HomeMy WebLinkAboutCC Minutes 2024 06 03 RegularMINUTES OF THE REGULAR MEETING OF THE
CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF FRIENDSWOOD
JUNE 3, 2024
THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF FRIENDSWOOD MET IN A REGULAR MEETING ON
MONDAY, JUNE 3, 2024, AT 5:30 P.M. IN THE COUNCIL CHAMBERS, FRIENDSWOOD CITY
HALL, LOCATED AT 910 S. FRIENDSWOOD DRIVE, FRIENDSWOOD, TEXAS, WITH THE
FOLLOWING MEMBERS PRESENT CONSTITUTING A QUORUM:
John Ellisor Councilmember
Trish Hanks Councilmember
Sally Branson Councilmember
Joe Matranga Mayor Pro Tern
Robert Griffon Councilmember
Brent Erenwert Councilmember
Mike Foreman Mayor
Morad Kabiri
City Manager
Karen Homer
City Attorney
Leticia Brysch
City Secretary
1. CALL TO ORDER
Mayor Foreman called the meeting to order with a quorum present at 5:30 P.M.; all members were present
with the exception of Councilmember Ellisor who arrived at 5:42 p.m.
2. INVOCATION
The invocation was led by the Friendswood Police Department Chaplain Moe Mays. Chaplain Mays stated
that he wanted to take a moment to share the loss of a Retired Friendswood Detective William Keith Steele
who passed away on May 24, 2024. Keith Steele was hired in 1968 and was the very first patrol officer in
Friendswood, was an auxiliary police officer and retired from Friendswood PD on July 31, 2001. Chaplain
Mays extended prayers to the family and colleagues of Detective Steele.
3. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE - United States and State of Texas
Mayor Foreman led the Pledge of Allegiance of the United States and the Pledge to the State of Texas.
4. COUNCIL COMMENTS AND REPORTS
Mayor Foreman stated that the City's Memorial Day event was truly an outstanding Memorial Day, and
probably one of the best ones yet. He noted that the event was very well attended, and the honorary speaker
was one of our own, John Sasson, who served in the Marine Corps and Afghanistan.
Councilmember Branson welcomed Councilmember John Ellisor to his first meeting. She stated that she
also really enjoyed the Memorial Day Celebration and John Sasson did an excellent job. Councilmember
Branson also noted that she had received a lot of great comments about the Hero Banners, and she extended
her thank you to the group who brought this program to Friendswood, including the Sasson Family and
the Friends of Downtown Friendswood Association.
City Council Regular Meeting Minutes
June 3, 2024
Page 2 of 29
She also noted that she, Mayor Foreman and members of the Engineering staff attended H-GAC last week
where they accepted a check in the amount of $4.6 million for groundwater storage tanks from the GLO,
and lastly, she encouraged residents to consider volunteering for any of the City's many organizations,
committees, boards, commissions and events.
Councilmember Hanks thanked Chaplain Mays for his lovely comments regarding Officer Steele and his
many years of service to Friendswood. She also extended her heartfelt condolences to Officer Steele's
family. She commented on the wonderful Memorial Day service, the speaker was great, and her
granddaughter, who attended the event with her, was very impressed about the service, those that were
being honored, as well as the wonderful banners along FM 518 showing our hometown military heroes.
Councilmember Hanks also gave an update about the Keep Friendswood Beautiful committee, its
volunteers and the many good works being done in around the city, including the beautification efforts
around town including parks, medians, esplanades, the park entrance. Lastly, Councilmember Hanks gave
an overview of the Library Board and noted that the annual library gala was being planned and they are
working on various fundraising activities, that help support the Library's programs, including one that
helps provide a GED-type diploma for people who did not have a normal pathway to their education.
5. PUBLIC COMMENT
Mayor Foreman announced the following citizens had signed up to speak for a public comment.
Katherine Hale, 902 Applewood Dr, requested to speak before the Council and stated that she lives on
Applewood Drive and as a grandmother is concerned about the safety of family members getting to the
pool. She noted that she has served in multiple volunteer capacities in Friendswood. She also stated that
she had researched on Realtor.com that cut -through traffic will reduce her property value by a significant
amount. She further stated that she believed that this item had been voted down in the past and would
instead like to see a drainage plan for this area. Lastly, she noted that she did not want a road.
Tom Christ, 812 W Castlewood, requested to speak before the Council and stated that he moved to
Castlewood over 48 years ago and there were not a lot of homes or roads at that time. Concrete roads were
brought in, and the existing swales became ditches that were not maintained by the City, even though he
was informed that they would. There are issues with speeding and safety on Castlewood Drive and would
like speed bumps to be considered to address this issue.
Jason Jones, 1917 Sandy Lake Dr, requested to speak before the Council and stated that Friendswood is a
city on a hill, with good school districts, successful students, and a green city. He stated that he believes in
legacy and how elected officials vote will decide theirs.
Deborah Winters -Chaney, 1008 Applewood Drive, requested to speak before the Council and stated that
she might be one of the few who has read the documents on the agenda and still, she does not have full
understanding of the TIRZ subject and wished that there had been a public meeting that explained
everything related to the TIRZ. She stated that she wanted another option other than to open Castlewood
to a four -lane boulevard as she has concerns for the safety of the neighborhood children.
6. COMMITTEES OR SPECIAL REPORTS
A. Present the City of Friendswood Five Star Spirit Award for the First Quarter of 2024 to Mitchell
Blanchard and Jason Haritos, both of which are Laborers in the Parks and Recreation
Department.
City Council Regular Meeting Minutes
June 3, 2024
Page 3 of 29
City Manager Morad Kabiri presented the item and stated that he gets the honor and the privilege of
recognizing outstanding employees that have been voted the Employee of the Quarter, so to speak, by
their peers and by residents. Mr. Kabiri presented the award to two employees from the Parks Department,
Mitchell Blanchard and Jason Haritos.
Mr. Kabiri noted that the two outstanding gentlemen were nominated by a resident who had brought his
children, a daughter and son, fishing at Lake Friendswood. They attempted to fish and after not having
any luck, they had started to pack up to leave. At about that time, Mitchell walked out onto the dock and
threw a line in the water, which got a bite instantly, he then handed the fish to the little boy. Shortly
thereafter, Jason did the same with the daughter and they ended up limiting out on fish. Both kids were
ecstatic about their experience and the father took a moment to write a thank you note for endearing fishing
to them in the future. Mr. Kabiri thanked Mitchell and Jason for taking the extra time and making the
family's day enjoyable.
7. COMMITTEES OR SPECIAL REPORTS
A. Receive the Library Advisory Board's Annual Report.
Ms. Diane Freeman, Library Advisory Chair presented the item and stated that she was going to go over
three different highlights in her report. She noted that the first was on the Board, the next on the Friends
of the Library, and the third being the Library itself. The highlights were the following:
The Board supports the Friendswood Library in their vision to engage, educate, entertain, and empower
every family member and business in the community to the best of their abilities. She noted that the whole
point of the Board is to support the Library's needs in order to be a vibrant location where everyone feels
comfortable at any age. The Board has supported efforts to achieve and promote the Library's mission
through the discussion of policies, long-term goals, services, and programs. It also supports Friends of the
Library's fundraising events such as the galas and book sales as well as assisting the Library in meeting
its goals and long-range strategic plan.
The Board is also very involved with the Gale Excel High School Completion Program, which has helped
three young adults attain their high school diploma. At one young man's graduation, his friends and family
almost filled up the entire Community Room, which is pretty big. They were so proud of him, and the
board members were so proud to support him and all of the graduates.
The Friends of the Library is currently planning the Camelot themed gala, which is scheduled for March
2025. As a result of the monies that have been raised for the previous galas along with the monies from
the book sales, they have been able to purchase new makerspace equipment, a sublimation printer,
astronomy equipment, and new mobile shelving. They have also provided scholarships for this Gale Excel
High School Program and just this year they awarded scholarships to two students in Friendswood High
School.
With respect to the Library, they received for the loth consecutive year in a row, the TMLDA
Achievement in Library Excellence Award. The Library hosted many different programs, including the
annual Summer Reading Programs, Health Fair, ZakiCon anime event, Craft Fair, and Friendswood Poetry
Event with participation from local and international poets. The Library staff also provided outreach
services to schools, daycares, retirement committees, and home bound residents, and now the staff gets
City Council Regular Meeting Minutes
June 3, 2024
Page 4 of 29
around in their brand-new outreach van. Lastly, the Library added new STEM technology classes such as
3D and sublimation printing, robotics, STEAM night programs, and database training.
Mayor Foreman thanked Chairperson Freeman for her report and all the wonderful work being done with
the Library.
B. Receive an update regarding a Hometown Heroes Veteran Street Banner Program.
Ms. Meg Crowley, President of Friends of Downtown Friendswood Association (FDFA) presented the
item and stated that Mr. Richard Sasson, their Committee Chair, had brought the hometown heroes concept
to Friendswood. She noted that now that the program is up and running, they just wanted to come back
around and thank the Council and staff for supporting the program. Ms. Crowley stated that this first year
resulted in 28 banners being placed along S Friendswood Dr, which exceeded expectations. She further
stated that each year, applications for banners will be accepted from March 1st until April 15th, with the
banners being placed in time for Memorial Day with new banners. Ms. Crowley noted that the banners
could be used for two years and then would be given back to whoever submitted the application.
