City Council - Regular Meeting

We're going to stand up and say the Pledge of Allegiance to the US and Texas flags, followed by an invocation. Councilman Summerall, please.

Let's pray. Father God, we thank you so much for this day, for the safety of our families. Lord, that we live in a place that has safety. Lord, we ask in Jesus' name that you be with each and every one who is here tonight. Bless them, Father. Bless their families. Guide us, Lord, and let a light be lit unto our feet. And guide us to help you, Father, and all of our neighbors. In precious name of Jesus, we pray. Amen.

All right, we're gonna move on to Citizens Forum. Citizens are invited to speak for three minutes on matters related to city government that relate to agenda or non-agenda items. Speakers are asked to approach the podium and give their name and address before sharing their comments. Okay, we have, first speaker is, and forgive me, I'm probably gonna butcher the name, but Mr. Chima.

At the public hearing. Okay, great. Yeah, that's probably a better occasion to do it. And there's no one else listed to make comments at Citizens Forum, so we're going to move on to item number six. Presentation by Revise regarding the City Website Services.

Go ahead and drug sauce, please. I apologize Okay, excellent.

Sorry, can you have it remember the IP address so that when someone speaks to it, it remembers past inquiries and can build on that?

How about as the city changes, how fast can you change with us?

Oh, I understand. Yeah. We run into it all the time. Absolutely.

But not you. You'd have a team. You've got a good team behind you.

Any questions? I don't have any at this point. Looks good. OK.

All right. We're going to move on to item number seven, discussion of possible action to approve the November and December meeting dates.

But make a motion. We approve it as presented. Second. Second that.

Okay. We have a motion to approve the dates for the November and December council meetings to November 9th and December 9th. The motion. December 7th, I think. No, I'm sorry. December 7th.

the motion was made by pro tem brought seconded by councilman robinson any discussion there's no discussion all in favor say aye aye aye aye yes mayor sorry to interrupt that the december is the correct one is the ninth that's on the wednesday so

Sorry you may have to redo the motion you're moving it to Monday to Monday or on November November day stay on a Wednesday, correct?

Okay, correct To change it move it back to the night.

Yeah, I didn't know I changed it I think we voted for the December 7th. No, it's presented as the 9th. Yes, we'll move it to the 9th. I'll amend the motion.

All in favor say aye. Aye. Opposed? Motion carries. Item number 8, discussion of possible action regarding road closure for the Run for Jeeve Foundation race scheduled for November 29th.

All right. And that's only for a few hours anyways.

Do we know what time they want to close?

All right. Thank you, Jackie. We'll get a motion.

We have a motion to approve the closure for the Run for Jeeve Foundation by Councilman Pollard. Seconded by Councilman Summerlin. Any discussion? If no discussion, all in favor say aye. Aye. Opposed? Motion carries. All right, move to item number nine, discussion of possible action to adopt the 2026 investment policy.

All right. Thank you. Can I get a motion? We have a motion to approve to adopt the 2026 investment policy with the two changes. With the two changes, yes. By Councilman Pollard. Second. Seconded by Pro Tem Brott. Discussion?

We're currently getting about 3.8% yield per year. This change allows us, just moving it two months, one month actually, allows us to go up to 4.2, so a pretty big increase for the amount of money that we have. It's a significant change. It's a significant improvement for us for a very small change. I think it's a really, really good move, and thank you for doing some hard work on it.

What was the reason for the limitation on previous?

And the uncertainty of the economy at that time as well. All right. All right. Any more discussion? All right. All in favor say aye. Aye. Opposed? Motion carries. Thank you, Lisa. We're going to move on to item number 10, final report in public hearing for a special use permit for tourist accommodations restricted for 9030 Tamina Road.

Okay. All right, I'm going to open up a public hearing on this item at 627. Is there anyone here to comment on this item on the agenda? Yeah, please approach the podium and identify yourself.

And which hotels in Shenandoah will you be competing with the most?

How long will it take to construct this project?

Have you already done the all environmental and associated studies you need to do for that project?

I would consider that one of the boxes that needs to be checked, frankly. I would believe a traffic study would be important in our decision making.

The IDC may not require it, but for council to make a public policy decision that we believe is going to create true public benefit, I think that's something that we ought to consider as a council.

