The Ledger

Fate Regular City Council Meeting - September 16, 2024

Fate Gazette

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The Fate Gazette — Ledger

Public Meeting Record

Body: Fate City Council
Meeting Type: Regular City Council Meeting
Date: September 16, 2024
Location: Fate City Hall, 1900 CD Boren Parkway, Fate, Texas
Call to Order: 6:00 p.m.
Adjournment: 8:04 p.m.

Attendance

Elected Officials Present

  • David Billings, Mayor
  • Mark Harper, Deputy Mayor Pro Tem
  • Allen Robbins, Mayor Pro Tem
  • Codi Chinn, Council Member
  • Scott Kelley, Council Member
  • Mark Hatley, Council Member

Elected Officials Absent

  • Lance Megyesi, Council Member

City Staff Present

  • Michael Kovacs, City Manager
  • Steven Downs, Assistant City Manager
  • Cynthia Kirchoff, City Attorney
  • Victoria Raduachel, City Secretary
  • Leigh Corson, Director of Human Resources
  • Lyle Lombard, Director of Public Safety
  • Jordan Pope, DPS Public Safety Officer
  • Steve Gilbert, Director of Community Services and Building Safety
  • Scott Monaghan, Director of Public Works and Utilities
  • Ryan Wells, Director of Planning and Development Services
  • Teresa Stevens, Accounting Manager
  • Isaiah Tackett, System Administrator

1. Call to Order and Quorum

  • Mayor Billings called the meeting to order.
  • The City Secretary confirmed a quorum was present.

2. Invocation and Pledge of Allegiance

  • Invocation delivered by John DeVorss of First Fate Church.
  • Council led the Pledge of Allegiance to the American and Texas flags.

3. Presentations

  • Constitution Week Proclamation:
    • Mayor Billings read a proclamation declaring September 17–23, 2024 as Constitution Week in the City of Fate.
  • World Teachers’ Day Proclamation:
    • Mayor Billings read a proclamation declaring October 5, 2024 as World Teachers’ Day in the City of Fate.
  • Rockwall County Strategic Plan 2050 Update:
    • Jim Barto, Rockwall County Public Information Officer, provided an update on the Strategic Plan 2050, including purpose, process, progress to date, and next steps.

4. Public Comment

  • No members of the public requested to speak.
  • Item: Approval of minutes from the September 3, 2024 City Council meeting.
  • Motion: Robbins
  • Second: Kelley
  • Vote:
    • Ayes: Billings, Chinn, Harper, Kelley, Robbins, Hatley
    • Nays: None
  • Result: Approved unanimously.

6. Action Items

A. Resolution No. R-2024-072

First Amendment to Impact Fee Credit Agreement (Gettysburg East to Blackland Rd.)

  • Presentation by Assistant City Manager Steven Downs.
  • Motion: Harper
  • Second: Robbins
  • Vote:
    • Ayes: Billings, Chinn, Harper, Kelley, Robbins, Hatley
    • Nays: None
  • Result: Approved unanimously.

B. Resolution No. R-2024-073

Sidewalk and Trails Connectivity Plan

  • Presentation by Director Ryan Wells.
  • Motion: Robbins
  • Second: Harper
  • Vote:
    • Ayes: Billings, Chinn, Harper, Kelley, Robbins, Hatley
    • Nays: None
  • Result: Approved unanimously.

C. Tax Exemptions Discussion (Disabled Person, Over 65, Senior Tax Freeze)

  • Requested by Council Members Harper and Robbins.
  • Council reviewed exemption cost analysis.
  • Action: None taken.

D. Micro-Transportation Ordinance Amendment (Golf Carts at Night)

  • Presentation by Assistant City Manager Steven Downs.
  • Discussion of options allowing nighttime golf cart use within master planned communities.
  • Public support noted from several residents.
  • Motion: Harper (Option C, amended)
  • Second: Kelley
  • Vote:
    • Ayes: Billings, Chinn, Harper, Kelley, Robbins, Hatley
    • Nays: None
  • Result: Approved unanimously.
  • City staff to return with a formal ordinance for adoption.

E. Neighborhood Speed Limits

  • Requested by Mayor Billings.
  • Discussion of lowering downtown speed limits.
  • Action: Staff directed to return with cost information.

F. TCEQ Backflow Inspection Requirements

  • Informational presentation by Director Scott Monaghan.
  • Action: None taken.

7. Reports

Mayor’s Report

  • Expression of thanks to Fate DPS for the 9/11 ceremony.

Council Reports

  • Expressions of thanks to DPS, City staff, sponsors, and volunteers for city events.
  • Encouragement to support local businesses.

City Manager’s Report

  • County Consortium meetings scheduled at the Rockwall County Library.
  • Planning and Zoning Commission meeting scheduled for September 19, 2024.

8. Executive Session

  • Council recessed at 7:31 p.m. and convened executive session at 7:38 p.m. to discuss:
    • PFAS litigation matters
    • Property acquisition for Miss May Drive
    • City Attorney appointment

9. Reconvene into Regular Session

  • Council reconvened at 8:03 p.m.
  • Actions Taken:
    • City Attorney:
      • Motion: Robbins
      • Second: Harper
      • Vote:
        • Ayes: Billings, Chinn, Harper, Kelley, Robbins, Hatley
        • Nays: None
      • Result: Unanimous approval to enter contract negotiations with Messer Fort for legal services.

10. Adjournment

  • Motion: Robbins
  • Second: Billings
  • Vote:
    • Ayes: Billings, Chinn, Harper, Robbins, Hatley
    • Abstain: Kelley
  • Result: Meeting adjourned at 8:04 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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