City Council - Regular Meeting

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[Music] [Music] down. I Heat. [Music] Heat. [Music] Hello, my name is Isabella Perez, recreation leader for the city of Sakuro. Thank you for joining today's meeting. Before the meeting begins, we would like to remind our guests to remove all hats and silence all electronic devices. No disruptive behavior or outburst will be tolerated and by subject to ejection and possible prosecution. is Rodriguez, Secretary

Good evening everyone in this. I want to welcome you all to the regular scheduled Sakoro City Council meeting for October the 6, 2025. Um it is now 6:06 and I call this meeting to order. As always, we'll start off with the pledge of allegiance and today we have some very special guests with us. as always um the Ernesto Cerna Fine Arts Academy. We have two of their students and we'll be recognizing them today after the uh the pledge of allegiance. So if you all please uh join us in reciting the pledge of 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. Texas. I honor the Texas flag to the Texas. One state

with liberty and justice for Before we continue, we want to um be we have the sororo, we want to proudly present these uh certificates of recognition to you all. So uh when you when we say your name, if you can please come up here and and stay standing up here with us because we want to take a photograph with you guys. Hallelujah. [Applause] And we got [Applause] Thank you. Thank you for coming.

At this time, we're going to go ahead and establish quorum. Ruben Reyes is absent. Caesar Nearez here. Alejandro Garcia here. Mayor Rudy Cruz present. Gina Cordderero here. And I Roas present. Mayor, we have a quorum. Thank you, Miss Navaro. Are there any elected officials in the room before we begin that we need to recognize? Okay. Just want to make sure. No. No. Okay. Um, we're going to begin with the public comment portion of our meeting with agenda item number four. Do we have any We have several speakers. Yes, sir. Our first speaker is Daryl Mont.

Miss Nav, how many speakers do we have for for uh public comment?

We have eight. We have eight. Okay. I just I just want to uh respectfully remind the public that our public comment period is uh for 30 minutes. It's 30 minutes long and uh each speaker is allotted three minutes to speak at the microphone. Um at times our speakers will would like to ask questions to the table. Unfortunately, we were not able to answer any questions unless it's a statement that we can give of of factual um has to be a factual statement or something that uh we can recite from our policies, regulations or any of our ordinances. Um but those questions, however, can be answered and you guys can um ask us those questions and we'd be more than happy to answer those questions via email or if you'd like to have a face-toface conversation with us, we'd be more than happy to schedule those meetings with you all. Okay. Um, Mr. Mont, go ahead.

M, founder and president of the El Paso Veterans and Writers Association. I'm joined today with my vice president, Marie Fernando Lzo, retired. Uh, we're here to discuss the uh, first annual or the first uh, city food distribution. Uh, schedu for November 14th. We will start collecting the food. Um, you have the flyer and then you have a letter of instruction. If you go down to paragraph uh November 14th, food will be distributed from 10 to 12 o'clock. There's one change. We just made it. It's going to be from 10 to 11:00 and that will be for veterans and people 65 and over. And I will be checking ID cards. Okay. Then after that, we'll open up to the general public. Uh how it's going to work is you just pull in, you have two people on each side. They come, put the bag in your car, and you go. You don't get to socialize with President and all that. You get your bag, you go home. So, any questions? Outstanding. Uh, I want to thank Mayor Cruz, city man, uh, city manager, Chief Roas, and Victor Reta. Cool. For their help and assistance. This is going to go good. Um, also there's another flyer. Now, this flyer is the EPB food drive. We'll bring a box item and send that up. And that's from November 1st to December 17th. On the after the 17th, we'll be breaking food down. We'll be coming back out to Sakoro and then handling out more food at that time, too. Okay. I've been already receiving phone calls about donations. We are going to be participating in your first ever Veterans Day parade. We have a tank. It will be parked at Cougar Park. If people want to bring me a donation, we'll be able to accept the donations there. and we are 51c3. If required, if your donation requires for you to have a a W9, we will provide one for you. If you have any questions, you

can reach me through social media, through pretty much everywhere. So, I thank you for your time, Mr. Mont. Thank you so much for helping organize this here. Thank you, Fernando Lasso. Gracias. Mr. Gracias, Mr. Gracias. Thank you, Rodulo Rodriguez. Thank you, gentlemen. Thank you, sir. Mr. Rodriguez, you have three minutes.

Thank you, ma'am. My name is Rodul Rodriguez, and I'm here to talk about the arterial one project that y'all proposing. Uh very simply one question is the reason for this arterial is it to relieve traffic for Saporoto citizens question. So we we can only give statements as far as your question goes. We can we can answer that question uh in a more technical way but it can't be during the public comment portion. Right now we're supposed to listen to you all and and you all provide any comments that you have.

All right. So my understand that's what the arterial is for is to relieve traffic for the mainly for Sakoro residents. Uh I don't see how this arterial is going to help at all especially where it's trying to be uh proposed to right now by Anderson road. It doesn't connect to I 10 even though that's how it's being promoted that it goes from Sakora to I 10. It does not. It goes to the ex uh to the gateway. If you want to go to El Paso, you have to go east to Clint, which is another four miles down the road, and you're going to have to wait there at least five minutes. You mentioned about pollution on one of your uh polls. That's going to create pollution. So, in all honesty, is anybody really going to use it to go to El Paso? I don't think so. What they're going to do is they're going to use it to come down North Loop and get onto Timothy. Timothy is the new road that's being built right now by uh Marcado. That one's going to be before the underpass on I 10. So people are more likely going to use that road to go underneath to go back to El Paso. As far as safety wise, you're going to have trucks again coming in on North Loop from IT I mean from uh this arterial if you do bring it up that way. So it's not going to even be safe. I mean you're going to have extra uh traffic on that road. that that's that's one of the main things. So I I don't see how it's going to benefit the citizens of Sooto. Plus, it's on the outer edge, which means Clint and Sani are the ones that going to use it. The citizens of Sooto are going to pay for it with taxes and the citizens just turned down Proposition A, which was for the schools. And that was for the schools. Something that's very useful the whole city of Sakoto. They turned it down. Now, this arterial again, I don't see the benefits on it whatsoever for the citizens of Sooto at all.

That's my statement. Thank you, sir. Thank you. Appreciate you, Mr. Rodriguez. If if we haven't done so already documented your your phone number or or email so that our staff can contact you and we can answer those those questions that you asked asked us, uh, please do so. I my phone number is on the Oh, okay. All right, Mr. Thank you. Yes, sir. Jeremy Hendricks. Mr. Hendricks, you have three minutes.

All right. Hello board. You guys have seen me before. Retired S Major Hendricks. I'm here talking about the arterial one again. So, as my colleague or partner here has just stated in 2013 or whatever this grand scheme came up, I think wholeheartedly it was probably brought up in as a good idea. But between 2013 and 2025, numerous proposals, new private roads, development has happened. And if you look at the grand scheme of things, it just does not fit into the game plan. The road is shifted several times. And now, as we've already discussed, is now on the edge of Sakoro. It doesn't benefit Sakoro. It benefits everybody to the edge of Sakoro in Clinton Selli. You've got it in portions annexed outside of Sakoro, but you're selling it to Sakoro people as a benefit to them. You're not benefiting Sakoro. You're benefiting the people and businesses that are building on the edge of Sakoro because they're able to drive down North Loop and and drive their tractor trailers and build their warehouses and all the commercial development that's happening through zoning and planning that's blessing off on everything that's being reszoned. They're making all kinds of money. the businesses and the tractor trailers are going to drive their stuff right up North Loop and you're going to have a problem because you don't want to widen North Loop. Instead, you'd rather build a new road that we don't need to pay for. That's the problem. Widen North Loop, widen Alama, widen Saporro, fix those road issues. Don't build another problem we don't need. We already have four roads a mile apart. Timothy Road, Clint Cutoff, Darington Road, and Horizon. You don't need a fifth road. You're just adding more problems and roads we have to service. You're not fixing anything. You're creating more chaos. Why throw more problems into the problem into the blender? 2013 it sounded like a great idea, but

now we have more roads. You're creating chaos and you're selling it to the people. Oh, we're going to build something going to I 10. It doesn't go to I 10. It goes to the gateway. So if you're going to at least sell it, sell it properly. Stop selling them false hopes and taking away our dreams, our land, our privacy, our right to live in peace and harmony. That was farmland, and now it's going to be warehouses and four-lane roads, and you don't care because it doesn't affect you, but it affects us. And you you live out there. We have a debate. You don't even want to come debate, but yet you'll stand out there and sell bull crap to people. one-on-one. Yes, I'm talking to you, Caesar. Yes. And you're coming up next, 2028. All of you in 2028, build this road. I'll make sure every one of you is no longer sitting here. Roberto Los, Roberto Losano, Roberto Losano. Can I can I have uh all the gentlemen in the room uh remove their caps or hats, please? Just out of respect for

if it makes you feel comfortable.