Councilmember Erenwert asked that staff work with FDFA to promote the program, maybe via a link on
the City's website. Mr. Kabiri stated that staff will assist FDFA with the advertising and communication
of this program.
Ms. Crowley again thanked the Mayor and Council for their support of the program
8. WORK SESSION TOPICS
A. Receive and discuss a presentation regarding the City of Friendswood Multi -Year Financial Plan.
Finance Director Rhonda Bloskas presented the item and stated that the City's multi -year financial plan
for Fiscal Years, 2025 through 2029 is a planning tool that projects the general funds revenues and
expenditures over a five-year period using historical and trend analysis. Ms. Bloskas stated that this plan
is what is being used as the basis for the city's upcoming FY25 budget, however, she noted that the
information is very preliminary, and projections will be adjusted throughout the budget process and as
more information becomes available.
Ms. Bloskas noted that based on preliminary values received from the Galveston Central Appraisal
District, staff projects an increase in values of 6%, this includes residential and commercial properties, as
well as an estimate for any new home construction. However, most of the other revenue sources in the
plan are projected to increase by 2%.
City Manager Morad Kabiri interjected that as it relates to those preliminary projections, a few months
ago everybody within the community received their new appraisal value from the Appraisal District. He
noted that those statements have two figures, one that estimates the fair market value of the home and then
the other that estimates the 10% cap that exists on residential properties. So, of the 6% that is being
evaluated right now, the staff does not know the full impact as a number of homes will be under protest.
As such, staff will have a better idea of the values later on this summer, when the certified values are
received.
Ms. Bloskas stated that as it relates to the revenue planning assumptions, the FY25 general fund revenue
is projected to be $41.2 million with property taxes being the city's largest source of revenue. She noted
City Council Regular Meeting Minutes
June 3, 2024
Page 5 of 29
that to calculate the $22.6 million in revenue, the staff used a tax rate of 52.13 cents; however, this
calculation did not include property taxes for debt service, which is accounted for in a separate fund. Ms.
Bloskas noted that the sales tax revenue is the next largest source of general fund revenue at a little over
$9.5 million; however, this amount did not include the sales tax revenue generated for the streets
maintenance sales and use tax and the Friendswood Downtown Economic Development Corporation sales
and use tax. Of the remaining revenue sources, franchise taxes are 5% of total revenues generated from
utilities, and non -tax revenue is about 17%, which includes fines, building permits, Parks and Recreation
fees, interest earnings, as well as the inter -fund transfer from the water and sewer fund.
Ms. Bloskas went over a slide that provided the detail on why a tax rate increase is anticipated in FY2025.
She noted that historically, the city had adopted the No New Revenue Rate, and in FY24, the tax rate that
was adopted was a little above 50 cents, which was well below the voter approval rate, and included any
unused increment. Ms. Bloskas noted that the city has approximately 5.3 cents in unused increment from
staying well below the maximum allowed rate without triggering an automatic rollback election.
Additionally, as previously discussed with the Council and with their direction, the EMS will become a
department of the city in FY25 with an associated costs of approximately 1.3 cents on the tax rate. Other
items that impact the anticipated tax rate increase include increases in supply services and maintenance
costs which are estimated to increase 5%, while personnel costs are projected to increase by 4%.
Additionally, $500,000 to be used for deferred maintenance items is built into the plan, which also adds
almost a penny to the tax rate. She noted that the forces at work funded in the plan are estimated at $1.2
million, and these are required expenditures that are beyond the control of city staff, no decision packages
submitted by city departments are included in the plan.
Property tax revenue:
• Historical adoption of NNRR
Tax rate adopted in FY24 - $0.500
Tu me used in the MYFP for FY255 -
52.13 cents
Unused tax rate inc e,nent (2021-2023) available - 53 cents
• Projected use of 2.6 cents
Need for tax rate increase due to:
EMSatingC Costs
i creasy
Operating Costs - 5% increase (1.6 cents)
Personnel Costs - increase cents)
Deferred Maintenance (0.9 cents)
Forces -at -Work $1.2M (Tmxt FuNoto)
• Decision Packages $1.BM(UNFUNOED)
Ms. Bloskas went on to discuss the expenditures and the assumptions included in the multi -year financial
plan. Staff is projecting that there will be a 4% increase each year in wages and benefits, with the 4%
taking into consideration the projected salary adjustment for the citywide compensation study that is in
process now. Ms. Bloskas noted that based on historical trends, non -personnel expenses included in the
plan are projected to grow about 5% each year. With that said, she noted that based on the preliminary
assumptions, the FY25 preliminary expenditures are estimated at $41.2 million, with personnel costs being
the largest part of the city's budget at 66% of total expenditures. Also on the slide, the EMS onboarding
was broken out from the other forces -at -work and shows a net of the reduction in the Friendswood
Volunteer Fire Department (FVFD) contract, due to the elimination of the EMS contract, and the revenues
from EMS billing.
City Council Regular Meeting Minutes
June 3,2024
Page 6 of 29
Ms. Bloskas did not go into detail on the forces -at -work slide but allowed Council time to review.
OfIT OESCAIPTION
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10,000
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2,WI,095
1,035,000
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64,195
64.1%
247,981
$183,796
FM EMS EMS Contract Eliminatbn
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0
1,022,8M
$1.022,8M
93.725
30S,299
399,024
255,3M
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13,000
$13,000
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26.920
66,920
1.920
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91,582
91,582
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51,500
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Mr. Kabiri stated that many of the numbers mentioned by Ms. Bloskas were decided either over a year
ago or several months ago, through Council's approval of various contracts, and the costs associated with
these contracts are included in the base budget for the purposes of this analysis.
Ms. Bloskas noted that the City's fund graph slide is loved by everybody. The blue bar represents the
City's revenues, the red is expenditures, and the green bar represents the 90-day reserve. The blue trend
line represents what happens to the City's capital improvement reserve if all of the forces -at -work in the
plan are funded, and then the purple line shows what happens to the capital improvement reserve if all of
the forces -at -work and submitted decision packages were funded.
Mr. Kabiri stated that he wanted to expand a bit on Ms. Bloskas earlier comments regarding the impact of
the multiple years of adopting the No New Revenue Rate. He noted that for a period of 15 years, 10 of
those years the City adopted the No New Revenue Rate or less, and the years in which the No New
Revenue Rate was not adopted was because of voter approved tax increases. As such, in order to pay for
the voter approved bond projects, the City had to issue that debt.
The slide shows that the impact of doing that over a number of years shows a depreciation of that light
blue line, so on the left side of the chart, the light blue line represents the funds available above the 90-
day emergency, which was nearly $7,000,000 back in 2020. Over the course of the last four years, that
amount got depleted to where it is now just a little over a million dollars. However, in reality, the City is
about $400,000 over the 90-day reserve; while staff continues waiting for reimbursement from the State
and Feds on some grant funds that the city advanced.
City Council Regular Meeting Minutes
June 3, 2024
Page 7 of 29
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Mr. Kabiri further noted that as a part of the upcoming budget cycle, he wanted the Council to consider
the possibility of a deferred maintenance line item, which was mentioned earlier in Ms. Bloska's
presentation, as well as potentially, a line item for grant related advanced funding. This last line item
would assist the City in capturing grant opportunities, similar to the one mentioned by Councilmember
Branson regarding the HGAC's $4.6-million-dollar grant. He noted that while the City is thrilled tickled
with the grant, staff has to find a way to fund the $4.6 million up front over the course of the next three
years, and then wait for the reimbursement, which takes time. Mr. Kabiri noted that this is the way grants
work, and though great for the city, they may create a problematic situation cash flow situation, if the City
continues to apply for these types of grants.
Ms. Bloskas summarized the presentation and noted that on preliminary planning assumptions in the
multi -year financial plan, the City's operating reserve is maintained in FY25. Staff is anticipating a tax
rate increase this year and in future years with the tax rate being used in the plan being the voter approved
rate. The forces -at -work and employee merit are funded, but no decision packages were funded in the
current year or for any of the next five years.
Mr. Kabiri stated that much like past years, as further information is gathered, these figures will get refined
further and this presentation is simply painting a picture of the budget based the existing information and
data.
Mayor Foreman noted that he felt it was important to point out that while the plan includes employee
merit raises in the amount of 4%, the City is doing a study to find out how our compensation stacks up
against other municipalities, so hopefully, the study will come back with an amount that will not be a
bigger number than the projected 4%. Mayor Foreman stated that they needed to pay the staff well, so
they do not have quality people heading out the door. Mr. Kabiri responded to the comments by noting
that in the last 18 months, the City has lost five key employees for pay raises that were anywhere from a
$40,000 a year pay raise to an $80,000 a year pay raise.
