The Ledger

Fate City Council Special Meeting - January 17, 2023

Fate Gazette

— 2 min read

The Fate Gazette — Ledger Entry

Public Meeting Record

Body: Fate City Council
Meeting Type: Special City Council Meeting
Date: January 17, 2023
Location: Fate City Hall, 1900 CD Boren Parkway, Fate, Texas
Time Called to Order: 6:00 p.m.

Call to Order and Quorum

  • The meeting was called to order by Mayor Pro Tem Allen Robbins at 6:00 p.m.
  • City Secretary Victoria Raduechel confirmed a quorum.

Council Members Present

  • John Brandt, Deputy Mayor Pro Tem
  • Scott Kelley
  • Allen Robbins, Mayor Pro Tem
  • Jim Deland
  • Lance Megyesi

Council Members Absent

  • David Billings, Mayor
  • Heather Buegeler

City Staff Present

  • Michael Kovacs, City Manager
  • Justin Weiss, Assistant City Manager
  • Jon Thatcher, City Attorney
  • Victoria Raduechel, City Secretary
  • Spencer Foster, Assistant to the City Manager
  • Shelbi Stofer, Public Engagement Coordinator
  • Ryan Ragan, DPS Lieutenant
  • Ryan Wells, Director of Planning and Development Services
  • Steve Gilbert, Director of Community Services and Building Safety
  • Scott Monaghan, Director of Public Works
  • Josue Flores, Project Engineer
  • Raju Anthony, Director of Finance
  • Leigh Corson, Director of Human Resources
  • Suzy Lawrence, Community and Economic Development Manager
  • Michael Wright, IT Manager

Invocation and Pledge

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

Presentations

  • Proclamation recognizing David Sweet for service as former Rockwall County Judge, read by Mayor Pro Tem Robbins.
  • Recognition of Lottie Huffman for receiving the Texas Court Clerks Association Distinguished Service Award for FY 2022, presented by Finance Director Raju Anthony.
  • Recognition of Keri Whitted for achieving Level II Court Clerk Certification, presented by Municipal Court Administrator Lottie Huffman.
  • Employee of the Year Award for 2022 presented to Teresa Stevens by City Manager Michael Kovacs.
  • Supervisor of the Year Award for 2022 presented to Steve Gilbert by City Manager Michael Kovacs.
  • Economic Development presentation for 2023 delivered by Community and Economic Development Manager Suzy Lawrence, including regional economic indicators, staffing updates, and the 2023 Economic Development work plan.

Public Comment

  • Clint Sikes, 178 Balfour Drive, addressed the Council regarding walkability and encouraged review of the book Walkability City Rules.

Items approved under a single motion:

  • Minutes of the January 3, 2023 Council Meeting.
  • Financial Report for December 2022.
  • Quarterly Investment Report for the quarter ending December 31, 2022.
  • Resolution No. R-2023-005 authorizing the City Manager to enter into an agreement with National Sign Plazas, Inc. for kiosk signs.
  • Ordinance No. O-2023-005 authorizing the City Attorney to appoint additional attorneys as needed.

Motion: Council Member Megyesi
Second: Council Member Kelley
Vote: Unanimous approval

Action Items

Resolution No. R-2023-006 — Invocation Policy

  • City Attorney Jon Thatcher provided an overview of the proposed policy regarding invocations at City Council meetings.
  • Council approved the resolution with the removal of Section F (text of the invitation letter).

Motion: Council Member Kelley
Second: Council Member Megyesi
Vote: Unanimous approval

Road Bond Projects Update

  • City Manager Michael Kovacs introduced the item at the request of Mayor Billings and Council Member Megyesi.
  • Public Works Director Scott Monaghan provided status updates and explanations regarding project timelines and engineering requirements.
  • City Manager stated communication efforts regarding bond project updates could be increased.

Recruiting Update for Open Positions

  • Human Resources Director Leigh Corson presented a recruitment update, including new positions, hiring status, challenges, and turnover statistics.

Mayor, Council, and City Manager Reports

  • No Mayor’s report due to Mayor Billings’ absence.
  • Council Members offered congratulations to staff and expressed appreciation to city employees and Fate DPS.
  • City Manager reported upcoming meetings and events, including Planning & Zoning Commission meetings and Rockwall County Days in Austin.

Executive Session

  • Council recessed into Executive Session at 7:46 p.m. to discuss commercial or financial information related to economic development negotiations.
  • Executive Session adjourned at 8:28 p.m.
  • Council reconvened at 8:29 p.m.
  • No action was taken on items discussed in Executive Session.

Adjournment

  • The meeting was adjourned at 8:29 p.m. following a unanimous vote.

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

Read more