No worries. Uh good evening city. My name is Roberto Lagana. Um I also have a business here register with the city Lagana Intel platforms. Um it's a sevenyear Texas soul fightership I have and uh my special computer related services. So I do a lot of bidding on federal contracts and stuff like that. We're available 247 software system crash any hacking things like that. Um so uh Thank you for having me up here tonight. It's my first time speaking. What I came up here to speak about tonight is very simple. Um, and I've done some of this stuff before in the past. I wanted to know if I can get some direction from any of you all and your input. Thanksgiving's coming up before locally and officially I've like given turkeys and stuff like that. This year I don't really have that much money to buy a whole bunch of turkeys. But I was wondering what the city thought and since I have a tax ID, maybe we could do something where we give away turkeys over at the uh either this location or down on horizon to families in need. Um they're not that much money, but raise money and even under my tax ID, I could do it as some sort of donation and that's about it.

We truly appreciate uh folks like you that are always willing to help out the community. Um our our staff will be more than happy to get your So that way they can uh make contact with you and then they can also provide that information to you so that you can also uh you can help your organization. Okay. Thank you so much. I'll tell you this. I know it's kind of last minute so I don't have any funding set up or know what kind of permits and stuff. So any input if it's too late this year maybe next year but I'm will I I'll get some help. Absolutely. Thank you.

Thanks. Thank you. James Loenberg. Mr. Loenberg, you have three minutes.

Thank you. And uh this is part of that arterial one and and the uh the getting released from Sakoro's ETJ. We're still working on it. We just we just uh returned our paperwork to you guys. So our problem which is your problem is not going away by just shoving the soft and I know this has to do a lot with arterial one. So if we do succeed which I see legal wise it should succeed because all the all the legal all the literature says that we are able to get released from squirrels ETJ and at that point arterial one is going to fall into con valley's area and so I don't know how much money you're spending on this but if the city of spending a lot of money just to get turned down or is this why you guys are trying to play with us and costing us a lot of money on fighting this because the next step with this is legal action and you know it's like and it shouldn't get to that it shouldn't we should be able as citizens to come in and debate this and figure this out. Luckily, the laws on our side and that's why me and some neighbors got together to put this together before Sakoro decided to advance because I was part of this thing with Sakoro going to San Elli and the fight then. So, I'm familiar with this fight and I'm familiar with Sakoro tactics and I got nothing against you guys. I just want I just want to be able to work together and do this because if we develop a new town in in out there in Picon Valley and it becomes a town or we become part of Clint or we do whatever it is we're going to do, we need to have

some peace and we need to be doing this. But if this affects arterial one, I think I think this is something that you guys really need to think about and say, "Hey, if we're spending all this money on art one and it's not going to be in our in our area, it's something to think about because We're not going away. And that's just what I'm trying to tell you guys. And we've already expens and I know the law's on our side with this. Thank you. Thank you, sir.

And the and the uh all the paperwork's back with Miss Olivia and so I'm looking forward to seeing this on on the here coming up. Thank you.

Yes, sir. Thank you. Alba Ramirez. Miss Ramirez, you have three minutes. still [Music] [Music] a [Music] Bastant. Fore! [Music] Foreign! Foreign! [Music]

Foreign speech. Foreign speech. for [Music] speech. Rosio Martinez. Miss Martinez, you have three minutes. Good afternoon. Uh I'm here just like everybody. Um, I believe this arterial one is not going to benefit the city of Sakoro. I think it's more of a money maker for people that want to pocket money. Um, but we as residents want to keep our way of life and so um, we ask all of you because you're the ones that represent us and you should be for the people and by the people. That's why you're there. We ask that you terminate this, you cancel it, and let people live in peace in their own homes. Thank you.

Thank you, ma'am. Mayor, those are all our speakers. Okay. Thank you, Miss Navaro. Moving on to the next item, which is agenda item number five. This is a presentation to recognize Cafe Coal as the small business of the quarter. And we have uh Mr. Kenyon will be presenting that.

Good evening. Good evening, Mayor and Council. So each quarter, as you know, we've been uh recognizing outstanding small businesses in Sakoro because that's really the the nucleus of this community here in Sakoro. And today we're going to recognize one one outstanding business here that's been here since I think before the pandmic. So, you want to turn real quickly. Um, sorry there. So, there's two categories. We have food and cafe and the other category is all other categories. So, the food and cafe because we have a lot of and places to we needed to separate that out from other business categories. And so every every quarter we'll do that. Now um in this in this month we're looking at the third quarter. So if I can look at that started in December of 2021. So right there in in the middle of the pandemic, Elizabeth decides to open up a great restaurant called Cafe in the heart of Soro. That's on Soro Road. And in there, um, she inspired all her ideas. What you see in that restaurant is her creativity. What you see in that place is her passion for food. And I think the result is one of the best restaurants in the Southwest. You go there breakfast or lunch and you're going to have a great meal. You're going to have in a in a setting that really uh transpires what Soporo is about. The history, the food, the culture that we we have here. And that's what's unique.

And I'm I'm it gives me great pleasure to uh to recognize today uh Elizabeth Carlos, the owner of Cafe Co with this certificate of recognition. [Applause] you like to say a word. Hi. Uh well, never really ready for this, but um I just want to thank the city of Sakoro um for everything that they have done for myself, for Coco and my family. Um I don't think I could have done it better any other place and uh Sakoro is home and uh I am really really thankful to all of you. Thank you.

Congratulations. [Applause] I'd like to ask mayor and council if you would invite Yeah.

take a photo with her. [Applause] So, moving on. I know that there was one other business that was going to get recognized, but um they won't be present today. So, would anyone like to entertain a motion to postpone this item? I want to next meeting and then I'm going to move item number 25 before 11 and then move item number 21 after item.

Okay. So, Miss Cordell has made a motion to postpone agenda item number six to the November 20th date and she has also motion to move agenda item 25 and 21 above 11. All those in favor say I. I. That motion carries. Okay, moving on to a presentation. This is agenda item number seven. This is a uh presentation by John Ando who's the executive director of the El Paso Transportation Authority on regional transit and funding opportunities. Mr. Ando, uh welcome to Sakoro again.

Uh good evening uh mayor and council and Morte. Thank you for having me come back to Sakoro. here uh based on both of your suggestions to just talk about ETA where we've been doing answer some questions about our services some questions about data talk about federal funding and just be of resource so this is uh ETA and this is the our logo and our buses this is our mission statement uh basically to provide safe reliable and accessible transportation solutions that connect rural communities of El Paso counties And through our fixed routes and ADA paratransit service, we're committed to enhancing mobility, fostering regional cooperation, and improving the quality of life of our residents. So about ETA, we are a local government corporation that was created under Texas Transportation Code section 431. It was formed by El Paso in November of 2021. It's presently staffed by the El Paso County Transit Operations Department. Um, Rio Grande Council of Governments acts as our fiscal and administrative agent and they hold all of our funds that we collect from the members. And then we use Kemp Smith for legal services. And then brief history what kind of led us to the path of creating ETA. A study was done in 1994 recommending countywide public transportation. In 95, the county secures grant funds and created based El Paso County Transit with routes connecting the rural communities in Del Paso. Inuh 2008, services to Mexico was started with another grant that was received as well as the former Sun Metro route 84 and a countywide vample program. Then we got another grant to do services along Coral road which is called the mission trail and that

started in 2015 and then a regional transis study kicked off in 2015. 2018 we bought our first compressed natural gas bus. 2020 in December the county based on the recommendations from the regional transit study that was done in 2015 formed a local government corporation and wanted to start including municipalities to participate in transit decisionmaking. Then in 2024, Clint and Anthony joined EPAS. Uh services were expanded. 84 was discontinued. Services were rebranded as ETA. And then we started paratransit service. And then 2025 I'm their first executive director. And then we also started on delay microtransit services in Clinton San Lazario with trips into Sakoro Mission Valley Transit Center and El Paso Community College. Just some administration. There's 12 members of the board. Three represent El Paso County. One from each of the jurisdictions. Flynn Anthony, Vinton, Horizon City, San Elazario. And then we have one ex official from the El Paso MO, Sun Metro, now Sakoro, and WET. We have a staff of five. Uh, one position is vacant right now. We do have an access advisory committee that reviews ADA paratransit concerns and then we contract out all of our services to private companies. Transdev runs the bus system, Enterprise Mobility runs the van poolool program and all aboard America runs a service to New Mexico, Los Cusus. So summary of our transit service that we're providing today. Uh we basically run Monday through Friday from about 5:00 a.m. to 8:20 at night. Saturdays 7 a.m. to 7:20 and Sundays from 7 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. We're closed on seven major holidays including Easter Sunday. We have six fixed routes that operate throughout uh rural El Paso County. Buses come by every 90 to 150 uh

