 1900 CD Boren Parkway, Fate, Texas
  • Presiding Officer: Mayor David Billings
  • Quorum: Confirmed by City Secretary Victoria Raduechel

Attendance

Mayor

  • David Billings

City Council Members Present

  • Mark Harper, Deputy Mayor Pro Tem
  • Allen Robbins, Mayor Pro Tem
  • Codi Chinn
  • Scott Kelley
  • Mark Hatley
  • Lance Megyesi

City Council Members Absent

  • None

City Staff Present

  • Michael Kovacs, City Manager
  • Cynthia Kirchoff, City Attorney
  • Victoria Raduechel, City Secretary
  • Leigh Corson, Director of Human Resources
  • Lyle Lombard, Director of Public Safety
  • Jordan Pope, DPS Public Safety Officer
  • Steve Gilbert, Director of Community Services and Building Safety
  • Scott Monaghan, Director of Public Works
  • Ryan Wells, Director of Planning and Development Services
  • Shelbi Stofer, Public Engagement Coordinator
  • Raju Anthony, Director of Finance
  • Teresa Stevens, Accounting Manager
  • Omar Williams, Assistant to the City Manager
  • Justin Weiss, Economic Development Manager
  • Michael Wright, IT Manager

Invocation and Pledge

  • Invocation delivered by Daniel Ledford, Calvary Baptist Church.
  • Council led the Pledge of Allegiance to the American and Texas flags.

Presentations

  • Chief’s Commendation Certificates presented by Chief Lyle Lombard to:
    • Robert Hutchins
    • Alan Noeller
    • Christopher Bond
    • Blake Worden (not present)
  • Certificates recognized assistance rendered during an active suspect pursuit in a public area.

Executive Session

  • Recessed: 6:09 p.m.
  • Convened: 6:10 p.m.
  • Purpose: Consultation with attorney under Texas Government Code §551.071
  • Items Discussed:
    • Development Agreement between Fate 1-30 Commercial LP and the City of Fate (49.852 acres at FM 551 and Greenbriar Road)
    • Proposed annexation of approximately 14.38 acres owned by Boulos, LLC
    • Annexation law and existing development and non-annexation agreements
    • Senate Bill 2038 (88th Legislature) and ETJ release petition filed July 23, 2024

Reconvened Regular Session

  • Executive Session Adjourned: 6:56 p.m.
  • Regular Session Reconvened: 6:59 p.m.

Actions Reported from Executive Session

  • Development Agreement: No action taken
  • Annexation (Boulos, LLC): Referred to later agenda item
  • Annexation Law Review: No action taken
  • Senate Bill 2038 / ETJ Petition: No action taken

Public Comment

  • Public comments were received regarding:
    • Retail development in Fate
    • Proposed Over 65 residential homestead exemption increase
    • Proposed Fate Department of Public Safety (DPS) bond
    • Fence construction behind Williamsburg properties
    • Trash service reliability
  • Additional written positions for and against the Over 65 homestead exemption proposal were recorded.

Motion: Council Member Allen Robbins
Second: Council Member Scott Kelley

Items Approved

  • Minutes from July 1, 2024 and July 15, 2024 meetings
  • June 2024 financial report
  • Quarterly investment report ending June 30, 2024
  • Resolution R-2024-054 (acceptance of easements from Fate 1-30 Commercial, LP)
  • Resolution R-2024-055 (Interlocal Cooperation Agreement with Rockwall ISD for a School Resource Officer)
  • Resolution R-2024-056 (purchase of shade structure for Joe Burger Park, not to exceed $112,237)

Vote

  • Ayes: Mayor Billings; Council Members Chinn, Harper, Kelley, Robbins, Hatley, Megyesi
  • Nays: None
  • Result: Motion carried unanimously

Action Items and Public Hearings

A. Specific Use Permit – Temporary Auto Repair

  • Location: 2435 E. I-30
  • Ordinance: O-2024-036

Motion: Council Member Allen Robbins
Second: Council Member Scott Kelley

Vote:

  • Ayes: Mayor Billings; Council Members Chinn, Harper, Kelley, Robbins, Hatley, Megyesi
  • Nays: None
  • Result: Approved unanimously

B. Unified Development Ordinance Amendments

  • Ordinance: O-2024-037

Motion: Council Member Mark Harper
Second: Council Member Allen Robbins

Vote:

  • Ayes: Mayor Billings; Council Members Chinn, Harper, Kelley, Robbins, Hatley, Megyesi
  • Nays: None
  • Result: Approved unanimously

C. Annexation – 14.38 Acres (Boulos, LLC)

  • Action to adopt annexation ordinance was tabled to September 3, 2024.

Motion: Council Member Mark Harper
Second: Council Member Allen Robbins

Vote:

  • Ayes: Mayor Billings; Council Members Chinn, Harper, Kelley, Robbins, Hatley, Megyesi
  • Nays: None
  • Result: Motion carried unanimously

D. Over 65 Residential Homestead Exemption

  • Proposal to increase exemption from $25,000 to $75,000 discussed.
  • Motion to table failed.
  • Subsequent motion made to increase exemption to $50,000.

Motion: Council Member Codi Chinn
Second: Council Member Mark Harper

Vote:

  • Ayes: Mayor Billings; Council Members Chinn, Harper, Hatley
  • Nays: Council Members Kelley, Robbins, Megyesi
  • Result: Motion carried

E. Fate Department of Public Safety Bond

  • Direction given to prepare a $20 million DPS bond package for the November ballot.

Motion: Council Member Scott Kelley
Second: Council Member Lance Megyesi

Vote:

  • Ayes: Mayor Billings; Council Members Chinn, Harper, Kelley, Robbins, Hatley, Megyesi
  • Nays: None
  • Result: Motion carried unanimously

F. Proposed Fiscal Year 2024–2025 Budget

  • Mayor proposed adding one full-time Code Enforcement Officer beginning January 2025.
  • Discussion held regarding economic development funding and council travel budget.
  • No final budget action taken.

Reports

Mayor’s Report

  • Expressions of thanks to Fate DPS and City staff
  • Encouraged residents to support local businesses

Council Reports

  • Expressions of thanks to meeting attendees and commendation recipients
  • Community reminders and announcements

City Manager’s Report

  • Parks Board meeting scheduled for August 6, 2024
  • City Council special meeting scheduled for August 12, 2024

Adjournment

Motion: Council Member Mark Harper
Second: Mayor David Billings

Vote:

  • Ayes: Mayor Billings; Council Members Chinn, Harper, Kelley, Robbins, Hatley, Megyesi
  • Nays: None
  • Meeting Adjourned: 9:16 p.m.
  • Minutes Approved: August 12, 2024

Record Note
This Ledger entry records the publicly observable proceedings of the meeting listed above. It does not offer analysis or commentary.

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