The Ledger

Fate City Council Special Meeting - February 12, 2024

Fate Gazette

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The Fate Gazette — Ledger

City of Fate

Special City Council Meeting
February 12, 2024
Location: Fate City Hall, 1900 CD Boren Parkway, Fate, Texas
Meeting Time: 6:00 p.m. – 9:02 p.m.

1. 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
  • Allen Robbins, Mayor Pro Tem
  • Jim Deland
  • Lance Megyesi, Deputy Mayor Pro Tem

Council Members Absent

  • None

City Staff Present

  • Michael Kovacs, City Manager
  • Steven Downs, Assistant City Manager
  • David Overcash, City Attorney
  • Victoria Raduechel, City Secretary
  • Ryan Regan, Captain, Fate Department of Public Safety
  • Ryan Wells, Director of Planning and Development Services
  • Steve Gilbert, Director of Community Services and Building Safety
  • Scott Monaghan, Director of Public Works
  • Raju Anthony, Director of Finance
  • Spencer Foster, Assistant to the City Manager
  • Shelbi Stofer, Public Engagement Coordinator
  • Michael Wright, IT Manager

2. Invocation and Pledge of Allegiance

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

3. Presentations

A. Eagle Scout Proclamation

  • Council Member Allen Robbins read and presented a proclamation recognizing Aidan Adair for achieving Eagle Scout ranking.

B. Rockwall Independent School District Presentation

  • Dr. John Villarreal, Superintendent, provided a presentation addressing district growth and needs.
  • Topics included:
    • 2021 Bond update
    • Ninth-grade campuses opening August 2024
    • Utley additions opening August 2025
    • Middle School #4 opening August 2025
  • Mr. Carter presented the Rockwall ISD Demographic Report, including:
    • Housing and development trends
    • Enrollment forecasts through 2033/34
    • District growth projections and key takeaways
  • Dr. Villarreal answered questions from the Council.

4. Public Comment

  • No members of the public spoke.

A. General Election Resolution

  • Resolution No. R-2024-012 ordering a general election on May 4, 2024, for Council Places 1 and 5.
  • Motion by Council Member Megyesi; seconded by Council Member Robbins.
  • Vote: Unanimous approval.

6. Action Items

A. Smoking and Vaping Ordinance (Ordinance No. O-2024-007)

  • Staff presented an ordinance regulating smoking and vaping in certain commercial establishments and enclosed public places.
  • Council discussion included enforcement, opt-out options, business input, and shared structures.
  • Council consensus directed staff to return with additional information.
  • No action taken.

B. Alcohol at City-Sponsored Events Ordinance (Ordinance No. O-2024-008)

  • Ordinance amending Chapter 22 of the Fate Code regarding alcohol at city-sponsored events.
  • Amendment allows City Manager approval and authorizes Fate Department of Public Safety to halt alcohol service.
  • Motion by Council Member Kelley; seconded by Council Member Robbins.
  • Vote: Unanimous approval.

7. Mayor, Council, and City Manager Reports

Mayor’s Report

  • Mayor Billings expressed thanks to City staff and Fate DPS.
  • Congratulations extended to Aidan Adair.

Council Reports

  • Council Members provided announcements related to community appreciation, elections, local business support, and early voting reminders.

City Manager’s Report

  • City Manager Michael Kovacs reported no items.

8. Executive Session

  • Council recessed into executive session at 6:59 p.m. pursuant to Texas Government Code Sections 551.087, 551.071, and 551.074.
  • Topics included:
    • Commercial tenant lease matters
    • Chapter 380 economic development agreements
    • Legal consultation on Lafayette Crossing Planned Development
    • City Attorney personnel matter

9. Reconvene into Regular Session

  • Executive session adjourned at 8:57 p.m.
  • Council reconvened at 9:01 p.m.

Actions Taken

  • Authorized lease extensions for commercial tenants related to Rockwall CAD Property IDs 16404–16412.
  • Approved execution of an amended Chapter 380 Agreement with Canales Zamora Trust entities.
  • No action taken on remaining executive session items.

10. Adjournment

  • Motion to adjourn by Council Member Harper; seconded by Council Member Megyesi.
  • Vote: Unanimous.
  • Meeting adjourned at 9:02 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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