minutes. We serve all of the jurisdictions outside of El Paso. And then we also provide limited services along Sun Metro route in El Paso connecting to the transit centers. Fair is a dollar50 and we have monthly passes for $48. We have a onlay microtransit service in Clint to San Alazario. Our paratransit is for those that have a disability that cannot ride traditional fixed route transit. Our vanful program. Our New Mexico park and ride express to Las Cusus. And then for bus amenities we have bike racks, security cameras, wheelchair or lifts, Wi-Fi, he air conditioning on our vehicles. So, we're going to talk about PO, which is our fixed route transit system. PO has 66 routes as I mentioned. We're proposing four future routes uh basically north loop road um here in Sakoro um 11 to route to Westway 21 to the Homestead Meadows area uh in Monte Vista and then an express route that would connect uh Baven to down to downtown and then we serve Sun Metro's transit center so people can connect to Sun Metro services access is our paratransit program and access operates within a 3/4 mile radius of all of ETA po routes. We also service all of El Paso so people can have a one seat ride particularly from Sakoro to El Paso for medical appointments, dialysis, shopping or whatever uh quality of life opportunities for those that have a disability that can't ride a traditional bus. onlay is our new microtransit service similar to the microtransit service that's here in Sakoro. It is open to all. It's like an Uber. Um you can call and we'll send a van within 15 minutes and take anybody anywhere within Sanario

and Clint. We'll also bring people to and from Sakoro from those communities and then also go to Mission Valley Transit Center and El Paso Community College. And that service runs the same hours as the fixed route system and it charges the same as the fixed route system and that's the boundaries of the on delay service presently. Bominos van poolool is operated in partnership with commute with enterprise. It's a simple program. We subsidize van pools at $500 per month per van. A group of people will just need to come by, form a van, and then designate the driver and then they can operate that van from like a parking like let's say they want to go from the Walmart parking lot here in Sakoro and go to UT to go work at UT and then at the end of the day they just drive back, park the van at Walmart and then everyone gets in their cars and goes home. Um, and the program is open to anybody that wishes to commute outside of traditional public transit. The New Mexico Park and Ride Express uh runs Monday through Friday, connects downtown El Paso, Anthony uh with Las Cusus, New Mexico, and it's a great way for people who want to commute into New Mexico from El Paso. This is just a summary of all of the routes that u operate and the wrership data for each of the routes. Um, and I'm going to go into more detail about Sakoro specific data, but systemwide we carried 559,126 uh passenger trips. And a passenger trip means someone like me boarding a bus three or four or five different times. So if I ride route 50 from Saporro to Mission Valley and then I decide to get on route 30 to go to Horizon City, that's two trips. It's hard to track unique riders. So public transit generally counts passengers as a trip.

Um LA in fiscal year 24 our budget and revenues were about uh 9.1 million. 54% of that came from federal grants through tech stock. 6% came from the state. 39% came from the counties and the municipalities. And then on the expense side, 24% of that went to capital expenses, purchasing buses and equipment to support the transit system, 6% for county administration, uh.7 for planning activities, and then 68% to basically pay our contractors to deliver the services. And then this is kind of just goes into efficiency datas over the past uh few years for the transit system. Unlink passenger trips per revenue mile. unlink uh passenger trips per revenue hour, operating cost per revenue hour, and operating cost per passenger in our fairbox recovery for a rural system. Uh ETA is fairly efficient when you compare to other Texas transportation systems of similar size. Facilities, we're undertaking uh facilities throughout the ETA service area. We're getting ready to install bus shelters throughout the service area. You may notice that there's a lot of old route 84 benches and signs. We're going to be removing those and replacing them with new amenities, including the new ETA sign that you see there, so people can actually identify where to catch an ETA bus. Um, you'll also be able to track your bus in real time, and it'll have an ID number, so they'll be able to do that. We're also pursuing a federal grant to purchase land and to build a operations and maintenance facility on Weird Demir Avenue in unincorporated El Paso County so we can house our fleet there. Presently, we're leasing property from Sun Metro to park our presently and operate our transit system from at the Union Depot in downtown El Paso.

We connect to multiple transit systems. We connect to your services here in Sakoro and we also are promoting uh people who ride ETA if they want to have more uh direct connection in Sakura to please take Sakoro microtransit. We connect to South Central Regional Transit for those that want to go to Sunland Park in Los Cusus. We connect to Roadrunner Transit and then most importantly we connect to Sun Metro at multiple locations in El Paso. for mobility as a service. Uh we are starting to introduce more technology to make it easy to ride transit. We started a partnership with Move It and Transit. And by using those apps, you can basically plan your trip, schedule an Uber, lift ride. Uh soon you'll be able to unlock bicycles in downtown El Paso. You can pay your fair with token transit. And once we get our new software, you'll be able to book on delay rides from this. You can also use this app in other cities across the country. So, if you uh wanted to plan your trip in San Francisco, this app would work there. Um, we're also on Google and Apple Maps. So, if you start seeing little bus icons in Sakoro, that's basically an ETA bus stop, then you'll be able to click on that and plan your trip to like let's say Anthony for instance. And we're also on Apple Maps as well. We have a series of upcoming projects that we're doing to help improve public transportation. As I mentioned, passenger amenities, service enhancements, new contracts with our operators, partnerships with Sun Metro, uh separation from El Paso County to be independent, uh working on partnerships with Sakoro, uh pursuit of federal transit administration funds, um seeking rural transit district status from text, adding four additional administrative positions, uh replacement of some older CNG buses, partnership with the regional mobility agency on bike share, and just more technology to make it easier to ride transit.

We've had a series of accomplishments. I'm not going to go through all of them, but basically we're on a new path to make regional transit accessible to all and connect communities in El Paso County. So, um value to um Sakoro um that we bring as ETA is that skip that slide here. So, um, one question that was asked, uh, by the mayor and by Mr. Rodante is, um, what is the data for people using ETA particularly to Sakura and I've had other jurisdictions ask this question. This is an illustrated perspective of of the data. We're going to zoom in more on that data and we have to do more surveys but particularly um routes 30 40 and 50 and 84 benefit Sakoro and route 30 last in last fiscal year had 29,000 passenger trips of of 17% of overall ETA's ridership rode that route which benefited Horizon City and Sakuro 40 uh for route 40 14,283 rode that route and about 8 8.42% of ETA's ridership which benefited Sakoro Clint and the unincorporated area. Route 50 carried 9,915 trips which was about 5.84% of ETA's ridership which benefited Sakoro Sanelli and Clint because Route 84 was discontinued. Um when you combine routes 50 and 84 together that's about 14% of ETA's overall ridership benefiting U San Alazario Clint and

Sakuro. On the paratransit side, uh, Sakoro has presently 47 registered users using the system and that's about 32% of ETA access paratransit service when you compare to other jurisdictions and we have a total of 146 people that are presently registered for that service. If we transpose that into passenger trips as a whole, um, what has happened and we're working with trans to clean this data is that Horizon City and unincorporated were all consolidated. So you'll see that 327 under El Paso. Um once we can get further um definitive data on that, I can present that back to the council. But that kind of gives you an idea that a lion share of the trips on paratransit are being made either in Horizon City Sakura or the unincorporated area going into El Paso. continuing on the value of the van pool program. Bominos uh in the case of Sakoro, three vans are actually originating in Sakoro out of our 152 vans that we have operating countywide. When it comes to contributions, questions were asked about the numbers. This these are the numbers from the time ETA started collecting funds. Uh presently Sakuro is not a full member. But I understand later on on your agenda, um, we're asking a consideration of revisiting the $5,000 that SEO used to pay for Route 84, and we're just calling that access to the regional transit system. Uh, TTI came up with the formulas for determining contributions, which I'll be going over in the in the next slide. But basically this kind of gives you a perspective that of the population, the square miles of each jurisdiction, how much each jurisdiction