Ms. Bloskas noted that the next steps in the budget process are the following:
City Council Regular Meeting Minutes
June 3, 2024
Page ll of 29
• Proposed Budget Delivered — 08/01/2024 (per City Charter)
• Budget Work Session — 08/05/2024
• Proposed Budget Public Hearing (Special Council Meeting) — 08/26/2024
• Public Hearing on Tax Rate — 09/09/2024
• Budget & Tax Rate Adoption — 09/09/2024
With that, Ms. Bloskas thanked the Council for their attention and asked for comments and guidance.
Councilmember Hanks stated that she understood that the information presented will be refined as they
move through the budget process, but she wanted to comment that she hoped that the line item for Deferred
Maintenance was kept. She noted that she has been a proponent of having a Deferred Maintenance line
item for years, in order to account for these type things when we adopted the No New Revenue Rate and
put off some of the deferred maintenance items.
Mayor Foreman thanked Ms. Bloskas and the Finance staff for their hard work and for putting together a
well-informed presentation.
B. Receive and discuss an update regarding the City of Friendswood's utility rates.
Mr. Jason Gray, Vice President and Managing Principal of Willdan Financial Services, presented the item
and stated that because they had provided a lot of very detailed information to the Council via the agenda
packet, he wanted to keep his presentation relatively short, and as there was no action on the item that
evening, he could come back at a later date for additional discussion and Council could take action then.
Mr. Gray noted that his company does utility rate studies and other financial work for municipalities across
the country. His office is in Plano, Texas, and they have done about 300 of these types of studies within
Texas for utility rate programs across the state and somewhere around 1,600 nationwide.
Mr. Gray noted that there are five different areas that he is going to go over with the Council:
• Background on Rates
• Customers and Volumes
• Current and Forecast Cost of Service
• Initial Rate Plan Scenarios, and
• Summary
Mr. Gray began by stating that it is important to recognize that average utilities have been increasing their
rates at about 5 to 6% per year and this is primarily due to the increased pace of capital improvement
project costs. He noted that generally what he is seeing right now in the rate increases, they are closer to
6, 7 or 8% increases over the last couple of years, where historically, increases have been about 5% to 6%.
The American Water Works Association, which is the national group that tracks these sorts of things,
forecasts that water and wastewater rates will triple within the next 15 years. He further noted that the cost
of treating both water and wastewater and conveying both of those products to and from the households
continues to go up at a frankly alarming pace, particularly from a capital improvement projects
perspective.
Mr. gray further noted that one very important factor in this equation is that about 30 to 40% of utilities
charge rates that do not cover their costs with many times it being deferred maintenance like what was
City Council Regular Meeting Minutes
June 3, 2024
Page 9 of 29
talked about earlier in the general fund that just does not get done in one particular year, but that is still a
cost that is experienced. Mr. Gray further stated that sometimes it is the City's utility that is not transferring
any of its revenues back to the general fund, which supports the utility fund operations through the
management of the utility, generally speaking, in the HR functions, the IT functions, those sorts of things.
Friendswood does that, which is why these sorts of cost -of -service studies are important in order to ensure
that the City's tax rate is not paying for utility fund operations.
The water and wastewater wholesale contracts that Friendswood has in place with the City of Houston
and the Gulf Coast Authority are continually increasing in their costs for the same reasons that were noted
earlier about cost increases. Rate adjustments are largely due to factors that are essentially beyond the
City's direct control, as a lot of what makes up the rates are directly impacted by capital improvement
projects and their related costs, and the contract services to purchase treated water and to send wastewater
off to be treated.
Mr. Gray showed the following slide to discuss its numbers.
CURRENT RATE STRUCTURE
• Water:
Base + Conservation Tiers
Volume Rate for Residential &
Irrigation
• Base + Flat Volume Rate for
Commercial
• Wastewater
• Base+ Flat Volume Rate for
Residential & Commercial
• Winter Average Method for
Residential
• Outside City Limits Rate:
• 1.5x Inside Rates
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He noted that essentially, this is the current rate plan and discussion about rate plans occur simply because
there are a variety of different rates based on who the customer is, how they use the water, and how much
of it they use, those sorts of things. Friendswood has what he considered a fairly typical type of rate plan
for Texas at least with a base charge and a charge by volume. Mr. Gray stated that the base charge is
related to having the meter there and to having the water available to the meter, regardless of whether you
use it or not. This charge is there because there is a significant cost associated with ensuring that there is
availability of that water, and that is what the base charge is essentially designed to recover.
Additionally, the volume charge occurs when there are a couple of different conservation tiers, this is
called an inverted block tier structure, by where the price goes up the more water is used in order to try
and encourage conservation. Friendswood has four different tiers at various rates, there are 3,000 gallons
City Council Regular Meeting Minutes
June 3, 2024
Page 10 of 29
included within the base charge, and if anybody uses less than 3,000 gallons, they get charged the base
charge only. It is only when the 3,000 gallons are exceeded that the volume charge is accumulated. The
same kind of concept is used with the City's wastewater, except there is no tiered structure because there
is no conservation associated with wastewater. Therefore, generally speaking, Friendswood has a flat rate
on volume, and then they also have base charges for the sewer component as well. Mr. Gray noted that
for those outside city limit rates, which is a fairly small component of the overall revenue, the rates are
one and a half times the inside city limit rates, and that is for a variety of reasons.
Mr. Gray noted that at this time, the City charges customers on a bi-monthly basis, so they took a 20,000-
gallon bi-monthly charge, and calculated what the costs would be for 20,000 gallons of water and 10,000
gallons of wastewater. Mr. Gray showed on the following chart that generally speaking Friendswood is
about $40 less than the state average for that use profile, which is pretty close to your average use across
the community, and about middle -low, low side of the middle, in the comparison surrounding
communities.
CURRENT BI—MONTHLY CHARGES I COMBINED W&WW
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City Manager Morad Kabiri added to Mr. Gray's comments by noting that several of the communities on
the left-hand side of the chart are still on groundwater, so they are in Fort Bend County. They are not fully
mandated to be at 80% usage, so groundwater is much less expensive and have limited treatment
requirements.
Mr. Gray stated that Mr. Kabiri was right, the water source is one of the top two factors that go into the
actual costs to provide the service, and as it relates to the purchase of surface water or pump groundwater
is significantly less expensive, generally speaking, today than surface water; however, over time, that may
not necessarily be the case.
As it relates to customers and volumes, currently Friendswood has 14,400 water accounts and about
13,500 wastewater accounts, which is typical. He noted that not only are there a couple of water customers
on the residential side that do not have wastewater because they have septic systems, but there are also a
City Council Regular Meeting Minutes
June 3, 2024
Page 11 of 29
significant number of sprinkler accounts that do not have a wastewater account that goes along with it.
Additionally, oftentimes, with commercial properties there will be multiple water accounts that are only
paid through one wastewater account.
Mr. Gray noted that they are projecting, along with city staff, a 0.7% increase in the number of water
accounts and wastewater accounts over time and they will grow over the next ten years from 14,400 up to
a little over 15,000. He further noted that there is a slightly higher percentage increase on the wastewater
side simply because it is starting from a slightly lower base, and for every new water account, they are
assuming that there's going to be a wastewater account that goes along with it.
Mr. Gray stated that from the billed volume trend, which is not what the city purchases but what is actually
billed. He noted that every water system has some differential between how much water is received and
how much water can be billed due to hydrant flushing, leaks, firefighting, and other things that do not get
metered. Mr. Gray stated that Friendswood's billed volume trend has gone up significantly over the past
couple of years. The study used a baseline assumption of about 1.87 billion gallons on an annual basis and
then escalating that up as Friendswood grows. He noted that they do not expect the city's use profile to
change in any significant way, but as the community grows, the amount of gallons that goes through the
system will increase as well. Currently, residential use inside the city limits makes up over three-quarters
of the total water and when three-quarters of the customers are residential, cost increase to provide the
service, but there is no significant way to increase the water system's revenues without having an impact
on the residential side in some way. Many communities prefer to have commercial or industrial, which is
understandable, particularly as those are business write-offs related to the cost of doing business for those
commercial entities.
Mayor Pro Tem Matranga asked if by inside versus outside accounts, he was referencing those accounts
in the city limits of Friendswood versus those outside of the city limits. Mr. Gray noted that he was correct,
and Friendswood has a fraction of customers, both commercial and residential, outside of city limits that
don't even register.
Mr. Gray stated that the bi-average monthly use by customer class, residential inside the city limits, is just
over 19,000 gallons. The small number of residential customers outside the city limits use a little bit higher
level of water. The commercial properties inside the city limits use about 34,000 per month, and sprinkler
account inside city limits is about 21,000 gallons on average. So, during the summer months, the usage is
actually quite a bit more than during the winter months.
As it relates to the cost of service, there are four different components that impact it, and they are operating
expenses, capital outlays for both the in -budget capital projects as well as the debt -funded capital project
capital improvement program, debt principal and interest for both current and future debt issuances, and
then transfers. Mr. Gray noted that they used the same assumptions as those in the multi -year financial
plan, along with their own to establish what an accelerator in their modeling for each and every line item
in the City's budget. He noted that they have different accelerators for personnel and benefits than those
they have for chemicals, vehicle purchase and other items. There is a lot more detail of this in the model
provided to Council, but generally, certain expenses increase at a much faster pace than inflation for a
variety of different reasons with the biggest one being construction. There's a whole construction cost
inflation index that's separate from the consumer price index and these are the kinds of things that the
City's utility faces. Especially those that are at a heightened level of inflation over and above the general
CPI that everybody experiences within the marketplace with the biggest impact on the City's rate plan
being the wholesale providers and new debt service that will be required to fund the City's CIP.