You know, there's concerns about more traffic load than just the hotel. And the potential hotel. There's other developments that are coming and probably will come. And frankly, I'm hoping the county will move this project on that Tamina Road up in priority for widening and doing whatever improvements must be done eventually.

I'm just going to say this, Frank. That's really not what's on the thing.

I understand that. We're being asked to overturn a decision of the Planning and Zoning Commission, and frankly, I have heartburn over that.

I have an issue with that, too. Being a formal P&Z commissioner, I certainly respect what our commissioners recommend because they really thoroughly investigate these things before they recommend it. But I did do a little research on it, and it was a split decision. And there are some people that feel very strongly that we should approve this. And we have some people on staff at the CBB, for instance, that really think it's a good idea to do this because it would really upgrade the the the quality of the hotels that we have to offer in Shenandoah we're losing the days in and if we approve this

That significantly improves our marketing position. to bring people into Shenandoah. And obviously the more people we bring here, either through the hospital or the shop or just to visit, they're gonna spend money and that lowers the taxes for the residents. Our taxes, 72% are paid by businesses, only 28% by the residents now. We need to stay on top of that and make sure we make that revenue grow. I think this is a really good idea for Shenandoah. think it's physically responsible to do something like this for our city and I think and also speaking to people on the Planning and Zoning Commissi

Yeah. Sir, when you were asked who your clients would be competing with, you mentioned the Crowne Plaza. The question I have for you is this. I believe the Crowne Plaza has several thousand square feet of meeting space. Beautiful looking hotel. The pictures are nice. Are there going to be any facilities? Is there going to be a restaurant there? Is there going to be any meeting space there?

I'm asking not because I don't think we need hotels, but I think that we do need more meeting spaces. We have, in my opinion, we have the opportunity to bring people into our community, not to go to other communities and do things. But we have a huge medical center here, and there should possibly be other things that happen that bring people into our community. And I'm just, personally, and it's kind of selfish for my community, I'd like to see larger meeting spaces.

But the aggregate of the projects that we're approving and the limited amount of space that we have should ultimately provide that for our community.

We're not going to offset OTC up here, but we have some brilliant minds in our community with a lot of experience and a lot to share. Again, I'm very selfish for the success of our community. I'm just curious. 2,000 square feet is okay, and I guess 420 beds, that's probably about right, but I was just curious. Thank you.

I want to speak a little bit more about what's at hand right here. Back in 2015, prior council, when IHG bought this whole property from Abe Moses, they said that was going to be a hotel on that property. They built the Holiday Inn over there and then converted it to a Crowne Plaza.

An upgrade. And the parent company has done absolutely everything that they've said they would. within this now this this this property has been in our comprehensive plan and it was approved and everything that they've asked for on this i'm going to just use a square peg going into a square hole and they haven't one variance not one difference so it's it's troublesome for me to not approve it i mean based on the fact that it's everything and everybody has done exactly what that they said they were gonna do. I do understand traffic and all that, but none of that's in our control as to how many

This fits perfectly with what we wrote the IDC for. And while we have the rules there, they followed everything that we asked for for this city. It upgrades the quality of the hotels that we have in Shenandoah. We can compete so much better with our area communities if we do this. I strongly recommend that we do it. With a good conscience, I couldn't vote against this.

It's perfect. We're not taking a vote yet. We're still in... public hearing, so let's reserve that, the vote, how you're feeling about the vote, until we get to that point.

And I know that the widening of Tamina Road is going to happen. It's in the county's comprehensive plan and their CIP. In fact, we've had discussions with the commission for that area, and we know that that is the next project on their plan in the Tamina area. So I just wanted to throw that in. That, you know, it's not going to take 10 years to build, to widen the stamina. It's going to be done within the next few years, probably before the hotel is completed. We hope.

So help me understand, what's the majority is extended stay versus regular hotel use?

What is the time frame on when it goes from just a regular stay to a long-term stay where we're not collecting hot tax on it?

And what's the, and maybe I missed it, I apologize if I did, what was the price point for the room stay?

Jackie what was what were the properties that were to the left of it again?

Thank you, David Walker. Thank you. Yes.

Is there anyone else who wants to comment?

Can I ask some questions? Yes, sir. I'd like to know if you conveyed these concerns to the Planning and Zoning Commission. I did. Yes, sir.