contributed in fiscal years 23, 24, 25, and 26, and then a percent of the contributions uh to basically cover ETA's local match. So when determining how the calculation of the local match from each of the jurisdictions are to be paid to ETA, TTI came up with this three-step process. For fixed route bus, they allocate local share based on miles of the member's geography. For ADA paratra, they allocate the local share based on the members ADA service area population. And then for administrative and planning activities, they allocate the local share based on the total allocated fixed route bus and ADA paratransit local share. So when they look at we needed 1.6 million, they basically then divided that out into how much to allocate to each box and then what the contribution ratio is. So a$12 per mile is basically what each of the jurisdictions are paying. 224 per passenger per capita is what they're paying. transit and 41 cents per dollar of admin and planning costs. So if Sakoro in the future would like to consider joining ETA and we would love to consider a negotiation of how we can make something like that work. Uh this is something that we believe that we could potentially implement next fiscal year. So that would be October one of 2026. There's two ways that this could be done. This could be done by either Sakoro formerly joining ETA or Sakoro could just contract with ETA. Um, and we would uh charge basically Transdev's rates, which for next fiscal year would be $54.90 per revenue vehicle service hour plus a

percentage of the fixed cost that we pay Transdev. Um, that's allocated to the members. Uh, right now based on the previous about 18% of the county's rock miles and population. Another option is we could just follow the model and this follows excuse me the model that Cap Metro had done in Austin with the city of Round Rock. Round Rock didn't join CA Metro but they wanted Cap Metro service to have access to the regional network in Austin's urbanized area. So um they basically pay on a per hour basis to the city to CA Metro for service. We anticipate that Sakuro's cost would range from 200 to 250,000 for service. Now, I want to preface that that's the full cost of the service, but because Sakuro is pursuing Federal Transit Administration funds, 50% of that would be federal funds from the Federal Transit Administration and the balance 50% would be your general fund. So, the the general fund contribution would really be 100,000 to 150,000. We would envision that if we were to enter into a relationship in the future, we would consolidate our onlay service in San Alazario and Clint Flint with the Sakuro microtransit service. So we have one comprehensive microtransit service servicing all three communities and be able to share the cost of that service between the three jurisdictions. And then we would increase service to seven days a week and improve vehicle utilization. We anticipate Sakoro will claim federal funds uh directly from FTA and then ETA would in turn invoice Sakoro for uh providing the level of service that Sakoro wants from you. We would also pursue other grants to leverage against your contributions so that ultimately we're all sharing in the cost of regional transit.

And then there we would also buy uh your vehicles uh to utilize in an increased onlay service. Uh one of our long range plans is to provide a new route on North Loop Road and utilizing federal funds and other uh grant funds. We would envision that we would be able to also implement a fixed route service along North Loop Loop Road where there's I understand a large concentration of transit dependent riders meaning public transit service in addition to the routes 30 on Horizon 40 on Alana and 50 on SEO road continued paratransit services and the van program so on the FTA funding side we're both working in hand to pursue federal transit administration funing from uh as direct recipients. And there's two processes to getting that funding. As you notice on this map, everything in the black is what is called the El Paso urbanized area. So, Sun Metro is what is called a designated recipient of the funds in that in the black areas, which means that in order for us to get access to those funds that come to that urbanized area, we have to get Sun Metro's concurrence. And the city O is entirely in that urbanized area. So in order to do that, Sun Metro has came up with a service expansion process which um which is what we're both doing is passing resolutions, completing transit development plans, becoming full reporters to the national transit database to report passenger data, miles, and hours uh to determine uh funding splits. And then Sun Metro will then develop a calculation of shares that would be between Sun Metro, ETA, Saporro, and South Central Regional Transit District. After that's done,

then an intergovernmental agreement would be entered into between the entity and Sun Metro and then we would get an allocation amount and a split letter. That split letter is what you would use in order to apply for your FTA grant. Once that process is done, then you go into the next process of basically applying to become a direct recipient with FDA. So that means you pass a resolution authorizing city manager and development director to apply for grants. Uh city attorney will pass an opinion of council. City manager and the mayor would designate authority authorizing staff to apply for the grants and certify for the GL grant. You would provide your unique entity identification number to FDA. You would provide your financial grant administration procurement policies. You'll provide your civil rights documentation, disadvantaged business enterprise program goal and program plan, title six program, an equal opportunity uh exemption because you don't have 50 transit employees. Uh provide a three to five year financial plan which is already detailed in your transit development plan. An organizational on how you're going to administer your FTA grants. Then you'll set yourself up in what is called TRAMS. That's how you apply for the grants and echo. That's how you draw down the funds based on the expenses you make. Fill out a financial and technical questionnaire and then just provide three years of audits. Once all that is done, you become a direct recipient. Um it's our target goals for both entities to become direct recipients by September 1 of 2026. so that uh we can start using urban federal funds in fiscal year 27 which means that your cost to provide transit will go down by close to 50% because now you won't have to subsidize the

operation with your general fund. This just is an illustrated um uh image of how the funds get split between the transit agencies that I just mentioned. I'm also providing consulting support to a city similar size to Sakoro in California where they just started a new microtransit system also and they want to become a direct recipient. So we did this exercise with their regional transit district out there and that city which is called Lake is projected to receive about 2.4 million in federal funds based on population density bus revenue miles and population. And then the same thing for 5339, the city is projected to receive $38,000. 5339 is used to buy capital, bus stops, bus equipment of that nature. So I would envision that Sun Metro would do a similar process that we're doing in California. Um, in order for Sakoro to increase its share of 537 funds, it is important that you report to the National transit database and report your passenger miles, your revenue miles, and your passenger trips. And that's going to help in determining future allocations in the future. Um, the city would receive its allocation based on its population and population density. ETA would receive allocation for all other jurisdictions excluding Sakuro and El Paso. And that concludes my presentation. if they're happy to answer any questions or provide any clarifying comments about ETA and federal funds if there are any.

Go ahead, Mr. Garcia. Uh, thank you for that very, uh, broad explanation, very thorough, I would say. So, um, quick question. Do we have 54,000 writers in Sakoro? No.

No. So, just to let you know, LGC told that to our community and told that to the media that we're cutting 4,000 writers. So, just an FYI because that's where I come from because that's the way we were portrayed that we cut. And I still uh got a got a a phone call from a friend of mine that said that we decided to cut and not give not give uh transportation to our citizens. And that's what's going around where we have our system that we do have. Now, I have a couple more questions. Now, if we we go let's say we go back with you guys, okay? We go back just to the same old routes where we don't have our same transit system where we take our our citizens to Walmart, we don't take them to Food King, or we don't take them in between uh houses. Is that is that what we're looking at?

No. Um I've taken an approach that we're going to build transit based on what the community wants. Like as you know with Sanelli and Clint, they wanted a microtransit like what you wanted. So we created under delay for them. So if you want microtransit, we'll give you microtransit. We're not going to force transit services that you don't want. Right. Okay. Now, so and I just want to preface that you would only pay for transit services that you want. We're not going to charge you for transit services that you don't want. Right. And now I just want a clarification on Route 84. You said $5,000 for routing for how does that work?

Uh well, no. What happened was Sakoro used to pay $5,000 to the county for many years for basically subsidizing the old route 84. So when the county terminated Route 84 with Sun Metro, basically they stopped asking for the 5,000 U from Clint and San Alazario and Sakoro. My request was really just to revisit that agreement and call it just access to regional transit just so that um the other members are seeing that Sakuro is also participating in transit.

Okay. And just one last thing now if we go let's say we go back with you guys it's between 200 and 250,000. That's what you just said. Now we're wishing and hoping for grants right that can't be guaranteed. So we if we didn't get grants we have to pay the full $2 and $250,000. That would be the That is correct. But I I do want to preface that both ETA and Sakura are eligible recipients for these urban funds that Sun Metro has been using itself for all these years. And both us and and the city staff, we've been meeting with Sun Metro to get that allocation split. and FTA is already aware of our inclusion to wanting to receive the funds. So, as long as those processes that I mentioned are followed, I could assure you that you'll get the funds. Um because the funds every year always comes to the urbanized area, but until more design more direct recipients claim those funds, Sun Metro will use 100% of those funds. Thank you. Yes. Any uh members of council have any questions or comments they'd like to add to this presentation?

I just want to add that started the transit. I mean I believe we've been doing good. You have been doing good. Yes. Residents have been using it within my Thank you. And we've heard good things uh from ETA riders that ride your service that they're very pleased with what you're providing and it's free. And it's free. Yes, I would love to go fair free

and that is exactly my next comment. We are that is free for the our citizens and so that is important for our our residents here uh that we continue to provide services for them that they can use. It is my intent in the future to go before the ETA board to discuss a fair free system on the ETA side as well once we are able to secure the federal urban funds through Sun Metro because I I believe uh fair free transit eliminates that that barrier and allows people to reinvest the money that they would have been paying on the bus to other opportunities like grocery shopping, rent, um or other quality of life opportunities because it's going inexpensive to live.