City Council Regular Meeting Minutes
June 3, 2024
Page 12 of 29
Mr. Gray made the following points on the slide noted below:
TEST YEAR COST OF SERVICE
Wttbr. S113 Mullen Wastewater: $9.1 Million
aon,i mni.y,
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• On the water side, which is on the left side of this chart, there is an estimated $11.3 million annual
budget, 23% of that goes to purchase water, and 37% of that goes to current debt service for a
combined 40% of the overall cost and personnel services are just 15%. So, this shows that there
are not a lot of operating expenses as a component of the City's overall costs.
On the wastewater side, in a similar way, the wastewater treatment plant, the sewer expenses, and
the contract services are about 38% of the overall budget, with debt service being 15% and the
transfer to the City's general fund is another significant portion. One of the things that Friendswood
does well is recognize the full cost of providing these services and transferring that money back
into the general fund appropriately.
Mr. Gray stated that the City of Houston water rate increases are projected, recognizing that the costs
generally do, and will continue to go up. He noted that at this time, the City of Houston rate per thousand
gallons is 93 cents, but the City's effective rate goes up to a $1.24 as the effective rate includes the other
components such as the cash calls, the debt service, and other fees associated with the City of Houston
providing water to Friendswood. Mr. Gray stated that they expected this effective rate to increase at a pace
of about 5% a year. The other thing driving the total cost is the increase in the amount of water being
purchased and they project and increase from about 2.13 billion gallons to about 2.28 over the next five
or ten years, which tracks with the City's 0.7% increase in the City's population. This year, the city is
expected to pay the City of Houston about $2.7 million and close to $4 million at the end of a ten-year
period. The same kind of idea relates to the City's wastewater side but with the contract provider being
the Gulf Coast Water Authority. Currently, the Authority treats about a billion gallons of wastewater for
Friendswood, and this is expected to go up to 1.1 or 1.1 l billion over the next ten years, and the cost
associated with it increasing from $3 million today up to about $4.7 million over those ten years.
Another of the City's primary drivers of the rate plan is its 5-year capital improvement plan that equals
$63 million on the wastewater side and $51.5 million on the water side. Mr Gray noted that the capital
improvement plan includes projects planned by the staff for the next 5 years. These projects have a total
number of bond issuances, or debt to finance, is millions of dollars less than the total capital improvement
projects and that's due to the grants and partnerships the City has successfully acquired, as well as the use
of general fund or utility fund reserves where necessary and appropriate.
City Council Regular Meeting Minutes
June 3, 2024
Page 13 of 29
PROJECTED CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PLAN (FY24 - FY29)
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So, while there is a significant amount of new debt that is projected as a part of the financing for this
capital improvement plan, there are some grant funds that are coming in and ARPA funds that are being
used for some of these projects, which helps with the costs.
Mr. Gray made the following comments on the following chart:
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Mr. Gray stated that the total amount of new debt issuances over time varies each year depending upon
the projects. Unfortunately, there's many of the City's projects and associated costs that are front -loaded
in the first couple of years of the plan, which is going to have an immediate impact on the recommended
rates. The chart shows that the City's total debt service payments between water and wastewater is
projected to increase from $5.3 million in the current year up to almost $5 million within a ten-year period,
so nearly doubling over that ten-year period for debt service as well.
City Council Regular Meeting Minutes
June 3, 2024
Page 14 of 29
FORECAST DEBT SERVICE PAYMENTS
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C1a7an
Panea9r
COmnt
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row
2024
5 4,163,100 5
- 5
1.155.175 9
-
6 5,318,275
2025
4,164,148
359.107
1157,977
979.363
6,680,615
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1,338,490
1.153.846
2,350,519
9,061,959
2027
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1.860,828
1,158.066
3,068.733
10,217,561
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1.158.971
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2,742,272
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2030
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Below is the City's total cost of service breaks down:
FORECAST WATER & WASTEWATER COST OF SERVICE
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Mr. Gray stated that as it relates to the proposed rate plan scenarios, he noted that they did not find anything
within the City's existing structure that needed to be changed. He noted that the city has a good rate
structure, a good separation between tiers that allows the customer to consider whether they are going to
continue to use water every day or twice a day or whatever the case may be. Having the base plus the
inverted block, again, is a very common structure within Texas that is backed up and supported within the
customer classes.
Mr. Gray stated that the bottom line of this study is that over the next three years, because of the relatively
significant debt issuances, they recommend that in order to cover all of the costs and to meet all financial
metrics, the City will need about a 7% increase on water and about an 8% increase on wastewater in
January of 2025, the same in January of 2026 and then that will begin to go down, particularly on the
wastewater side in January of 2027.
Because cities sell their debt which can go up and down on any given year, they together a full 10-year
plan, but recommend adopting the noted rates no further out than about three to four years, depending
upon the fluidity within the community.
City Council Regular Meeting Minutes
June 3, 2024
Page 15 of 29
Mr. Kabiri added to the comments and noted that with recently installed automated meters do a better job
of accurately depicting the amount of water usage, which is one of the biggest factors in the increase of
billable gallons that were identified in the presentation. He further stated that if staff sees that the rates are
coming in a lot higher, future rate increases can be delayed or postponed associated with it.
Mr. Gray identified the recommended rates for the three periods starting in January of 2025 2026 and
2027 as noted below:
RATE PROPOSAL I WATER
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Mr. Gray went over the impact of the suggested rates on the bill. So today, a 20,000 gallon, using the
middle of the tier selection, a 20,000-gallon bimonthly bill with 10,000 gallons of wastewater would be
$349.62 on a bimonthly basis. Mr. Gray noted that if the proposed plan was adopted, in January 2025, that
same use would go up by $27.08 or 7.7% combined for both water and wastewater. Again, that's a
combination of 7% for water and 8% for the wastewater, and another $28.00 in 2026 and $21.00 in 2027,
on a bimonthly basis.
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City Council Regular Meeting Minutes
June 3, 2024
Page 16 of 29
Mr. Gray stated that one thing to pay attention to is not just the annual cash flow, but the total net revenues
in any given year. Net revenues are essentially what is potentially leftover to pay for things like unforeseen
expenses and significant weather issues, which goes up and down in any given year. Mr. Gray stated that
they try not to use net revenues as too much of a limiting factor in this process as they understand that
they fluctuate up and down year to year. Other metrics used in projections include cash flow and debt
service, which should begin to fall off in 2031. The critical item to consider the City's debt service
coverage ratio, which is something that rating agencies look at when a city is selling debt on the market,
mainly does the city have at least a 1.25 debt service coverage ratio, and if not, they will be subject to
higher interest rates. Therefore, the proposed rate plan is designed to keep the City's debt service coverage
ratio at or above the 1.25 threshold in every year of the plan. Mr. Gray further noted that this ratio is the
main limiting factor in the study because they tried to ensure that the city remains at that level as opposed
to any annual cash flow needs, as well as making sure that the city remains in a position where it can get
the lowest interest costs possible.
Mr. Gray summarized that the proposed plan (1) enables the City to fully fund all water and wastewater
costs and CIP over next decade, (2) enables the Utility Fund to operate self- sufficiently with no need for
subsidies from fund balance, and (3) enables the City to provide safe drinking water and effectively treat
wastewater continually for forecast period. Mr. Gray thanked the staff for their support and collaboration
with the rate study and noted that he would be back at a future meeting to have additional discussion.
Councilmember Griffon stated that automated water meters were installed, which from what he saw in the
report have helped generate the escalation in the volume trend that should result in an increase in revenue.
He noted that the City's water and sewer fund had $7,730,000 over and above the 90-day reserve, so when
can the City start giving some of that money back to the customer.
Mr. Gray stated that he understood his concerns; however, he noted that it was important to consider the
other components that make up the rates, most importantly the debt service coverage ratio, which is based
on the City's annual revenues that are used to support operations and how much of the debt service it can
cover. He further noted that the monies above the 90-day reserve that are not otherwise assigned, can be
used to essentially buy down the total amount of debt, so there are many different dials that have to be
turned to try to identify the right balance to ensure that the city has the annual revenues to cover the debt
service as well as its the operating expenses, as well as the balance that between keeping money in reserve
versus paying that down for some of the capital projects.
Councilmember Griffon asked that Mr. Gray and his team look at the rates again, they look at the reserve
and unassigned revenues above 90 days, for him to better understand what is being done about the rates.
Mayor Foreman thanked Mr. Gray for the report.
