The Ledger

Fate City Council Regular Meeting - March 18, 2024

Fate Gazette

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The Fate Gazette — Ledger Entry

Meeting

Fate City Council Regular Meeting
Date: March 18, 2024
Location: Fate City Hall, 1900 CD Boren Parkway, Fate, Texas
Start Time: 6:00 p.m.
Adjournment: 7:50 p.m.

Call to Order and Quorum

  • Mayor David Billings called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m.
  • City Secretary Victoria Raduechel confirmed a quorum.

Council Members Present:

  • David Billings, Mayor
  • Heather Buegeler
  • Mark Harper
  • Scott Kelley
  • Lance Megyesi, Deputy Mayor Pro Tem
  • Allen Robbins, Mayor Pro Tem (arrived at 6:03 p.m.)

Council Members Absent:

  • Jim Deland

City Staff Present:

  • Michael Kovacs, City Manager
  • Steven Downs, Assistant City Manager
  • David Overcash, City Attorney
  • Victoria Raduechel, City Secretary
  • Leigh Corson, Director of Human Resources
  • Lyle Lombard, Director of Public Safety
  • Ryan Ragan, DPS Captain, Police Operations
  • Steve Gilbert, Director of Community Services and Building Safety
  • Scott Monaghan, Director of Public Works
  • Raju Anthony, Director of Finance
  • Shelbi Stofer, Public Engagement Coordinator
  • Michael Wright, IT Manager

Invocation and Pledge of Allegiance

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

Presentations

  • Life Saving Award:
    • Presented by Chief Lyle Lombard to Sara Miller for assisting a choking child.
  • Chief’s Commendation Certificates:
    • Presented by Chief Lyle Lombard to Reed Andrews and Jorge Villareal for assistance rendered for the personal safety of a police officer.
  • Employee Service Award:
    • Presented by Steve Gilbert to Larry Buckley for five years of service.
  • Bleeding Disorders Awareness Month Proclamation:
    • Read and presented by Council Member Heather Buegeler to Lew Wyman-Collins, declaring March 2024 as Bleeding Disorders Awareness Month in the City of Fate.
  • Quarterly Report on Public Communications:
    • Presented by Shelbi Stofer, with questions answered by Ms. Stofer and Steven Downs.

Public Comment

  • No speakers were present wishing to address the Council.

Items:

  • Approval of minutes from February 5 and February 12, 2024.
  • Approval of Financial Report for February 2024.
  • Approval of an employment agreement with Cynthia Kirchoff for the position of City Attorney.

Action:

  • Motion by Council Member Allen Robbins.
  • Second by Council Member Mark Harper.
  • Vote: Unanimous approval (6–0).

City Council Action Items

A. Policy Direction on Denial of Projects With or Without Prejudice

  • Staff reported review of reapplication policies from eleven Dallas/Fort Worth area cities.
  • No formal criteria identified among reviewed cities.
  • Mayor Billings outlined a recommended case-by-case motion and amendment process.
  • Discussion occurred among Council, City Attorney, and staff.
  • Clarified that no formal policy was required.

B. Potential Ordinance Prohibiting Smoking in Certain Locations

  • Overview provided by Steve Gilbert.
  • Feedback from local food establishments reported.
  • Questions addressed by staff and Chief Lyle Lombard.
  • Council consensus to bring back a proposed ordinance with enforcement for future consideration, with potential inclusion of vaping by separate action.

C. Basketball Hoops in the Public Right-of-Way

  • Overview provided by Steven Downs, including historical context, HOA regulations, and staff recommendations.
  • Discussion included maintenance, liability, safety concerns, and permit fees.
  • Council consensus for staff to bring back a proposed ordinance for future consideration.

Mayor, Council, and City Manager Reports

Mayor’s Report:

  • Congratulations expressed to award recipients.
  • Appreciation expressed to City staff and Fate DPS.

Council Reports:

  • Council Member Buegeler: Weather awareness reminder.
  • Council Member Harper: Congratulations, staff appreciation, shop local reminder.
  • Council Member Kelley: Congratulations to award recipients.
  • Council Member Robbins: Congratulations, staff appreciation, reminder to use SeeClickFix.
  • Council Member Megyesi: Congratulations, staff appreciation, City Cleanup scheduled April 22–27.

City Manager’s Report:

  • Rockwall County Consortium Meetings — March 20, 2024
  • City Council Strategic Planning Session — March 25, 2024
  • City Offices closed March 29, 2024 (Good Friday)

Executive Session

  • Recessed at 7:11 p.m.; convened at 7:16 p.m.
  • Topics:
    • Consultation with legal counsel regarding Municipal Management District explanation.
    • Property acquisition for roadway extension for future schools.
    • Evaluation of City Manager and City Secretary.
  • Reconvened at 7:50 p.m.
  • No action taken.

Adjournment

  • Motion to adjourn by Council Member Scott Kelley.
  • Second by Council Member Lance Megyesi.
  • Vote: Unanimous approval.
  • Meeting adjourned at 7:50 p.m.

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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