City Council - Special Meeting

You silence your cell phones. All right, at 6 o'clock p.m. I'm going to call the council to order. Please rise for the invocation and pledge of allegiance. Councilman Easley is going to have our prayer.

Would you bow your heads? Dearly Father, we thank you for another time that we can come and serve this community. We can serve you in many ways. Lord, please put your blessings upon this body that we may deliberate in your honor for the betterment of the citizens. Father, I'd like a moment to thank you for the lives that were tragically lost this week. We lost a dear friend to many of us here in Keen and I pray for their family and their peace. Amen. Amen.

I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the republic for which it stands, one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. And now the Texas flag. Honor the Texas flag. I pledge allegiance to the Texas, one state under God, one and indivisible.

Y'all may be seated. I want to thank everyone for coming tonight. This is a special called council meeting. It's December 18, 2025, and we are one week from Christmas. Yay. So exciting. Okay, mayor announcements. Um, I hope everyone enjoyed the Christmas market that took place uh over December 6 and 7. Is that the right date? Seven and 8. Can't remember. And the spectacular parade. Um, today I issued two proclamations recognizing two businesses in Keen for their dedication and love for helping residents in the community. They were Pegasus Landing and Town Hall Estates. I was there today with students and uh individuals from our church delivering presents to the residents. Another announcement, City Hall will be closed December 24 and 25 for the Christmas holiday. And our next regularly scheduled meeting will be January 15, 2026. Council, do you have any other announcements that you would like to add? We good? Okay. Moving on to agenda item number three, public comments. I have two yellow cards. West ShraMM, if you'd like to step forward to the podium,

we're so glad to see you today.

Well, thank you. Uh, Don, yes. Uh, Cheryl and I've been residents here for 34 years now and uh the sendoff that the city gave us and and the I'm talking about the whole city was there uh was impressive, more than impressive and it brought us to tears. Uh what I did want to talk about was the park. It's been uh I walked the park last night the first time in a year because of the health conditions that I endured. Uh, thank you type B for the lighting that is going around every bit of the sidewalk there now. It is well lit,

including the flag. Thank you, sir. And, uh, there's one issue that I would have with B is uh, on the far side over by the industrial portion or the city portion, uh, water seeps across there and it's very slippery that part of the sidewalk. if something can be done there. Uh somebody who may not be as stable as myself may not have the the right traction. But this is really a great industrial park and I hope you all get to do the uh skate park and I know that's been one of the things that Troy has worked on in the past. And uh so that's basically it. That me

and Chuck. Well, Chuck, you're standing behind me. Okay. So, thank you again. Thank you. All right. Thank you, Mr. Shrim. All right. Paul, not you already knew you were next, weren't you?

You said two. So, okay. Mayor and councel, I'll be really brief out of respect for the other items on the agenda. If you could refer to the golden rod sheet that I passed out to you, that indicates the in addition to myself, the other 78 individuals who had a lot to do with that successful parade. First of all, praise the Lord for making having everything come together, no injuries, everything worked, even starting at at Pegasus this year. But there are the individuals who work behind the scenes. You know, there could be 4,4500 people watching the parade. Most of them do not see these individuals that you have listed here. So we praise them. Our our planners, registration, those who who drove the dignitaries, Keen Fire Rescue, Keen Police, the Johnson County Radio Club, uh our drone folk, photographers, our starters, our judges, uh the list is is endless and it's a group of dedicated people and we're looking forward to next year. So, thank you for the opportunity to uh to uh have this parade. Thank you very much. Just makes great. And thank you. Thank you again. Okay.

Thank you very much.

Yeah. Anybody have a question? Can I get the the names of the judges next year so I can make sure I get a ribbon? All right, that's all for the yellow cards that I had turned in tonight. Is there anybody else that would like to speak that did not turn in a yellow card? Okay, mayor.

Yes. Um, so I would like to say one word and just for the reference, Councilman Trace made Lisa Parish, she did not write this and she has no clue what's here. So I know you have reference that she writes something, she gives me to write, you know, to read. I I don't understand that. But so let me share with you very quick. I know I respect your time. Everybody's busy. Time is money. And uh I might want to share just a few things. Thank you. Uh good evening everyone. It has been one of the greatest honor of my life to serve the citizens of Keen this past year as a mayor prom and the previous four years as the council member. Serving this community has shaped me as a person, challenged me as a person, and strengthened my belief in what local government can achieve when we work together with a purpose and integrity. I want to thank every candidate who stepped forward to participate in the November and December city council elections. Running for office, as I've said before, is not easy. It takes courage. It takes sacrifice and a deep love for this community. I commend each of you for your willingness to serve, and I wish the winners the the very best as they step into these important roles. Trust is the foundation of everything we do in public service.