9. ZONE CLASSIFICATION CHANGE AT 4201 & 4209 FM 528 FROM PUD 2015-18 TO
CSC/SUP
A. Conduct a public hearing regarding a zone classification change for 31.18 acres of land, located
at 4201 and 4209 FM 528 Rd., known as Reserves B and D in the Final Plat of Clear Creek
Community Church of Friendswood recorded in Harris County Real Property Records, RP-
2020-230485, in Friendswood, Harris County, Texas, to change from Planned Unit Development
(PUD) 2015-18 to Community Shopping Center (CSC) with a Specific Use Permit to allow
NAICS Use #8131, Religious Organizations.
City Council Regular Meeting Minutes
June 3, 2024
Page 17 of29
At 6:48 P.M., Mayor Foreman called the public hearing to order regarding a request for a Zone
Classification Change for 31.18 acres of land located at 4201 and 4209, FM 528 Road, known as Reserves
B and D in the final flat of Clear Creek Community Church of Friendswood.
Community Development Department (CDD) Director Aubrey Harbin summarized the subject matter of
this public hearing for Council. The property's original zoning was Single -Family Residential (SFR) and
has been included in various Planned Unit Developments (PUD) over the years. With the change of the
creation of the PUD for the City Center, this property has two tracks that are not part of that PUD anymore.
As such, the PUD they were a part of is invalid now. Ms. Harbin explained this is a cleanup effort for
Clear Creek Community Church. They began construction of their building in 2019 and was completed
in 2022. Since then, they have made a few additions which she briefly listed for Council.
Ms. Harbin stated the Future Land Use Map identifies this property developing as retail. Religious
organizations are allowed by a Special Use Permit (SUP) in that district, so it is in compliance with the
land use map. The Planning and Zoning Commission meeting was held on May 9a'. Following the public
hearing, the Commission voted six to zero on a motion to approve the requested change.
At 6:50 P.M., with no one signed up to speak on this item, Mayor Foreman closed this public hearing.
B. Consider an ordinance regarding a proposed zone classification change for 31.18 acres of land,
located at 4201 and 4209 FM 528 Rd., known as Reserves B and D in the Final Plat of Clear
Creek Community Church of Friendswood recorded in Harris County Real Property Records,
RP-2020-230485, in Friendswood, Harris County, Texas, to change from Planned Unit
Development (PUD) 2015-18 to Community Shopping Center (CSC) with a Specific Use Permit
to allow NAICS Use 1f8131, Religious Organizations.
A motion was made by Councilmember Erenwert and seconded by Councilmember Griffon, approving
Ordinance No. 2024-16, as submitted. The vote was as follows:
Ayes: Mayor Mike Foreman, Councilmember John Ellisor, Councilmember Sally Branson,
Councilmember Trish Hanks, Councilmember Robert J. Griffon, Councilmember Joe
Matranga, and Councilmember Brent Erenwert
Nays: None
The item passed unanimously.
ORDINANCE NO.2024-16
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF FRIENDSWOOD,
TEXAS, AMENDING THE OFFICIAL ZONING MAP OF THE CITY OF
FRIENDSWOOD TO CHANGE THE CLASSIFICATION OF 31.18 ACRES OF LAND
LOCATED AT 4201 AND 4209 FM 528 RD.,KNOWN AS RESERVES B AND D IN
THE FINAL PLAT OF CLEAR CREEK COMMUNITY CHURCH OF FRIENDSWOOD
RECORDED IN HARRIS COUNTY REAL PROPERTY RECORDS, RP-2020-230485,
HARRIS COUNTY, FRIENDSWOOD, TEXAS, TO CHANGE FROM PLANNED UNIT
DEVELOPMENT (PUD) 2015-18 TO COMMUNITY SHOPPING CENTER (CSC);
GRANTING A SPECIFIC USE PERMIT TO ALLOW NAICS USE #8131, "RELIGIOUS
ORGANIZATIONS" FOR SUCH PROPERTY: PROVIDING A MAXIMUM PENALTY
City Council Regular Meeting Minutes
June 3, 2024
Page 18 of 29
OF TWO THOUSAND AND NO/100 DOLLARS ($2,000.00); REPEALING ALL
ORDINANCES OR PARTS OF ORDINANCES INCONSISTENT OR IN CONFLICT
HEREWITH; CONTAINING A SAVINGS CLAUSE; AND PROVIDING FOR THE
PUBLICATION AND EFFECTIVE DATE.
At 6:51 P.M., Mayor Foreman recessed the meeting and later reconvened at 7:04 P.M.
10. TAX INCREMENT REINVESTMENT ZONE
A. Conduct a public hearing on the creation of a tax increment reinvestment zone and its benefits
to the City and to the property in the proposed zone, being approximately 326 acres of land
generally located along FM 528/W. Parkwood Avenue at the intersection of Friendswood
Parkway, extending northwest to the city limits of Friendswood and southwest of Baker Road
and also including three of the four corner tracts at the intersection of FM 528/W. Parkwood
Avenue and Friendswood Parkway, wholly located within Galveston County and the corporate
limits of the City of Friendswood, Texas.
At 7:05 P.M., Mayor Foreman called the public hearing to order regarding the creation of a Tax Increment
Reinvestment Zone (TIRZ) and its benefits to the City and to the property in the proposed zone.
City Manager Morad Kabiri summarized the subject matter of the public hearing for Council. He first
defined a TIRZ as a tool that is given to municipalities through the Tax Code of the State of Texas, Chapter
311. It is an economic development tool used to promote development (or redevelopment) in a defined
area determined to be predominantly open, undeveloped, and which substantially impairs or arrests the
sound growth of the municipality due to obsolete planning, deterioration of structures, site improvements,
or other factors thereof —which would not develop solely through private efforts.
A TIRZ obligates future revenues of a piece of property that are generated by the same tax rate that is
applied to every piece of property within the city but limits the benefits only to those within the boundaries
of the Zone. The City establishes a base tax revenue that is coming off the property as it sits today. Once
the property is developed, an increment above that revenue is collected and would be set aside in a special
fund to fund projects that are eligible through State law to allow for the development of this property.
Mr. Kabiri provided the following points regarding what a TIRZ can do:
• Fund needed public infrastructure to provide drainage and mobility relief to benefit the properties within
the TIRZ and the adjacent communities;
• Build enhancements and/or amenities into infrastructure projects;
• Develop green space for improved quality of life;
• Encourage new quality private investment through public improvements; and
• Acquire property to implement project plans.
In addition, Mr. Kabiri provided the following points regarding what a TIRZ could not do:
• Permit or approve building and development plans;
• Exercise eminent domain;
• Maintain infrastructure; and
• Fund improvement projects that do not directly benefit the TIRZ.
Mr. Kabiri further clarified that a TIRZ is not a mechanism for avoiding public processes, community
engagement, or local regulations. He noted that this is the City's second public hearing on this matter. It
City Council Regular Meeting Minutes
June 3, 2024
Page 19 of29
is also not a regulatory agency. The TIRZ and its subsequent development authority are simply a board
overseeing the financing components of the TIRZ itself. They are not there to determine the adequacy of
development standards or development codes, but simply the financing associated with it.
Why is a TIRZ needed for this property? Mr. Kabiri explained the property is three hundred and twenty-
six (326) acres that is roughly along FM 528 going towards Pearland. He noted this property has been
looked at for development for a number of years. It is currently undeveloped and open. The City has had
three (3) significant attempts for development, seven (7) in total, that have all failed. Mr. Kabiri listed
those significant development attempts that failed due to lack of public access and regional infrastructure.
The City has the capacity to serve this property with their regional water purification plant but does not
have the infrastructure necessary to get those services to these properties. As such, the City has determined
that the property is currently impaired and arrested for growth and development.
Mr. Kabiri noted that TIRZ No. 2 would bring retail and office uses to the City of Friendswood. One of
the biggest office uses would be Castle Biosciences. The City also has large single-family homes being
proposed. Those proposed homes are on half -acre lots that are estimated anywhere from a million and a
half ($1,500,000) to two million ($2,000,000) dollars of value once completed.
What happens if a property owner within the TIRZ does not want to be within the TIRZ? Mr. Kabiri
reiterated there is no impact on those property owners if they decide not to move forward with their project.
The rubber meets the road when they do a development agreement with the City of Friendswood. The
development agreement will outline what the responsibilities are of the developer as well as the
responsibilities of the City through the TIRZ. If property owners do not want to participate in the TIRZ,
they do not have to participate by simply not doing a development agreement.
Mr. Kabiri noted that several folks have mentioned that Friendswood Parkway has been voted down
before, so why is the City even pursuing that? He proceeded to discuss the significant population growth
of their neighboring cities. All that traffic is currently routed to FM 518 and through Sunset Drive.
Regardless of what the City does in terms of limiting growth, they are going to be impacted negatively by
the growth of their neighboring cities. Mr. Kabiri additionally shared that the City did a citywide traffic
study with Brown and Gay Engineering. In discussing the specifics, he posed the question: "Do we [the
City] prepare for that impact to our community, or do we look the other way and hope for the best?"
Friendswood Parkway has been called Brittany Bay Boulevard, Lake City Parkway, and Pearland
Parkway. It has been on the books for over 35 years. It currently connects SH 146 at Clear Lake and travels
all the way to Pearland Parkway at Beltway 8. However, two (2) segments are missing: Lake City Parkway
and FM 528 to Dixie Farm Road (or FM 2351). Mr. Kabiri added that without the construction of
Friendswood Pkwy, the intersections at FM 518 and Sunset Drive would have to become grade separation
intersections in order to avoid congestion.
