The Ledger

Fate City Council Regular Meeting - September 18, 2023

Fate Gazette

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The Fate Gazette — Ledger Entry

City of Fate Regular City Council Meeting

Date: September 18, 2023
Location: Fate City Hall, 1900 CD Boren Parkway, Fate, Texas
Meeting Start: 6:00 p.m.
Meeting End: 9:05 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 at roll call:
    • David Billings, Mayor
    • Heather Buegeler
    • Mark Harper
    • Scott Kelley
    • Lance Megyesi, Deputy Mayor Pro Tem
  • Council Members arriving after roll call:
    • Allen Robbins, Mayor Pro Tem (6:11 p.m.)
    • Jim Deland (6:45 p.m.)
  • No Council Members were absent.

Invocation and Pledge of Allegiance

  • Invocation delivered by DP Dawkins, Macedonia Missionary Baptist Church.
  • Council led the Pledge of Allegiance to the American and Texas flags.

Presentations

  • Macedonia Missionary Baptist Church 100th Anniversary Proclamation
    • Mayor Billings read and presented a proclamation recognizing the church’s 100th anniversary.
  • World Teachers’ Day Proclamation
    • Mayor Billings proclaimed October 5, 2023, as World Teachers’ Day in the City of Fate.
  • Employee Service Awards
    • Presentation rescheduled to a future meeting.
  • Fiscal Year 2024 Water and Wastewater Rate Study
    • Presentation by Matthew Garrett, NewGen Strategies and Solutions.
    • Council received an overview of cost drivers, rate projections, capital improvement needs, and financial targets.
  • Stormwater Management Program (MS4 Permit)
    • Presentation by Scott Monaghan, Director of Public Works, and William Rodriguez, Stormwater Compliance Technician.
    • Educational update on stormwater management requirements and compliance measures.
  • Complete Streets Presentation
    • Presentation by Ryan Wells, Director of Planning and Development Services.
    • Council received an overview of complete streets concepts, benefits, implementation steps, and next actions.

Public Comment

  • Stephanie Adams, 566 McKinney Trail, spoke in opposition to residential and commercial street maintenance fees.
  • Sharon Tuley, 171 Chamberlain Drive:
    • Expressed appreciation to Spencer Foster for work during the Celebrate Fate event.
    • Requested consent agenda items 5C and 5D be removed for discussion.
    • Expressed concern regarding nomination procedures for the Rockwall County Open Space Alliance.
    • Spoke in favor of a uniform homestead exemption.
  • Items A–I approved in a single motion.
  • Motion made by Council Member Robbins and seconded by Council Member Harper.
  • Vote: Unanimous approval.

Action Items

  • Commercial Street Maintenance Fee (Ordinance No. O-2023-041)
    • Staff presentation by Assistant City Manager Steven Downs.
    • Council discussed implementation options and impacts.
    • Motion to table the item to the October 16, 2023, Council Meeting.
    • Vote: Approved to table, with Council Member Kelley opposed.
  • Rockwall County Open Space Alliance Nomination (Resolution No. R-2023-074)
    • Council nominated and approved Lance Megyesi as the City of Fate representative for consideration.
    • Vote: Unanimous approval.
  • Uniform Homestead Exemption Discussion
    • Council discussed a potential 20% general homestead exemption.
    • Consensus to revisit the topic at the December 4, 2023, City Council Workshop.

Mayor, Council, and City Manager Reports

  • Mayor and Council Members reported on the Celebrate Fate event and expressed appreciation to staff, volunteers, and public safety personnel.
  • City Manager Michael Kovacs announced upcoming meetings and events.

Executive Session

  • Council recessed into Executive Session at 8:34 p.m. under Texas Government Code Sections 551.071 and 551.072.
  • Council reconvened at 9:04 p.m.
  • No action was taken following Executive Session.

Adjournment

  • Motion to adjourn made by Council Member Megyesi and seconded by Council Member Robbins.
  • Vote: Unanimous approval.
  • Meeting adjourned at 9:05 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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