The Ledger

Fate City Council Special Meeting - Strategic Planning Workshop - February 28, 2022

Fate Gazette

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The Fate Gazette — Ledger

Meeting Overview

Body: Fate City Council
Meeting Type: Special City Council Meeting – Strategic Planning Workshop
Date: February 28, 2022
Time: 6:00 p.m. – 8:58 p.m.
Location: Fate City Hall, 1900 CD Boren Parkway, Fate, Texas

Call to Order and Quorum

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

Attendance

Council Members Present

  • David Billings, Mayor
  • Heather Buegeler
  • John Brandt
  • Allen Robbins, Mayor Pro Tem
  • Jim DeLand

Council Members Absent

  • Christopher Ash
  • John Hamilton, Deputy Mayor Pro Tem

City Staff Present

  • Michael Kovacs, City Manager
  • Justin Weiss, Assistant City Manager
  • Victoria Raduechel, City Secretary
  • Lyle Lombard, Director of Public Safety
  • Scott Monaghan, Director of Public Works
  • Ryan Wells, Director of Planning and Development Services
  • Steve Gilbert, Director of Community Services and Building Safety
  • Raju Anthony, Director of Finance
  • Teresa Stevens, Accounting Manager
  • Leigh Corson, Director of Human Resources
  • Michael Wright, IT Manager
  • Jon Thatcher, City Attorney

Invocation and Pledge of Allegiance

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

Public Comment

  • No individuals were present wishing to speak.

Strategic Planning Workshop

Review of Current Strategic Vision and Pillars

  • Mark McDaniel of Strategic Government Resources (SGR) led the strategic planning workshop.
  • The City’s mission statement, vision statement, and existing strategic pillars were reviewed.

Mission Statement

  • Former:
    • To improve the quality of life in Fate through effective, efficient, and fiscally resilient delivery of outstanding public services.
  • Revised:
    • To continually improve the quality of life in Fate through effective governance, and fiscally resilient delivery of outstanding public services.

Vision Statement

  • Former:
    • Fate is a vibrant, financially sound, family-oriented community. The City delivers exceptional services that enhance the quality of life, while fostering an atmosphere where citizens and businesses can thrive.
  • Revised:
    • Fate is a vibrant, financially sound, and family-oriented community. The City delivers exceptional services that enhance the quality of life, while fostering a safe atmosphere where citizens and businesses can thrive.

Strategic Pillars

  • Council affirmed the existing five strategic pillars.
  • One new pillar was added: Sustainable Infrastructure.
  • The “Financial” pillar was amended to Strong Financial Management.
  • Council discussed defining each pillar with specific language and noted that the pillars reflect organization-wide priorities and values.

Milestone Exercises

Exercise 2: Strong Financial Management

  • City Manager Michael Kovacs presented staff’s interpretation and status.
  • Council and staff participated in breakout discussions and reported input.
  • Topics included fiscal responsibility, financial policies, capital improvement planning, bond ratings, enterprise funds, and long-term financial sustainability.
  • Cost considerations discussed included anticipated trash rate increases, potential use of the de minimis tax rate, and use of one-time funds for capital expenditures.

Recess

  • The meeting recessed at 7:52 p.m.
  • The meeting reconvened at 8:10 p.m.

Exercise 3: Safe Community

  • Staff interpretation and status for the Safe Community pillar were presented.
  • Breakout discussions addressed public safety response capacity, staffing levels, facilities planning, mutual aid coordination, cybersecurity, and future resource needs.
  • Cost considerations included estimated operating and capital expenses related to public safety initiatives.

Workshop Wrap-Up

  • The strategic planning workshop was scheduled to continue in the future to address the remaining pillars:
    • Economic Development
    • Community Engagement
    • Recreation
    • Sustainable Infrastructure

Adjournment

  • Council Member Allen Robbins moved to adjourn.
  • Council Member Jim DeLand seconded the motion.
  • The motion passed unanimously.
  • Mayor Billings adjourned the meeting at 8:58 p.m.

Approval

  • Approved by the City Council on March 21, 2022.
  • Signed by Mayor David Billings.
  • Attested by City Secretary Victoria Raduechel, TRMC.

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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