The Ledger

Fate City Council Special Meeting - October 9, 2023

Fate Gazette

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Ledger Entry

City of Fate — Special City Council Meeting
Date: October 9, 2023
Location: Fate City Hall, 1900 CD Boren Parkway, Fate, Texas
Meeting Time: 6:00 p.m. – 8:05 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
    • Allen Robbins, Mayor Pro Tem
    • Jim Deland
    • Lance Megyesi, Deputy Mayor Pro Tem
  • Council Members Absent:
    • Heather Buegeler
    • Mark Harper
    • Scott Kelley
  • City Staff Present:
    • Michael Kovacs, City Manager
    • Steven Downs, Assistant City Manager
    • Victoria Raduechel, City Secretary
    • Shelbi Stofer, Public Engagement Coordinator
    • Lyle Lombard, Director of Public Safety
    • Robert Highfield, Planner
    • Steve Gilbert, Director of Community Services and Building Safety
    • Raju Anthony, Director of Finance
    • Leigh Corson, Director of Human Resources
    • Michael Wright, IT Manager

2. Invocation and Pledge of Allegiance

  • Council Member Jim Deland gave the invocation.
  • Council led the Pledge of Allegiance to the American and Texas flags.

3. Presentations and Proclamations

  • Proclamation recognizing Evan Sumrak for achieving Eagle Scout rank, presented by Council Member Allen Robbins.
  • Proclamation declaring September 15 – October 15, 2023 as Hispanic Heritage Month, read by Mayor Billings.
  • Proclamation declaring October 2023 as Community Planning Month, read by Mayor Billings.
  • Employee service awards presented:
    • John Taylor (10 years) and Jay Shallow (5 years), presented by Lyle Lombard.
    • Ashley Martin (5 years), presented by Steve Gilbert.

4. Public Comment

  • No speakers were present.

Items approved in a single motion:

  • Approval of minutes from August 14, August 21, and September 12, 2023 meetings.
  • Ordinance No. O-2023-042 — conveyance and abandonment of a 2.928-acre utility easement near I-30 and FM 551.
  • Resolution No. R-2023-075 — agreement with All American Animal Control for animal control services.
  • Zoning change request (Case ZR-23-004) postponed to November 13, 2023.
  • Approval of travel expenses for Texas Municipal League Annual Conference.
  • Ordinance No. O-2023-043 — amendments to development procedures (no zoning or land-use changes).
  • Ordinance No. O-2023-044 — clarification of impact fee assessment timing and dormant project status.
  • Resolution No. R-2023-076 — update to the Master Thoroughfare Plan related to roadway impact fees.

Vote: Unanimous approval.

6. Action Items / Public Hearings

A. Impact Fee Study and Amendments

  • Public hearing conducted regarding amendments to land use assumptions, capital improvement plans, and impact fees.
  • Presentation provided by Andrew Simonsen and Pete Kelly (Kimley-Horn).
  • Topics included service areas, service units, land use assumptions, master thoroughfare plan updates, capital improvement plans, and impact fee methodology.
  • Public hearing opened at 6:42 p.m. and closed at 6:48 p.m.
  • Public Comment:
    • David Lehde, Dallas Builders Association, spoke in opposition to increased impact fees.
  • Council adopted the Water, Wastewater, and Roadway Impact Fee Studies by unanimous vote.
  • Council voted unanimously to table adoption of updated impact fees and negotiated rates until the next meeting.

B. Special Use Permit — Telecommunications Tower (Case SUP-23-001)

  • Application for a 155-foot monopole on a 12.6-acre tract zoned Agriculture.
  • Staff presentation by Robert Highfield, Associate Planner.
  • Planning and Zoning Commission recommendation: approve with conditions.
  • Public hearing opened and closed at 7:46 p.m. with no speakers.
  • Council approved Ordinance No. O-2023-046 authorizing the Special Use Permit.
  • Vote: Unanimous approval.

C. Interlocal Agreement — Fire Protection Services

  • Resolution No. R-2023-077 considered for an interlocal agreement with Rockwall County.
  • Overview provided by Michael Kovacs and Lyle Lombard.
  • John Stacy, Rockwall County Commissioner Precinct 4, addressed the Council.
  • Council voted unanimously to deny Resolution No. R-2023-077.
  • Item to be brought back at a future meeting.

7. Reports

Mayor’s Report

  • Congratulations to employees receiving service awards.
  • Thanks expressed to DPS and City staff.

Council Reports

  • Council Members expressed thanks to DPS and City staff.
  • Safety reminders provided regarding children and early darkness.

City Manager’s Report

  • Upcoming meetings announced:
    • City Council Workshop on October 16, 2023 at 5:00 p.m.
    • Regular City Council Meeting on October 16, 2023 at 6:00 p.m.

8. Adjournment

  • Motion to adjourn made by Council Member Lance Megyesi, seconded by Council Member Allen Robbins.
  • Vote: Unanimous approval.
  • Meeting adjourned at 8:05 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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