Lastly, Mr. Kabiri addressed that the project has garnered the most attention with the Estates at Wilderness
Trails. The roadway, as it sits today, will not be moved any closer. In fact, it will be moved further away
from the existing homes that front Wilderness Trails because of the right of way being dedicated. The
ditch will go away and they would have ten (10) foot landscape buffers on either side of that roadway, a
subsurface storm sewer line, and a sidewalk. Mr. Kabiri stated that the buffer and the enhanced
transportation from a sidewalk standpoint vastly improves the current condition of what is out there.
With that, Mayor Foreman announced the following citizens had signed up to speak on the public hearing.
City Council Regular Meeting Minutes
June 3, 2024
Page 20 of 29
Mr. Chris Johnson provided handouts to Council to aid his expression of opposition for the creation of the
TIRZ and Friendswood Parkway due to its proximity to his home. The handouts consisted of letters from
developers that were told by the City that they would only entertain the TIRZ if they would build the road.
Ms. Blaire Johnson wished to speak on the underlying issues of the TIRZ, such as: the future development
that does not comply with the Future Land Use Map, drainage, a parkway that should not pop up next to
their homes, their area being considered "underdeveloped," and Exxon's deed restrictions.
Dr. Omkar Dave voiced his opposition to Friendswood Parkway and what he believed to be the illegal use
of the TIRZ in this matter. The reasoning provided for the TIRZ that Mr. Dave countered was that their
area was not blighted, open, and underdeveloped. The parkway would also be invasive to their homes.
Ms. Jennifer Garey expressed her opposition to the TIRZ and parkway. She requested Council to vote
"no" as there was no reason for this to be completed before the road's aliemnent studv was completed.
Ms. Shawna Talton shared her story of building their forever home for their disabled child at Wilderness
Trails. However, they would now be frontage to a major thoroughfare which she opposed.
Mr. Robert Talton voiced his opposition and recalled the bond proposal for Pearland Parkway which was
voted down. With this issue arising again, Mr. Talton expressed that it seems their votes did not matter.
He additionally suggested an alternate route for the parkway that would not affect any of their homes.
Ms. Kathy Rogers requested to speak in front of the Council to express her opposition to the parkway and
TIRZ. She shared the sentiment that encouraging development for the sake of development is also not a
good thing. Ms. Rogers encouraged Council to reconsider and look into more southern routes.
Mr. Matt Johnson, an attorney from the City of Houston, wished to support Friendswood residents in their
opposition to the TIRZ and Friendswood Parkway.
Ms. Margaret Pickell stated her family's lifestyle was in jeopardy by allowing the creation of the TIRZ to
develop the parkway. She noted there was no town hall meeting for residents to discuss these issues with
City leaders. Her concern was not for the properties being developed for drainage and transportation. Her
concern was with the parkway and whether the City was only using the TIRZ to get it developed.
Mr. Frank Stokes, on behalf of Castle Biosciences, requested that Council approve the TIRZ as proposed
so they can keep their business in the City of Friendswood.
Mr. Steven Shippy shared his findings with Council from researching into this matter as well as the
questions he had that arose from his research. He noted that portions of the property were formerly used
as an oil field which creates barriers to development. He also found the property's deed restrictions and
site assessment, which had requirements for development, that he did not see was being addressed.
Mr. Brady Burnett expressed his concern with the TIRZ as taxpayers would likely pay for the expansion
of utilities. With the decision to grant the funds accumulated in the TIRZ that would be at the direction of
a board, he would rather vote directly on how his taxpayer money is being used within the city.
Mr. Jerome Karem and his engineer associate voiced their support for the TIRZ due to the deficiency in
infrastructure to develop their land.
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June 3, 2024
Page 21 of 29
Mr. Louis Tannos, a developer, gave a few words over their intent to build a neighborhood, the utilities
that were required to create it, and the TIRZ being a valuable instrument to the city for development.
At 8:22 P.M., with no one else desiring to speak, Mayor Foreman closed the public hearing.
B. Consider an ordinance designating a contiguous geographic area, being approximately 326 acres
of land generally located along FM 5281W. Parkwood Avenue at the intersection of Friendswood
Parkway, extending northwest to the city limit of Friendswood and southwest of Baker Road
and also including three of the four corner tracts at the intersection of FM 5281W. Parkwood
Avenue and Friendswood Parkway, wholly located within Galveston County and the corporate
limits of the City of Friendswood, Texas, as a reinvestment zone pursuant to Chapter 311 of the
Texas Tax Code to be known as Reinvestment Zone Number Two, City of Friendswood (the
"Zone"); describing the boundaries of the Zone, containing findings related to the Zone,
creating a Board of Directors for the Zone; establishing a tax increment fund for the Zone; and
providing for the effective date and termination date of the Zone.
A motion was made by Mayor Foreman and seconded by Councilmember Branson to approve Ordinance
No. 2024-17, related to 10.b., as submitted. However, the item was discussed prior to the vote.
Mayor Foreman commented why he was in favor of this item. The Tax Increment Reinvestment Zone
(TIRZ) would create development out there where it would not develop. When he ran for mayor, he had
said he was going to improve drainage, flooding, and mobility. Mayor Foreman expressed that the city
needs this road, but they need the development first. The road will follow. They also need development
to reduce the tax burden on all Friendswood residents. He was in favor of this TIRZ because they need to
help residents be able to get around and keep their tax rates as low as they can.
The Mayor than addressed that it was mentioned voters voted this road down. He clarified that on that
ballot was a question: should the City borrow money to pay for this road? The residents said, no, they
would rather have the City borrow money to fix drainage and other things. Thus, yes, they voted down a
bond for this road. However, there are other ways to pay for this road. Mayor Foreman relayed developing
and using this TIRZ to support the infrastructure that the City needs is the best way to do it.
Councilmember Branson reiterated this was thirty-five (35) years in the making. She appreciated that it is
going to be a boulevard with sidewalks, it would have a residential component, and would not be a
freeway. She noted traffic, as the Mayor said, has continued to be a problem and it is only going to get
worse. As City Manager Morad Kabiri pointed out in the previous item, League City and Pearland's
population took off. They exploded with growth and Friendswood was caught right in the middle.
Councilmember Branson related this issue to people first opposing paying for Stevenson Park. Now, fifty
years later, what would their community be without Stevenson Park? She expressed that sometimes
Council has to make unpopular decisions. With that, she stated that she would be supporting this.
Councilmember Erenwert noted there were around fifteen (15) people that spoke against this with only
developers speaking for it. He understood the need for the parkway; however, the timing and method were
problematic for him. He commented that he was still learning about what a TIRZ mechanism is and
believed there needed to be a longer segment to educate the public on what is being done. Councilmember
Erenwert stated that he did not see a lot of financial gain for commercial on this project. He further shared
that he grew up in Bel -Air and they had a similar situation in the seventies where they overbuilt against
the will of the people. As such, he would be voting "no" on this item.
City Council Regular Meeting Minutes
June 3, 2024
Page 22 of 29
Councilmember Ellisor had questions on this item and wanted more time to review the information.
A motion was made by Councilmember Ellisor and seconded by Councilmember Erenwert to postpone
Item 10.B. However, discussion ensued prior to the vote. The Council discussed the presented motions on
the table, and it was clarified that this motion was made with the intent to postpone Item 10.B. indefinitely.
City Manager Morad Kabiri clarified that Council would be approving the financing mechanism to create
a TIRZ. At some point in the future, they will be presented with a development agreement that will outline
the responsibilities of the developer as well as the responsibilities of the City. At that time, Council can
suggest and influence the alignment of the roadway. In order for the City to move any of the infrastructure
forward, they would have to have a partner that is economically viable for them. Mr. Kabiri reiterated that
there is no project proposal that will work if they do not have a willing private investor. What Staff is
proposing is no City of Friendswood tax dollars, they are talking about the value added by these projects.
Upon further questioning, Mr. Kabiri reiterated that until a development agreement is executed, there will
be no movement on the TIRZ. The TIRZ just establishes the zone and freezes the revenue coming off of
it. Without development on those property, there would be no increment created. Without a development
agreement, they are not obligating any future funds of the City towards any project.
Councilmember Hanks commented she had no problem with the TIRZ; however, she had reservations
about the road and the Castlewood Drive opening. Nonetheless, she expressed that she liked the
emergency gates. She agreed that the road is inevitable and believed they needed to find the best place for
it. Councilmember Hanks understood that they would approve the TIRZ tonight and not commit to Mr.
Kabiri relayed that was correct. Councilmember Branson also understood that the approval of the TIRZ
is only a finance mechanism. It is not determining where the road is. Mr. Kabiri confirmed that was correct.
Councilmember Griffon expressed that he does not want to lock himself in on a TIRZ with a conceptual
Planning and Zoning Commission plan that has been adopted without the ability to influence a future
location of that road. Mr. Kabiri noted he could make that a part of his motion to create the TIRZ subject
to the development agreement hashing out the location of the roadway in the future.