Thank you, Ted. Thank you. Do we have any, as far as restrictions on what he's talking about, as far as having a building agreement that we can or cannot do?

Got it. So there's nothing that the state recently, because I remember about the brick and mortar changes that were made at the state level, so I didn't know, as Ted was alluding to, that this fell within or outside that.

No, and I totally agree with that. Having grown up down in Houston and watching neighborhoods change over a lifetime, you see a lot at 70. And so you know that things can change. And a promise can be made and not kept years later. and really for business reasons, it's just not viable to maintain something. And so, but even though our time may be short here, we have to be very good, diligent stewards of the decisions we make that impact this city for years. Yes. Yeah. Indeed.

The photograph of the... Yeah, like a photograph. Or the schematic of the...

There you go. Can you... Yeah, we've got that.

Got it. How fast can you guys put this into service?

Well, only in teams that have to be at their sport at a certain time that are staying there.

I'm not a traveling parent, so I know the chaos it can create.

It's David, right? What? Your name's David? David, yes. What can we do to clear obstacles? How can we help?

So he doesn't already have control of the property?

So your builder's agreement is just that they're going to build what they presented?

So Mr. Fletcher, I see it's not defined. That's the whole thing.

Can you just speak in one sentence plainly what you would like that addendum to say? in order to release the SGP?

We've dealt with the builder's agreement in the past, so it's not the first time. Right.

I apologize for the miss, but we already have that.

I mean specific to this property. Have we already discussed this? Okay. Thank you. Thanks for your question. Thank you. Yeah, because this was just about news.

We have had hotels who have lost their flags because they couldn't keep up with the requirements that the flag gives. That has happened. It's happened recently here in our city.

So I travel in the energy industry. I stay in extended stays a lot. And I love them because it's got a kitchenette. I don't have to keep going to restaurants. And it depends on how they're taken care of. If your client's OK with agreeing to what Mr. Fletcher is suggesting, that we will do what we're saying we're going to do. For me, I don't have a problem with this. I think it's great if they're going to do what they say they're going to do. And that's all. And they shouldn't have a problem. They should not have a problem agreeing to that if that's what their intent is. Yeah, I agree.

Thank you. Okay. Thank you. Is there anyone else to speak on this? Yes, sir.

Thank you very much. What are you guys planning to do with your other properties?

Forgive me, I'm not familiar with this. What do you mean by fully extended stay versus extended stay? What's the difference?

If you don't mind my asking, what is your average rate right now?

Okay. And then if they take your clients, you said families was a hope, but if they take your clients, who are they taking? Yes, sir. You said if they compete with you, and you begin, because when you began speaking, you spoke from a position of a business owner trying to be careful with what he's doing, and I understand that. But if they're taking your clients, who are they taking? Who is visiting?

So if you guys build a state bridge, you said five minutes away, are you affecting the market as well? So if you guys build a state bridge five minutes away, are you also affecting the market?

Thank you, man. I appreciate it. I've been to your facility. Enjoyed my time there. It's nice. Do you guys still have breakfast here? We do. We have breakfast, yes, sir. Part of the hotel or part of the room next morning?

I like your outside, Miranda. That's kind of nice. I appreciate it. Thank you. Okay, so TIBC, you guys have a license, obviously. I've had wine at your place. You're saying the guys next door won't be able to or possibly?

Okay. What church is that? I'm sorry, I'm privy.

Well, we're getting a little off topic here, but you know what I mean.

So you guys use juice rather than wine? So T-A-B-C, what do you have to do? Juice. All right, fair. Okay, thank you very much. Thanks, guys. Do you guys have any comments on the potential hotel?

Of there not being one or of there being one?

Thank you. Thank you, John. Is there anyone else here to speak on this item? If not, we're going to close the public hearing at 7.30 p.m. we're going to move on to item 11 discussion and possible action to adopt the following ordinance an ordinance of the city of Shenandoah Texas amending the code of ordinances chapter 102 so as to a special use permit for tourist accommodations restricted to 9030 Tamina Road, Shenandoah, Texas, providing for a penalty in the amount of $2,000 for violations thereof, providing severability, and providing for an effective date. I'm calling for a motion.

I second. We have a motion to approve a pro tem brat, seconded by Councilman Pollard. Discussion?