Thank you all for your comments. I I think it's also fair to say that um the transit system that we have in place right now in the city of it is it is free, but we don't know how long we're going to be able to sustain uh those services for free because there currently isn't a fair. Um we're barely in year one of our transit system. So, we're also gathering our numbers. We're trying to figure out what the uh operation looks like on our end financially. Um we're looking at fuel consumption. We're looking at the energy consumption. We're looking at the uh the salaries of our of our drivers and our staff and uh ultimately the maintenance program of of this system here. Again, since it's so new, um I'm thinking that in the future we we can compare numbers

uh and see what it's costing the city and what wrership looks like. And then we can sit down again and collaborate and see and show you our numbers and say, "Hey, look, this is what writership looks like right now currently with the microtransit system in our city. Um, does it make sense to continue doing this here? Does it make sense to um to join? How can we join forces? What is it that we can do? Can we continue doing paratransit and and some somehow become part of the LGC? Because ultimately what what I don't want to do is is cut someone off from entering our city visiting family members or or doctor's appointments or or shopping or whatever the need is from coming into our city. And at the same time, I don't want to create blockage where folks from my city are no longer able to jump on a route or it just becomes more difficult and and time consuming when they have to go jump on two different buses. But I think this is these are all conversations we can have in the future after after year one of course that we've been operating. But Mr. And I want to appreciate you for coming over here with this elaborate uh presentation and showing us uh real numbers and percentages and breaking it down for us. So um as always you're always more than welcome to present here with the city of support.

Thank you. and through ETA board meetings which um your city development director is a part of we'll continue to uh hone in on those numbers so you'll be able to see uh wrership particularly from Sakuro on the po pool access and undelay program so you can tr to see the true value of your residents using ETA services and I think I know that's something you guys have been asking for for a while so we want to be transparent on that in the future. Thank you mandle. Thank you. Appreciate you.

Before we move on, can can we adjust the thermostat? Um, the Winterfest isn't until December. Can we uh raise it up a bit? Um, we're going to go ahead and move on to a consent agenda. Motion to consent agenda. Second. All those in favor say I. I.

I. Oppos or abstain. Okay, that motion carries. We're moving on to the regular agenda portion of our meeting here. And we have the next agenda item, which is agenda item number 25 that's going to be presented. And agenda item number 25 is an update uh discussion and action regarding the arterial one project. Motion to approve. Second.

Good evening, Mayor and Council. Adriana Rod, city manager. Tonight I am providing an update on the arterial 1 project as directed by council during the July 3rd 2025 meeting. At that time council asked staff to research and bring back information on what it would mean for the city of Sakoro to formally discontinue participation in the project. After reviewing all available information, consulting with Texot and the El Paso NPO, and analyzing the financial implications, I must share that this decision carries significant consequences, both immediate and long-term, for the city's budget and future funding opportunities. If the city council wishes to terminate participation in the arterial 1 project, we would be required to issue a formal letter of withdrawal to the director of contract services in the Texas Department of Transportation in Austin. The financial impact of the actions is approximately $3.4 million. That is the amount that has already been spent on the project through federal and state funds. Those funds would have to be repaid by the city. Unfortunately, we do not have that money available. In our current budget, the only way to cover that cost would be to borrow funds, which would place a heavy unplanned burden on our general fund and our taxpayers for several years. In addition to that, termination could also carry serious long-term consequences because this project involves federal funding. Walking away from an active contract could be viewed as a breach of federal participation requirements. That means that the city would risk losing eligibility for future federal and state transportation grants. Not just for this project, but for other infrastructure projects we may wish to pursue in the future. Right now, the Arteria One environmental study is on hold, waiting for direction from his from this council. The no build option is technically still technically still available. But the only way the

option can be considered is if the NEPA environmental study is completed. Without completing that study, we cannot officially document a no build alternative, which leaves the project unresolved and in limbo. So tonight, council staff is seeking your clear direction. Option one, the council continues participation in the arterial one project and allows Sakoro and the consultant to resume the study to bring it to its completion. Or option two, the city formally withdraws and terminates its participation, which would trigger the 3.5 million uh dollar repayment and potentially affect future funding eligibility. staff stands ready to follow whichever direction council provides, but it's important to recognize that the this decision has serious fis fiscal and strategic implications for the city's future. Uh and now I can turn it back to council and staff is here to answer any questions.

Mayor, we do have several speakers for this item. Okay, we'll go. Did we we can uh we can listen to uh to our speakers and then we can go into uh discussing the item if you all prefer to do so. Okay. Rodul for Rodriguez.

Hi again. Good evening. Um I just heard what manager said about the uh project, but it's recommended to continue because it's going to cost the city of Sakoro34 million. My question is, we still have to pay that whether the project gets done or not. Am I correct or am I wrong? We wouldn't have to pay for it. Okay.

Correct. But so it's already paid. So it's you they're not going to add it on to the final it's already 3.4 millions have already been spent. Okay. I'm sorry speaking to microphone. The 3.4 million has already been spent. Correct. And the thing is that the project needs to go through the NEPA. So they tell us what's going to happen. Correct. So we're sitting on it right now. So NEP the NEPA um policy could tell us you know what we're not going to build it or it could tell us we are going to build it.

Okay. Well I'm sorry to interrupt you. So anyway so 3.4 million this is services rendered. Okay. So they still have to get paid either they're already paid through federal grants. Okay. So so that's the thing the federal grants it's like anything else about federal grants. If if we stop and say okay you know what then we're in the hole for 3.4 4 million because they want their money back. The federal government would want their money back. Correct. Um I just want to let council know where we're we're taking up the speaker's time. So I'd rather have them speak and then we can go into discussion and we can we can discuss

again, you know, going back to the the same deal. Um, so it's still I as a citizen of Sakoro, I rather spend the $3 million on taxes to stop this project instead of paying whatever the road's going to cost. From my understanding was something like 800 million. Now if it is that much, I mean like again we're going to be stuck with a tax on 800 million that Sooto residents are not going to use. It's not going to be beneficial for no support resident really. It's going to be more for Clint and Sani. Again, this road will not be used to go to El Paso. Nobody's going to travel up to the gateway. Go to Clint where the traffic. If you all been there, you know how bad it gets. And so, you're not going to sit there five minutes waiting for trucks to go through before you turn around and come back to El Paso.

Mr. Rodriguez, your time is up. All right. Thank you. Thank you, sir.

Jeremy Hendricks. So, for the record, Mr. Hendricks, you you uh you declined to comment. I I spoke my comments. My my comments were said in the earlier session. You already know my feelings on this road. The road doesn't need to occur. It doesn't benefit the majority of the squirrel citizens as you brief them. A very very minority portion of Squirrel citizens are going to use this road. You're passing it off as if it's going to benefit the greater portion of Saporro. It's not. Some Saporro residents will use it if they're going to Clinton Ellie, but the greater portion of Saporro will not use this road. And you're going to tax all of Saporro for it. And you're going to rob all of Soral residents that live in that area of their privacy, of their land, and of their right of peace and quiet. You're going to also bring in crime, traffic, and pollution of people. They didn't ask for it. We didn't want that road when we moved there. We don't want it now.

Thank you, sir. Edgar Cares.

Good. Good evening, mayor, city council. Um, I have a couple of questions for you. Uh, question number one, hearing Miss Rarte, have have you explored amending the scope of work? Have you also have you discussed payment plans with Texot? Is it accurate that this advanced funding agreement only specifies that you must design the project and nothing else? Please ask that question, guys. Alex, please. Um, so if you do complete the design, do you only have to pay back the do you have to pay back the money? How did this conversation interplay with the resolution regarding the eminent domain? And why does this action have to take uh place today? Um, I I probably will need a little bit more more time, but this is very stressful. Uh, Gina, Irene, Rudy, Alejandro, Cesar, I'm talking to you as a neighbor, as a father, as a husband. Please don't do this to us. I live raised in and born and raised in Sakoro and and uh I lived in a 8 by 20 travel trailer for 10 years. No water heater. Walked from metal drain to Robert Roas Elementary every day since I was five and six because my parents weren't. If you guys know where I live, that's a dream house for me. It's a dream community. If you guys went on a Halloween, we do a hay ride for trick-or-treating. It's a beautiful

Mr. Krasco, your time is up. Rudy, help me out. Council. Second. Thank you. All those in favor say I. I. I. Mr. Kas.