The vote for Councilmember Ellisor's motion to postpone Item 10.B. indefinitely was as follows:
Ayes: Councilmember John Ellisor and Councilmember Brent Erenwert.
Nays: Mayor Mike Foreman, Councilmember Sally Branson, Councilmember Trish Hanks,
Councilmember Robert J. Griffon, and Mayor Pro Tem Joe Matranga.
The motion failed.
A motion was made by Councilmember Griffon and seconded by Councilmember Branson to amend the
original motion on the table to approve Item 10.B., subject to the negotiation of the development
agreement which would include the alignment of Friendswood Parkway. However, discussion ensued
prior to the vote.
Mayor Pro Tern Matranga took a moment to thank everybody there that night. He shared that he has
become convinced that they absolutely need a parallel route to FM 518 within Friendswood. He has also
been convinced that they need to make improvements to their water and sewer systems on the south side
of Friendswood, which is included in this TIRZ as well as the Friendswood Parkway. However, one major
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June 3, 2024
Page 23 of 29
problem for him has continued to be the route. He shared over his meetings with the developer and City
Staff which convinced him that this is the only viable option. Therefore, he would support the TIRZ.
The vote for the amendment of the motion on the table was as follows:
Ayes: Mayor Mike Foreman, Councilmember Sally Branson, Councilmember Trish Hanks,
Councilmember Robert J. Griffon, and Mayor Pro Tern Joe Matranga.
Nays: Councilmember John Ellisor and Councilmember Brent Erenwert.
The item passed.
Mayor Foreman called for the vote on the original motion to approve Ordinance No. 2024-17, related to
Item 10.B., as amended. The vote was the following:
Ayes: Mayor Mike Foreman, Councilmember Sally Branson, Councilmember Trish Hanks,
Councilmember Robert J. Griffon, and Mayor Pro Tern Joe Matranga.
Nays: Councilmember John Ellisor and Councilmember Brent Erenwert.
The item passed.
ORDINANCE NO.2024-17
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF FRIENDSWOOD,
TEXAS, DESIGNATING A CONTIGUOUS GEOGRAPHIC AREA WITHIN THE
CITY GENERALLY LOCATED ALONG FM 528/W. PARKWOOD AVENUE AT THE
INTERSECTION OF FRIENDSWOOD PARKWAY, EXTENDING NORTHWEST TO
THE CITY LIMITS AND SOUTHWEST OF BAKER ROAD AND ALSO INCLUDING
THREE OF THE FOUR CORNER TRACTS AT THE INTERSECTION OF FM 528/W.
PARKWOOD AVENUE AND FRIENDSWOOD PARKWAY AS A REINVESTMENT
ZONE PURSUANT TO CHAPTER 311 OF THE TEXAS TAX CODE,TO BE KNOWN
AS REINVESTMENT ZONE NUMBER TWO, CITY OF FRIENDSWOOD;
DESCRIBING THE BOUNDARIES OF THE ZONE; CREATING A BOARD OF
DIRECTORS FOR THE ZONE; ESTABLISHING A TAX INCREMENT FUND FOR
THE ZONE; CONTAINING FINDINGS RELATED TO THE DESIGNATION OF THE
ZONE; PROVIDING A DATE FOR THE TERMINATION OF THE ZONE;
PROVIDING A SEVERABILITY CLAUSE; AND PROVIDING AN EFFECTIVE
DATE.
11. CITY MANAGER'S REPORT
A. Present an update regarding the City's Fourth of July celebration.
City Manager Morad Kabiri opened his report by stating that we are getting into the summer months and
our Parks Department is busy as ever. Our big celebration is coming up, the 4th of July here in about a
month. We will kick off festivities with a grand parade down Friendswood Drive in Friendswood. Don't
plan on traveling down Friendswood Drive at 10:00 a.m. on July 4th. It will be shut off. We will follow
up the parade with a daytime program at Stevenson Park. Thank you for that bit of history, Councilmember
City Council Regular Meeting Minutes
June 3, 2024
Page 24 of29
Branson. And then after the daytime program, we'll take a short break and get prepared for the evening
festivities at Centennial Park, which will include some introductory comments from Councilmembers,
pre-recorded comments, a show by the Spasmatics, which are very popular, and fireworks display around
9, 10-ish.
B. Present an update regarding Small Business Week help April 28-May 4, 2024.
City Manager Kabiri thanked our CEDC members, the Friendswood Rotary, Friends of Downtown,
Friendswood Association, the Chamber of Commerce, Galveston County Small Business Development
Center, and as well our council liaison, Councilmember Branson. Small Business Week was the last week
in April, and there were a number of activities throughout town that afforded folks the opportunity to
engage experts in the community, learn about local businesses and opportunities that exist out there, and
basically support these businesses that are the backbone of our community so thank you all for your efforts.
I already hear you're talking about next year's planning.
C. Recognize the Waste Connections of Texas 2024 Scholarship Recipients
City Manager Kabiri noted that as they do every year, they have highlighted three students at Friendswood
High School, Clearbrook, and Clear Springs to receive a scholarship from Waste Connections to further
their education after they leave Friendswood. In Friendswood High School, Julia Houding will pursue a
psychology degree at the University of North Texas. Claudia Palacios will pursue an engineering degree
at Texas A&M University. And Anna Trunowski will pursue Human Development and Family Science
at Texas Tech University. Unfortunately, none of them wanted to go to the best school ever, University
of Houston, but I'm sorry. Go, Cougs.
D. Present an update regarding the Friendswood Public Library Summer Reading Programs.
We are in the summer months, and we are kicking off the summer reading challenge. It is for all ages, so
adults are welcome and encouraged to participate. It will run from June Ist to August loth. You register
on the Beanstack through the library's website, and that's a program in the library. You can claim prizes
throughout the summer as you complete certain milestones in your reading. I always encourage folks to
read at least two or three books throughout the summer.
E. Present an update regarding the City's receipt of Texas General Land Office Mitigation Grant.
City Manager Kabiri reiterated that it was mentioned earlier tonight, the City of Friendswood had received
a $4.63 million allocation through the CDBG Mitigation Grant Program. It's a U.S. Housing and Urban
Development Program. It is going to make some improvements in the Annalea Subdivision so Virginia
Lane and Ella Court will be improved. The roadway will be totally reconstructed. Water lines will be
replaced and storm sewer lines will be upgraded. And then in Sun Meadow, there is a half -million -gallon
ground storage tank, a water plant for that will be replaced. It's desperately in need of replacement.
12. BUSINESS ITEMS
A. Consider authorizing the City Manager to negotiate and execute a contract with the Gulf Coast
Authority for the Blackhawk Regional Waste Water Treatment Facility Aeration Improvements
Project.
City Council Regular Meeting Minutes
June 3, 2024
Page 25 of 29
A motion was made by Councilmember Erenwert and seconded by Councilmember Griffon to negotiate
and execute a contract with the Gulf Coast Authority for Blackhawk Regional Waste Water Treatment
Facility Aeration Improvements Project, related to Item 12.A. The vote was as follows:
Ayes: Mayor Mike Foreman, Councilmember John Ellisor, Councilmember Sally Branson,
Councilmember Trish Hanks, Councilmember Robert J. Griffon, Mayor Pro Tern Joe
Matranga, and Councilmember Brent Erenwert
Nays: None
The item passed unanimously.
13. PROPOSED RESOLUTIONS & ORDINANCES
A. Consider an ordinance amending the City's General Budget for Fiscal Year 2023-2024 by
approving "Budget Amendment VIP' and providing for supplemental appropriation and/or
transfer of certain funds.
A motion was made by Councilmember Hanks and seconded by Councilmember Erenwert to approve
Ordinance No. 2024-18, as submitted. The vote was as follows:
Ayes: Mayor Mike Foreman, Councilmember John Ellisor, Councilmember Sally Branson,
Councilmember Trish Hanks, Councilmember Robert J. Griffon, Mayor Pro Tem Joe
Matranga, and Councilmember Brent Erenwert
Nays: None
The item passed unanimously.
ORDINANCE NO.2024-18
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF FRIENDSWOOD,
TEXAS, AMENDING ORDINANCE NO. 2023-20, PASSED AND APPROVED
AUGUST 28, 2023, THE SAME BEING AN ORDINANCE APPROVING AND
ADOPTING THE CITY'S GENERAL BUDGET FOR FISCAL YEAR 2023-24, BY
APPROVING "BUDGET AMENDMENT VII" THERETO; PROVIDING FOR
SUPPLEMENTAL APPROPRIATION AND/OR TRANSFER OF CERTAIN FUNDS;
PROVIDING FOR SEVERABILITY; PROVIDING OTHER MATTERS RELATED TO
THE SUBJECT; AND PROVIDING FOR THE EFFECTIVE DATE.
14. CONSENT AGENDA
A motion was made by Councilmember Branson and seconded by Councilmember Matranga to approve
the Consent Agenda Items 14.A. through 14.S. The vote was the following:
Ayes: Mayor Mike Foreman, Councilmember John Ellisor, Councilmember Sally Branson,
Councilmember Trish Hanks, Councilmember Robert J. Griffon, Mayor Pro Tem. Joe
Matranga, and Councilmember Brent Erenwert
City Council Regular Meeting Minutes
June 3, 2024
Page 26 of 29
Nays: None
The item passed unanimously.