It demands that we work with integrity, keep our commitments, communicate openly with residents, and deliver quality every decision we make. That trust is harmed daily, not with words alone, but with actions that reflect the values we claim to uphold. As we continue to invest in our city employees, we tr who truly are our greatest assets. We must remain guided by the principles laid out in our city charter. Our staff must stay free from political involvement or attempts to influence elections or favor particular candidates. As tempting as this may sometimes be, crossing that line ultimately harms the organization, weakens the public trust, and puts employees in a situation where they can never truly win. Uh, as a staff, you'll always lose if you get yourself in politics. Our workforce deserves protection, clarity, and freedom to serve the public without political pressure. To my fellow elected officials, I offer this reminder. Treat each other with respect even when disagreements arise. Healthy debate is part of good governance. But respect is what makes teamwork possible. We should foster an environment where everyone feels comfortable raising concerns, asking questions, and seeking help when needed. Our shared mission to a build uh to build a stronger, better and more sustainable Keen can only be achieved by

working together as one team. To our city leadership, all who serve in government, let us approach challenges as opportunities. Let us be curious, creative, and brave enough to explore new ideas that move our city forward. Keen deserves leaders who are willing to in innovate, willing to listen, and willing to act. And finally, let's care deeply about the work we do. Let's give a damn, be accountable, be decisive, pursu uh pursue excellence in everything, no matter how small the task may seem. The standard we set today in this chamber here becomes the future our resident will will inherit tomorrow. As we close our uh out the year, I want to wish every family in Keen a warm, safe and joyous holiday season. May the new year bring our community unity, progress and renewed hope. Thank you and may God bless the city of Keen. Thank you. Thank you, Proim Gwa. It's been an honor to serve with you. All right. Is there anybody else that would like to speak during public comments that did not turn in a yellow card? Okay. We're going to move on to agenda item number four. Review, discuss, and take action to adopt resolution number 2025-484 canvasing the December 13, 2025 city of Keen runoff election.

I move to approve council resolution number 2025-484 canvasing the December 13, 2025 city of Keen runoff election.

Second. We have a motion on the floor to approve resolution number 2025-484 canvasing the December 13, 2025 city of Keen runoff election by Foster and a second by Smith. All in favor, raise your hand. Unanimous. Motion is carried. Agenda item number 4B. At this time, we're going to administer the oath of office to the elected council member place two and to the elected council member Ward Three. Holly, we'll start with Mrs. Gillan and then we'll do Chuck Easley. All right. So, if you'll repeat after me.

Raise your right hand if you wish. I state your name. I, Tracy Samantha Gillan. Do solemnly swear or affirm do solemnly swear or affirm that I have not that I have not directly or indirectly paid directly or indirectly paid. offered promised to pay. promised to pay contributed contributed or promised to contribute or promised to contribute any money or thing any money or thing of value or of value of value or promised any public office or promised any public office or employment or employment for the giving or withholding for the giving or withholding of a vote at the election

for a vote at the election at which I was elected at which I was elected or as a reward or as a reward to secure my appointment to secure my appointment or confirmation or confirmation. Whichever the case may be. Whichever the case may be. So help me God. So help me God. Sign right there. Yes, please. Okay. Now for your oath of office. Right hand. Another one. Another one. There's always two. Okay. In the name In the name and by the authority And by the authority

of the state of Texas of the state of Texas, I state your name. I, Tracy Samantha Gillan, do solemnly swear do solemnly swear that I will faithfully execute that I will faithfully execute the duties of the office the duties of the office of council member place two of council member place two for the city of King for the city of King of the state of Texas of the state of Texas and will to the best and will to the best of my ability of my ability preserve preserve protect protect and defend and defend the Constitution and laws the Constitution and laws of the United States of the United States and of the state and of the state. So help me God.

So help me God. And then you'll sign it here. One more signature. Okay. Cameras. Cameras. Photo.

I present your certificate of election. That's it. You're finished. All right. Oh yeah, she can take her seat now.