When I was when I was small, we used to go to Wholesale Lumber and get water from Wholesale Lumber. That was a generous man. Many people behind me used to do that. Not only to drink, shower, but to plant those trees that you see in their properties today. Please think about it. Think about expanding North Loop. We got people that can expand and help you expand North Loop. This is part of a greater project. You know what I'm talking about about expanding border highway to torneo and we know the reasons behind that. This is not to really help us. As you heard today, a lot of people, this road sits at the end of Sakura. So, please think about it. If you take my house away, take this people's land away, it takes away the dreams. We all had the choice to move away somewhere. When I went to college in Arizona, I had the choice to go back to Arizona, live there. But I decided to live right next to the ditch where I used to run when I was small and play in the mud. Please, please think about us. I know that you're trying to do the right thing. Listen to your heart. I know maybe but there is a payment plan for text. Please help us. Thank you. Alma Ramirez. Alma Ramirez. Aruro Pedro, Lucius, Rosio Martinez.

How many more are on the list after Miss Martinez. We have two more. Um after Okay. Uh are they are they willing to come up and speak after Miss Martinez? Miss Martinez is giving her time to Mr. Krasco. You allow them. Okay. And after that there's there's And after that we have two more.

Okay. Okay. Mr. Krasco, if you can make it brief. I know there's two other speakers and then we have some other agenda items. I'm sorry. As I'm sitting here, I'm thinking, but look behind you guys. Look at your logo. There's a church. We're people of faith. We're good people. Look, there's a farmer. There's a Native American my side. We're a patches on my father's side. Look, there's a concistador. We have fought this land through nature, growing crops, our trees, our families. We're very resilient. Please don't make this decision as we look for the future. I would love to see my children grow here in this community. I hate it when people say, "I want to grow up, go to school, and leave El Paso." So, please make those proper and good choices for the future. We will leave this community. We might pass away. You might not sit here in the future, but always remember those choices that you've founded a good foundation for the rest of us at city. Thank you. Thank you,

Manuela Casta.

Sharon stream. Thank you for allowing us to speak. I've lived on Anderson Road for 40 plus years when it was a dirt road and this is where we grew up with our livelihood having our horses, having agriculture, enjoying the quiet. We do not need this road down Anderson Road. If anything, North Loop and Sakor Road can't handle any more load. Those need to be widened first. Infrastructure Before we do anything with another highway, as the other gentleman said, we have four other roads coming down and going to I 10. We need to stop this. We need to say no. And I I don't know about the little bit I know about a feasibility study. They give you the money to do the study. You did the study. We've ruled it's not feasible. You shouldn't have to pay that money back. That's what a feasibility study is. So, the fact that you're trying to tell everybody we have to pay that money back, I don't believe that to be true. I could be wrong. That's just my understanding. But I think you all need to think about this seriously. How are you affecting it? May be only a small amount of people that the road's going to affect, but in the long run, it's going to affect everybody. It's world residents aren't going to use it because it doesn't even go to a I 10. They're going to go to a road where they can get us up.

Thank you. Thank you, ma'am. Mayor, those were all our speakers. Thank you. We don't have anyone online signed up. Uh no, we don't. No. Okay. I think Mr. Garcia had a question. Just to um everybody understand right now we're we're approving to finish the Napa study. Correct. Is that what we're doing? The NEPA study. Yes. And I'm sorry. And then what it here says it says they're the ones that could tell us if it's going to stop or we're going to do something else. Is that what I'm Did I translate that right?

Correct. So the study will determine where the arterial goes and if there's a no build option, right? But they need to complete the entire study in order for us to so what we what we approve today is to finish the study and whatever they receive, we will get it first and then we'll we'll move ahead for what they say. Right. I'm sorry. I'm sorry. So what I'm trying to say is that the study needs to be done and finished. the results will come to council. Yes, correct. They're not required to. Right. So the NEPA study, so in in other words, you went into an agreement

for to complete the NEPA study, right? Which is the environmental and the design. There is no construction money for this project. There is no construction money for this project. There is no agreement of a construction um agreement right now. And the agreement that is signed and that was signed in the P is for the study, right? Which is your environmental and the design. So how much would this cost the the BR whatever the road? So it's about $6 something million. I don't have the exact number. Alejandra, do you have that number?

But it's about six. So just for clarification, Matte, right now the vote is only to complete the study. Correct. 6.4. Correct. So the total amount is 6.4 and yes ma'am. Right now the studies on hold and this vote would only be to complete the study if you approve and would want us to continue. Yes. Or we can withdraw. Right. Those are the two options. If we decide to approve for it to be complete, then what happens after that? The study continues and after the study is done.

Correct. So the arterial iss identified and the design gets completed. And the design gets completed. Correct. Because that's what you're in agreement with. But we would have to come up with the six million on our own. No. So, right now you have federal funding up to $6.4 million. You've spent 3.4. Okay. Right. That the federal government has given you, right? And if we decide to not continue with the study, then our residents in the city of Sakoro will have to pay back that money. Yes. because you've already gone into an agreement

that you were going to complete and we've started the study and have spent about $3.4 million. So, this money would not just affect our area uh on Anderson. It would affect paying repaying this money would affect the entire city of Sakoro. Uh not just those residents that are being impacted by the by the street. It is for everybody. Correct. Everybody would be impacted.

Um I have a question on I keep hearing that the street the highway goes up and is not going up uh I 10. Uh can you clarify? So it's going to abut I 10 right now as it stands right. So once the study gets completed, that's when you can go for further funding in order to make that an intersection or you know, you've seen it done time and time again throughout other projects that the study is done and then it's identified that another signalization project is needed and you can go after those type of funds. Okay. Now also uh another thing I keep hearing is so coral residents aren't going to use it. The street is like half a mile from my house as well. So I'm being impacted as well. So it's half a mile away from my house. Um yet uh it will uh help residents of Sakoro with the traffic because these people coming in from the outer sides from Clint, from Torneo, from Favven, they'll take that road and not clog up our current streets, which is what is causing a big traffic jam right now. So, I understand that point and I just wanted more clarification on that road going all the way up to I 10.

Any other uh comments or or questions from council?

No, I just wanted to make something clear. North Loop is a textile road, right? It doesn't belong to the city. So I just want to make sure that some roads belong to the city of Sakoro and some roads don't belong to the city of Sakoro. Uh we did repay real Vista last year. So that city that road belongs to us. So the thing is that sometimes like north loop I understand that north loop and trust me I would love to have it bigger too. It's just up to text. Those are the things that kind of hamper us here in the city because roads belong to some of the city and some to text and even some Yeah. will be state. Just wanted to clear that up. I have a question for our attorney. U Mr. Martinez, can you hear me? Okay.

Yes, sir. I can. I know that when we um we gave a directive to our staff to research the implications of stopping the study. Uh there's there's some certain legal documents that your you and your team have have dissected to confirm that the reimbursement in the amount of 3.4 million or or whatever the exact amount would be upon completion of the study would would need to be reimbursed should should the uh city decide not to move forward with the the study. Um does it state that we would be in breach of contract by uh not continuing the study?

The the short answer to your question, Mr. Mayor, is is yes. Um the the cont there's a written contract between textile and the city. Uh in transportation terms it's called the LAFA. That's an acronym LP AFA. Um it's local project advanced funding agreement. And Texot, you know, they've done this all over the state. They've done it for decades. They're very cautious about this. And so they they set it up as an advanced funding agreement for a reason. They advance the costs upfront and if something happens, the project gets derailed, the the municipality changes its mind for whatever reason, text is in the position of saying, "Well, okay, we're you can cancel it. That's fine. But recall this was an advanced funding agreement. We advanced it for you and now that you canled it, you're going to have to pay us back." And that's the situation we face now.

Thank you, Mr. Martinez.

Yes, sir. M I wanted to ask a a question. I know that um well upon the city taking this project on um a lot of us sitting at the table today weren't weren't weren't there when this agreement was was one brought to this table um for a vote and and acceptance of it. Um, were there any questions ever asked by by prior administrations asking and again I don't think it was done with the intent of of um having a buyout properties or or even um knowing where the route would or the NEPA process would would take this arterial. But back then did anyone ever ask hey if we do you know sign off on this project and we accept it and we agreed to all its terms were will there be a moment where we may have to you know reroute this through someone's property was that ever brought up in the past um by prior administrations or was

not that I recall but every project I do know like Neville Waco tanks wrote there was land that needed to be purchased in order for you to complete okay that project. Okay. And and um So for the most part um the no build is still an option but the only way the no build option can become available to this body of government is upon completion of the study. Is that is that a true statement? Well the environmental let you know whether that's even a feasible option but right now it's on hold understood but the environmental study would have to would have to uh come to an end. Correct. Correct.