A. Consider a resolution denying the proposed increases to the electric transmission and
distribution rates and charges of CenterPoint Energy Houston Electric LLC, and finding that
reasonable rate case expenses be reimbursed.
RESOLUTION NO. R2024-18
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF FRIENDSWOOD,
TEXAS, DENYING CENTERPOINT ENERGY HOUSTON ELECTRIC, LLC'S
REQUESTED INCREASE TO ITS ELECTRIC TRANSMISSION AND
DISTRIBUTION RATES AND CHARGES WITHIN THE CITY; FINDING THAT THE
CITY'S REASONABLE RATE CASE EXPENSES SHALL BE REIMBURSED BY THE
COMPANY; REQUIRING NOTICE OF THIS RESOLUTION TO THE COMPANY
AND LEGAL COUNSEL FOR THE GULF COAST COALITION OF CITIES; AND
PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE.
B. Consider authorizing a Memorandum of Understanding with the City of League City
concerning the Grisson Road/Bay Area Boulevard CIP Partnership.
This item authorized a Memorandum of Understanding with the City of League City concerning the
Grisson Road/Bay Area Boulevard CIP Partnership. The intersection of Grissom Road and Bay Area
Boulevard (the "Intersection") lies within Harris County along the common boundary of the City of
Friendswood and the City of League City. Due to the elevated number of vehicular collisions at the
Intersection, a traffic signal warrant analysis was performed, which analysis indicated the need for a signal
at the Intersection. The estimated cost to signalize the Intersection and to provide protected left turns at
the Intersection (the "Project") is $500,000. The City of Friendswood submitted a CIP Partnership Request
Form to Harris County Precinct 2 for the Project, which requested funding from Harris County in the
amount of $250,000. The remaining $250,000 is to be divided equally between the City of Friendswood
and the City of League City. This proposed Memorandum of Understanding (the "MOU") memorializes
the $125,000 commitment of both cities for the Project.
C. Consider approving a contract extension with Emergicon, LLC, to extend the term of the
Agreement for Specialized Professional Ambulance Billing Services for the first one-year
extension period.
This item authorized a Contract Extension with Emergicon, LLC ("Emergicon") to extend the term of the
Agreement for Specialized Professional Ambulance Billing Services (the "Agreement") for the first one-
year extension period.
This Agreement was entered into on July 20, 2021, for the billing and account receivable management
services of the City's ambulance and emergency medical services. The Agreement's initial three-year term
is set to expire on July 19, 2024. The Agreement may be extended by the parties for two additional one-
year periods. The parties desire to extend the Agreement for the first one-year extension.
D. Consider approving a Property Sales Agreement with Takoordeen Adhar for the purchase of
1303 Deepwood Dr., Friendswood, Galveston County, Texas.
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June 3, 2024
Page 27 of 29
The Property Sales Agreement (the "Agreement") that the City signed with Takoordeen Adhar for the
purchase of property located at 1303 Deepwood Dr., Friendswood, Galveston County, Texas, is contingent
upon the City Council's approval of the agreement at this June 3rd meeting. Under the Agreement, the
City agrees to purchase the property for a sales price of $35,000. The Agreement calls for a closing date
45 days after it is filed with the title company. The property is flood -prone property and will be used for
open land for drainage, greenspace and/or recreational purposes.
E. Consider authorizing a Professional Services Agreement with Kimley-Horn and Associates, Inc.,
for the Lift Station No. 30 Rehabilitation Flow Monitoring Analysis and Preliminary Design
Project.
The City's Lift Station No. 30 may need to be expanded and upsized from its current capacity of
approximately 650 gpm to approximately 1,150 mpg in order to accommodate future projected peak flows.
Under this agreement, Kimley-Horn and Associates, Inc. ("KHA") will complete a flow monitoring
analysis and calculate a revised projected peak flow to determine if the current wet well has sufficient
capacity per Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) and City of Friendswood design
criteria. Additionally, KHA will perform preliminary design phase services and prepare a Preliminary
Engineering Report ("PER") to document the flow monitoring analysis, existing and projected peak flows,
lift station design calculations, and required site modifications. KHA's services include structural and
electrical analysis of the existing lift station equipment. Final design, bid, and construction phase services
are not included in this agreement.
Pursuant to the proposed Agreement, KHA will perform the analysis and preliminary engineering phase
services for a lump sum cost of $88,000 within the following time frame:
Task 1: Flow Monitoring Data Collection .................................. 60 calendar days of NTP
Task 2: Preliminary Design (Draft PER) .......................................... 45 days after Task 1
Task 3: Preliminary Design (Final PER) ............. 14 days after receipt of City comments
The expansion and upsizing of this lift station was included in the 2023 Water and Wastewater Impact
Fee Update.
F. Consider authorizing an agreement with the Friends of Downtown Friendswood Inc., for the
Hometown Heroes Project.
The Friends of Downtown Friendswood Inc (the "Friends") presented its Heroes of Friendswood Banner
Program to the City Council earlier this year, which program is designed to recognize the great sacrifices
our military members make in serving our country. This agreement authorizes the use of certain poles in
the Downtown District to display banners to recognize, honor servicemen and women from the City of
Friendswood. Under the Agreement, the City is responsible for the erection and removal of the banners
and the Friends is responsible for administering the program and storing the banners when not in use. The
term of the agreement is for two years, which term will be automatically extended for three (3) additional
one-year periods unless either party terminates the agreement or provides notice of its cancelation.
G. Consider a resolution amending Chapter 7 "Benefits" of the City of Friendswood Personnel
Policy Manual to add a new section entitled "Fitness Incentive Leave" to promote employee
City Council Regular Meeting Minutes
June 3, 2024
Page 28 of 29
health and wellness and to encourage employees to participate in designated physical fitness
activities.
RESOLUTION NO. R2024-19
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF FRIENDSWOOD,
TEXAS,AMENDING CHAPTER 7"BENEFITS"OF THE CITY OF FRIENDSWOOD'S
PERSONNEL POLICY MANUAL TO ADD A NEW SECTION TO BE ENTITLED
AND NUMBERED SECTION 7.07 "FITNESS INCENTIVE LEAVE'; DIRECTING
THE CITY MANAGER TO ADOPT AN ADMINISTRATIVE RULE CONSISTENT
THEREWITH;RENUMBERING THE REMAINING SECTIONS OF SUCH CHAPTER;
INCLUDING A SEVERABILITY CLAUSE; AND PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE
DATE.
H. Consider appointing (i) Rebecca Hillenburg, (ii) Ron Cox, (iii) Chris Richardson and (iv) Scott
MacKenzie to the Friendswood Downtown Economic Development Corporation for a two-year
term beginning July 1, 2024, and ending on June 30, 2026.
I. Consider reappointing (i) Willie Anderson and (ii) Richard Sasson to the Planning and Zoning
Commission for a two-year term beginning July 1, 2024, and expiring on June 30, 2026.
J. Consider reappointing (i) Glen Grayban, (ii) Jason Byers and (iii) Michael Fernandez as regular
members to the Zoning Board of Adjustment and Appeals for a two-year term beginning July
1, 2024, and expiring June 30, 2026.
K. Consider reappointing (i) Cindy Deaton, (ii) Cody Owen (iii) Billy Mendoza, (iv) Les French, (v)
Randy Weisinger (vi) Thomas Hinckley to the Construction Board and Adjustment and Appeals
for another two-year term beginning July 1, 2024, and expiring on June 30, 2026.
L. Consider reappointing (i) Brett Stephen and (ii) Sharon Tait to the Friendswood Public Library
Advisory Board for another three-year term beginning July 1, 2024, and ending June 30, 2027.
M. Consider reappointing (i) Judy Wiggins, (ii) Blaise Guzzetta, and (iii) Andrea Trabanino to the
Community & Economic Development Committee for a three-year term beginning July 1, 2024,
and ending on June 30, 2027.
N. Consider appointing Dr. Donna Coleman to the Animal Shelter Advisory Committee for a three-
year term beginning on July 1, 2024, and ending on June 30, 2027.
O. Consider reappointing Judge James Woltz as the Municipal Court Judge for the City of
Friendswood for a two-year term, beginning July 1, 2024.
P. Consider reappointing Judge Robert J. Barfield and Judge Kathleen M. McCumber as
Associate Municipal Court Judges for the City of Friendswood for a two-year term, beginning
July 1, 2024.
Q. Consider approving the ad valorem tax report for April 2024.
R. Consider approving the minutes of the City Council Regular Meeting held on May 6, 2024.
City Council Regular Meeting Minutes
June 3, 2024
Page 29 of 29
S. Consider approving the minutes of the City Council Special Meeting held on May 14, 2024.
15. ADJOURNMENT
With there being no further business, Mayor Foreman adjourned the ne 3, 2024,City Council Regular
Meeting at 9:01 P.M. j -/ ,
Attest:
Leticia Brysch, City
tTgTE OF