Okay. So, first your statement of officer is I state your name. I, Charles Easley, do solemnly swear do solemnly swear that I have not that I have not directly or indirectly paid directly or indirectly paid offered offered promised to pay promised to pay contributed or promised to contribute contributed or promised to contribute any money or thing any money or anything of value of value or promised any public office or promised any public office or employment or employment for the giving or withholding for the giving or withholding of a vote at the election of a vote at the election at at which I was elected at which I was elected or as a reward or as a reward to secure my appointment to secure my appointment or confirmation for confirmation whichever the case may be whichever the case may be.

So help me God. So help me God. Okay. And we'll sign right there. Oath of office. In the name and by the authority In the name and by the authority of the state of Texas of the state of Texas. I I Charles Easley do solemnly swear do solemnly swear that I will faithfully execute that I will faithfully execute the duties of the office the duties of the office of council member Ward three of council member Ward three for the city of Keen of the city of Keen of the state of Texas of the state of Texas and will to the best of my ability and will to the best of my ability preserve protect and defend preserve protect and defend the Constitution and laws constitution and laws of the United States

of the United States and of this state and of this So help me God. So help me God. Okay. Then you sign right there.

Bible. My dad's wait. Is he gonna get a picture? Go back and get a picture. We got business to do.

And here is your certificate of election. Mor, I wanted to ask a question to you and see if this would be appropriate. I don't know if now is the best time, but maybe afterwards. But we have never done a I've never seen the council do like a holiday picture. So, I'd like to see if we could do that, especially with the nicely decorated area here. We're missing a member.

We are missing a member. But, uh, anyway, I mean, whatever. I don't wait until Johnny I would leave it up from Honduras. I just every new council we should probably do something like that. So, be nice little annual. I've tried to do a group hug with you guys, but you weren't into that. I was never informed of that one.

All right. Well, congratulations uh incumbent um Mr. Easley and our new member Samantha Gellen to the council. This is our city council for the coming year of 2026 minus Johnny Shaw who is out of town temporarily at Honduras and he posted that publicly so I'm not revealing any secrets. So, all right. So, we're going to move on to agenda item number 4 C. review, discuss, and consider the nomination and election of a mayor pro Tim for a one-year term. Okay, so just to review under the changes made to the city charter as mayor, I have one nomination for mayor pro Tim. So I have given this some great thought. The person that I have chosen meets all of the unofficial requirements of this council. They have an established business right here in Keen where they've worked for the past 20 years. They of course live in Keen. They have over 12 years experience serving on a board of the city, so they understand the procedures and the policies of the city. This person has also consistently shown love, dedication, and service to our community and avidly supports our police department and our fire department. They attend all chamber functions and they represent the city well. They have also worked with me on the past on several endeavors including National Police Week and I foresee no issues with us working closely together during this next year. So with all that being said, council I would like to nominate Samantha Gillan as mayor pro Tim. Samantha and I met yesterday and we had a great heart-to-heart conversation about putting aside our past differences and working together in the best interest of our community. Miss Gillan is aware that I have only got one nomination under the charter changes since she was also on the charter commission and that you all can decide not to appoint her. But I told her I don't foresee that happening. Like I said, she meets all of the

qualifications, is well known and respected in this city, and would be able to fulfill the duties of Mayor Pro Tim with no problems. So, at this time, if Miss Samantha would like to speak, I'm going to let her do that. And if not, I'm gonna call for a motion to appoint Samantha Gillan as mayor pro Tim. Would you like to speak, Miss Gillan? Well, I would be honored to do that. Make sure your mic is on. Press that. There we go. I would be honored to be mayor pro Tim. However, I would feel more honored if the council voted for me. So, if they want to nominate someone else, then I would be okay with that, too.

All right, council. At this time, I'm going to call for a motion to appoint Samantha Gillan to be Mayor Pro Tim for a one-year term. I make a motion to nominate Miss Gillan for Mayor Pro Tim for the next year. All right. Do I have a second? Second.

All right. All right, I have a motion on the floor to accept the nomination of Samantha Gillan as mayor pro Tim for a one-year term by Chapman and a second by Easley. All in favor, raise your hand. It's unanimous. Motion is carried. Congratulations. All right. Agenda item number five, executive session. We do not have one scheduled for tonight. So, we do not need to do agenda item number six, reconvening. And we are ready to adjurnn. Council, do I have a motion to adjurnn? Motion to adjurnn

at this. Okay, we have a motion on the floor to adjourn at 6:23 p.m. We are going to be having a reception in the community center room. Is that correct? So, if everybody would like to stay for the reception to honor our two elected officials and Mr. Foster who was also elected and sworn in. Uh we're going to be uh joining there in just a minute. It's 6:23 p.m. Meeting is a journ.