Mayor, I'd like to also make a motion. Under Robert's rules of order, I'd like to motion that we postpone for two weeks to the next council meeting. I'd second that.

Okay, we have a motion to table this to the next council meeting.

Point of order, sir. We're not tabling, we're postponing. There's a difference between the two. This has a specific set time for us to revisit and have this discussion. Under those rules, we have an opportunity to discuss this motion and vote on it. And if it passes, then we will postpone until the next. If it doesn't pass, then you move on to the original motion on the floor and act on that one.

We just got the packet with the revisions a few days ago. and wading through that and listening to testimony tonight, I think we need time to reflect on this. Because again, we're being asked to override the Planning and Zoning Commission, a group of people that we respect, that we've appointed to represent us.

I spent 19 years on PNZ, and I do understand.

So that's my feeling, and that's why I made that motion.

I don't think there was a slow consideration of them having a split vote, and I don't. With all the information I've heard tonight, Anyway, I...

If nothing else, out of respect to the P&Z, I'd like to give ourselves a couple weeks.

Okay, we have a motion to postpone this item to the next council meeting in two weeks by Councilman Robinson. We have a second. Seconded by Councilman Summerlin. All right. Any additional discussion on this? If not, all in favor for postponing this item to the next council meeting, say aye. Let's take a poll. Councilman Summerall.

Councilman Summerlin. Aye. Councilman Pollard. Aye. Pro Tem Brott?

Councilman Robinson? Aye. Okay, the motion passes. We're going to postpone this discussion until the next council meeting. All right. We're going to move to item number 12. Final report in public hearing for variance for 251 Green Boulevard.

All right. We're going to open up a public hearing on this item at 7.34 p.m. Is there anyone here to comment on this item? Seeing no one here. So comment that we're going to close the public hearing at 734. And we're going to move on to item 13. Discussion of possible action to adopt the following ordinance. In Orders of the City of Shenandoah, Texas, amending the Code of Ordinances, Chapter 102, to approve a variance to the City of Shenandoah zoning ordinance, providing for encroachment of a patio cover and equipment into a side building setback line for 251 Green Boulevard, Shenandoah, Texas

A motion to approve by Councilman Pollard. Second. Seconded by Councilman Robinson. Any discussion? Where is this address?

Any discussion? Once again, those P&Z people are pretty smart. They've looked at this, and I support it. All right.

All right, all in favor say aye. Aye. Opposed? Motion carries. Item 14, discussion of possible action regarding the interlocal cooperation contract with Texas DPS and TXCR.

We have a motion to approve the interlocal cooperation contract with DPS by Councilman Robinson.

By Council, Sumrall. Discussion? If none, all in favor say aye. Opposed? Motion carries. Item 15, discussion of possible action regarding change order number two for the Tamina Southeast Water and Sanitary Utilities Project.

So how far are you trying to bring the water table down?

So once you install that, then you remove the wall points and the table can come back and you'll be safe, right?

Is this the area that we're looking to potentially put a pipe in? Or am I thinking of a different area as far as drainage?

Sorry for the confusion. Can I get a motion? Motion to approve. We have a motion to approve by Councilman Pollard. Second. Seconded by Councilman Summerlin. Any additional discussion? If not, all in favor say aye. Aye. Opposed? Motion carries. All right. Item 16, civic club updates. Mr. Ballmer.

Thank you. We'll move on to item 18, council inquiry. Councilman Sullivan.

Thank you, Mayor. I do have something really brief that I want to share. our residents and our neighbors tonight it doesn't require any action from the council i just want to say it publicly we're we're in a a very seasoned neighborhood over in the valley and we have a lot of residents who've been there a long time they watch their kids grow their grandkids grow there's a there are a lot of people today they don't just don't have a lot of contact with their families we've my family has lived on our street for less than seven years We've enjoyed living there. But on my street, three of my neigh

I only have one thing to add. I want to wish, on behalf of the council, a happy birthday to Joseph Peart. All right. Wanted to say that before we move into executive The audience that we do that Happy birthday Joseph appreciate it. All right, we're gonna We're gonna recess this session of the City Council and go into our executive session at 748 p.m. According to the Texas Open Meetings Act, Chapter 551 of the Texas Government Code, Vernon's Texas Code, annotated in accordance with the authority contained in the Texas Government Code as follows. Section 551.087, deliberation regarding economic