Okay. Okay. That's the only questions that I had. Um unless any other members of council had any more questions or comments they wanted to make on this item. Um so after after hearing the update on this item um it is it is an action item and Mr. Mr. Martinez, regarding the agenda item, the discussion and action regarding art one project, it's it's not specific as to what action needs to be taken, if any, but uh what action would this body need to take tonight?

Well, I I don't pretend to voice a policy view. I I the agenda item is broad. It's about the project generally, but it is an action item. Um, in general, I think and and you could take other actions, but in general, I think the council could decide to stop all activity on the the project and to inform text you're terminating the project um and authorize the city manager to communicate that to to them. Or you could say you you're instruct staff that you're you're proceeding with the project. There's no changes. You're there's you're continuing a pace. Um, and frankly, if you did nothing, if you just deleted it, um, it would continue. I it would be in limbo. The project has has stopped from text's perspective because the city effectively asked it to and said we had some questions about it. So given that limbo state and I your administration's request for clear direction, I I think your the most obvious choices are to in inform the count um decide that you're going to stop the project and inform text of that or that you're proceeding with the project and and authorizing Miss Ord to to convey that to text. Wouldn't there be specific language that needs to be um said for instance uh not the project in its entirety but but the the study

you could but that's where the project is to begin with. I mean you have a laafa agreement for the entire for the entire project. Right now it's in the NEPA stage and it's got it's got environmental study money and some design money and in its natural course if you proceed with it the the the process as it's already defined in the contract is it will get to the next step and then there'll be an inflection point um where they'll they'll choose the location and decide whether or not they have depending on the results of the environmental study then they'll come back with a finalized design. Very well. Thank you. Yes, sir.

Okay. Um, since there are no other comments or or questions from council, uh, does anyone have a motion? There's there's been a motion and second for for option one or two.

Uh, I want to finish the study. So, my motion is to finish the study. Step one, um, we do not, uh, I know for a fact we do not have the money. If we needed it to pay for it right now or at $6 million, that would be, uh, half our budget. So, I want to make a motion to finish the stud. So, Mr. Giz has made a motion to uh, uh, complete the study. There's a motion and a second favor say I. I. Any oppose or abstain? No, that miss that motion. Oppos.

Okay. Miss Roas opposes. So there's one opposition and uh three. So that motion carries. Correct. Correct. Okay. Thank you. The next item on the agenda is agenda item number 21. This is the discussion and action to approve the event permit and fee waiver request for the Christmas trails for toys parade for December 13th, 2025 from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.

Good evening, Mayor and Council Loren Kimo, city planner. Item number 21 is discussion and action to approve an event permit and fee waiver for the Christmas Trails for Toys parade. This would be scheduled for December 13th from 9 to 12:00 p.m. Uh, Miss Margarita Perez of Christmas uh toys uh

Trails for Toys made the request and is asking for a waiver of the $25 fee to hold the parade. They have uh already secured uh security and oh my gosh, I'm going to drop link on the traffic

traffic control and um constable escort. The parade parade will be again at the McDonald's on Horizon Boulevard. Go down Horizon to North Loop. The cars that are going to be a part of the parade will end at the uh Peter Piper Pizza on North Loop and the equestrian the horses uh will continue on the route to uh end at Waram with that staff can answer any questions. Miss Mar Miss Peris Mrs. Perez is also here to answer any questions as well as Mr. uh Resa who is also partnering with uh Miss Mrs. to uh to put together the parade.

Any uh questions or comments from council? I just have comments. I know that we churches, schools, we wave fees. Yes, for nonprofits and for this particular uh program that is continuous yearly, it was waved last year as well. So last year they didn't have a parade. This is their first year having a parade.

First year. So I'm just concerned that if we approve for to do this wave the fees will we open up forms for other than school just to ask the

correct right so I think that um the attorney has advised us multiple times of doing so right that if we do that you're pretty much not it's not recommended Jim I don't know if you want to shine Sure. I don't want to be repetitive, but there's a direct question to the representative's question. Yes, it's it's a risk. Um I have long suggested to council that, you know, permit fees are are not taxes. They're not discretionary items. They're fees we charge to provide a service and that the costs they should reflect the cost we incur to provide that service. And that the cost of that service doesn't vary. doesn't change depending on whether it's a boy scout troop or, you know, Soro High School or a Rotary Club or a for-profit organization, a local car dealership. And so I'm I'm always wary about waving fees. That would be my concern. [Music] It's just

correct.

I don't have a vote on the table, but I I I'll can always give my my two cents. And I think um like Mr. Nevada says, you know, it's it's always a case by case, but I also look at um I also look at is it just a regular parade or procession or is it for a good cause and I think it's for a good cause, right? It's it's they're not trying to turn a profit. It's not it's not something of that nature. But at at the end of the day, it's at the discretion of this council should you all desire uh to wave the the permit. I I see um the county constable's office on the on the letter are are they um they're also involved in the Yes, they're providing the escort service.

The escort service and on the waiver form the reason they are making the request is to just be able to have more toys to purchase more money to purchase toys which is what the parade is promoting. I'm noticing it's coming down um and entering pretty much two Tex dot highways. Would there have to be coordination with Tex as well? And and who would have to coordinate that? They would be coordinating that and they've already made that first uh outreach to Tex and Tex is asking them to submit our uh your your decision to them. Okay. For this next step. Okay. I believe there was a uh

have a motion. We don't have there was no motion under second. There's been a motion and second on this item. All those in favor say I. I. Any oppose or abstain? Okay. There's one. Uh nay. That motion carries. Thank you. Okay. The the next item for discussion is agenda item number 11. Um, but I'd like to make a motion for a short recess. Motion for recess. Okay. Second. All those in favor say I. I. Okay. At this time, we'll go ahead and take a short recess. You

Uh, good evening again everyone. And it's 8:05 p.m. and it's uh still October 6, 2025. And we're going to go ahead and continue the Octo Yes, I'm sorry, November November 6, 2025.

We'll redact that from the meeting minutes. Um we're going to continue with the regular agenda item. And this is agenda item number 11. This is a public hearing of an ordinance of the city of Sakoro, Texas, establishing the roadside memorial marker program and the regulations for the administration of the program and establishing an effective date. It is 8:05 p.m. and the public hearing is now open. Thank you, Miss Navaro. As there are no speakers, we'll go ahead and close it at 8:06 p.m. And moving on to agenda item number 12. This is the second reading and adoption of an ordinance of the city of Sakoro, Texas, establishing the roadside memorial marker program and the regulations for the administration of the program and establishing an effective date.

Motion to approve. A second. Second. And we have Victor Perez presenting. Miss Rodarte presenting on behalf of Mr. Perez. It was his his item.

Good evening, Mayor and Council. Adriana Rodarte, city manager. The Sakoro City Council directed staff to draft an ordinance creating a roadside memorial marker program. Through the proposed ordinance, the city would authorize the placement of privately funded roadside memorial markers, honoring individuals who died because of impaired drivers operating motor vehicles. The roadside memorial markers will allow families to com commemorate a loved one who has perished because of another driver operating a motor vehicle while impaired. At the same time, the marker will serve as a reminder of the danger of impaired driving. And we're here to answer any questions. Do any members of council have any questions or comments on this item?

No. I have a question. This is the the ordinance I proposed, correct? for the um the item I proposed. I think this is an item that you brought a while back and and now since the uh the planning and zoning department has had time to work on some language and draft up uh something that was non-existent in our um in our ordinances. It's now being brought for us to adopt. Now in in the ordinance will it be detailed as far as who will be able to how it's attached in your packet? Okay.

Of how the ordinance reads and it also once the application goes through a fee will be assessed to the families. But all of the information is in the ordinance and it's in your backup. Thank you. Any other comments or questions on this item? No. Okay. There was a motion and second. All those in favor say I. I. Any oppose or abstain? That motion carries. Thank you. The next agenda item is number 13. This is the public hearing of an ordinance number 6:35. Amendment number three, amendment to decrease expenditures by $70 for the fiscal year 2024 and 2025. It is 8:08 p.m. and the public hearing is now open.

No speakers, me. Okay. As there are no speakers, we're going to go ahead and close it at 8:08 p.m. as well. Agenda item number 14. This is the second reading and adoption of an ordinance number 635, amendment number three, amendment to decrease expenditures by $70 for the fiscal year 2024 2025. Motion to approve. Second.

Good evening, Mayor and Council. Aliano, city manager. This item is requesting approval of budget amendment number three for the current fiscal year as part of our um not our current but our last fiscal year. As part of our ongoing financial management process, this amendment reflects adjustments between existing line items to better align the budget with actual expenditures and operational needs. Specifically, this amendment will decrease the overall budget by $70. The accompanying backup documentation provides a detailed explanation of the funds being reallocated from one account code to another to ensure accuracy and compliance within the city's accounting structure. Staff anticipates presenting budget amendment number four before the end of the calendar year to address any additional year-end adjustments or corrections that may arise. And staff is here to uh answer any questions. Any questions or comments by council? I know that $70 um is is a very small number, but um I think it's just this is us being as transparent as possible. Whenever there's any type of amendment to our budget or any type of reallocation of GL codes, this is something that we have to take action on, whether it's $20 or or $30. So, just wanted to uh throw that out there. There was a motion and second on the table. All those in favor say I. I.

That motion carries. Any oppose or abstain? Okay. Thank you. Agenda item number 15. This is a public hearing of an ordinance for the proposed amendment to the city of Sakoro's master plan and resoning of lot one and lot two block three pool subdivision replat E located at 1080 and 10808 Stacy Drive. So, Cororo, Texas from R1 single family residential to R2 medium density residential to allow for a duplex on each property. It is now 8:10 p.m. and the public hearing is now open. No speakers, ma'am. Okay.

As there are no speakers for this item, we're going to go ahead and close the public hearing at 8:11 p.m. as well. Agenda item number 16. This is the second reading and adoption of an ordinance for the proposed amendment to the city of Sakoto's master plan and resoning of lot one and lot two block three pool subdivision replat e located at 1080 and 10808 Stacy Drive Soroto Texas from R1 single family residential to R2 medium density residential to allow for a duplex on each property. Motion to approve.

Uh thank you mayor and councel again. Kimito, city planning and development. The property at 10800 and 10808 Stacy Drive is are requesting a resoning. These are lots one and two, block three of the pool subdivision, re plat E. Property owners are loose Martinez and Rosa Artega. The lots are 11,821 square ft and 10,5 square ft in size. They are currently zoned R1 and vacant. The future land use map designates this area as suburban residential. The request is for approval of a resoning of two properties from R1 to R2. Planning and zoning staff recommends approval of the resoning request. The planning and zoning commission voted for approval uh unanimously with five members present at their October 7th uh planning and zoning meeting. The property is located on the corner of Odin and Stacy. It is R1 single family residential and surrounded by R1 single family residential zoning. This is a zoomed out view of the properties and their proximity to Alamea Avenue. The original pool uh subdivision was recorded in May of 1983. It had 109 It has 109 R1 lots, one R2 lot, no R3 lots, one commercial C1 lot and 18 C2 lots and it also contains 18 vacant lots.

Uh the future land use map designates again the area as suburban residential. But as you can see the properties are vacant surrounded by a mix of um different types of R1 manufactured homes um traditional built homes.

These are views of the property. Bless you. Uh the property from the view of the property at 10800 St.C. Drive and a view of the property at 10 808 Stacy Drive. And then another image taken from the intersection of Odin and Stacy. Property owners were notified of the zoning request. No uh no no notices were received either in favor or against the zoning change sent into our office. These these are the site plans. This is for 10800 Stacy Drive. There would be a two again a duplex um two units each one measuring 1,200 square ft. This is a site plan for the 10 808 Stacy Drive property. The applicants did uh reach out to the neighbors to gather their support and see uh if there would be any opposition to the request and they had uh several of the residents uh sign their uh petition in support of their request. Again, in summary, the request is for approval of a resoning of two properties from R1 to R2 to allow for a duplex on each property. And with that, staff can answer any questions. And the applicants are also in attendance if you have any questions for them.

Any uh comments or questions by council? No. You want to know what kind of flooring they're going to use or appliances they're going to install? No. Carpet? No. Carpet or tile? No. I think these are the types of developments we like to see because we've seen uh the vacant lots uh for so long and it's good to see them finally being developed and then homes for families to move into. So um that's something good. Um there was a motion and second on the table. All those in favor say I. I. Any oppose or abstain?

That motion carries. Thank you all. Good luck and congratulations. Um the next item is agenda item number 17. This is also a public hearing of an ordinance for the approval of a replat for Hiendas Deva unit 2 replat G subdivision being a replat of lot 4 block 7 Hiendas deva unit 2 subdivision and located at 301 via Rojo Drive Soo Texas. It's now 8:16 p.m. and the public hearing is now open. No speakers, ma'am.

As there are no speakers, we'll go ahead and close the public hearing at 8:16 p.m. as well. Agenda item number 18, second reading and adoption of an ordinance for the approval of a replat for Hiendas Deva unit 2 replat G subdivision being a replat of lot 4 block 7 asendas dev unit 2 subdivision and located at 301 via Rojo Drive Soro Texas. Motion to approve.

Thank you mayor and councel. The Hias unit to replat G request is located at 301 VA Rojo Drive. It is a reflat of lot 4, block 7 of Hienda Delv unit 2 subdivision. the property owner Jose and property owners Jose and Esmea Hiron their representative Reseandez with Innovative with Style and the property is just under half an acre in size. The current zoning is single family residential and the request is for a flat to divide the lot into two. Staff recommends approval of the request and the planning and zoning commission voted for approval uh unanimously 5 to zero at their October 7th meeting. The property is uh located at the intersection of VA Ro uh on the corner on V Rojo Drive. It is single family residential. These are photographs taken of the property from Bay Rojo. The aerial shows the two homes on the property and the plat shows the split.

With that, staff can answer any questions. Any uh questions or comments on this one here? So, this is only This is a lot split that's that's that's taking place. Okay. Nobody wants to share the property taxes anymore. They're done. All right. I'm checking to see. Sometimes it may be off a few Yeah. few feet. I'm sure they're trying to incorporate an

equal amount of 10,000 be able to meet the meets and bounds as well those existing properties or structures. Um any uh questions or comments on this one here? No. Okay. There was a motion and second on the table. All those in favor say I. Any oppose or abstain? That motion carries. Thank you, Miss Kamino. Uh we're now moving on to the this is the most exciting portion of our meetings. This is the human resources department with agenda item number 19. This is the discussion and action to approve the proposed holiday schedules for calendar years 2026, 2027, and 2028. Motion to approve.

Second. Good evening, mayor and council. Caroli here, HR director. So this agenda item is to discuss the action on approving the proposed holiday schedules for the calendar year of 2026, 2027 and 28. This schedule ensures consistency observance of the official holidays for the for all city hall for all city departments while aligning with the federal and state guidelines. I am here to answer any questions should you have any. Does anyone have any questions for Miss Gandelia about the holiday schedules? You guys want to add any or take away? Let us know right now. Forever hold your peace. So I think uh there was already a motion. Got a question before Mr. Dav.

Yes, sir. For for New Year's Eve, it's it's just the 31st, not the first. Am I on which which calendar, sir? Never mind. I agree with your question. It goes It goes all the way to to the to the top of of the list. Yes. New Year's Day. Can we add to their chavis day? It's up to you council. You give me what direction to change or to add. I'm here. My pen is ready.

Chavez. Any more uh discussion on this item or questions? Oh, there was that was a motion and second. All those in favor say I. Any oppose or abstain? That motion carries. Thank you. Thank you, ma'am. Agenda item number 20 is the discussion and action to approve the job description for the city engineer. Motion to approve. Second.

Again, good evening, mayor and council. Carol Gandaladi, HR director. So, this action is to seek approval from the for the city engineer job description. The city engineer position was presented and endorsed by the city council during a special meeting that was held back on September the 11th of 2025. The position is a full-time salary exempt role position encompassing dual responsibilities to both as both the city engineer and the director of parks and public works. The position will report to and operate within the parks and public works department. This position was uh again approved and uh discussed with council during the special meeting back in September and this uh role and responsibilities have been discussed with the city manager. I'm here to answer any questions should you have any?

You have any questions about this city uh engineer and their responsibilities? No. Okay. There was a motion and a second on the table. All those in favor say I. I. Any oppose or abstain? That motion carries. Thank you. Thank you. Uh we've already discussed agenda item number 21 and um we're down to agenda item number 22. This is the discussion and action on calling a regular council meeting date for December pursuant to section 3.07 of the Sakoro city charter. Motion to approve.

Good evening May and council. Um, Adriana Rodart, city manager. This item is to request city council's approval to call the regular council meeting for December in accordance to the section 3.07 of the city charter. Uh, the staff is recommending that the regular December council meeting be scheduled for Thursday, December 4th, 2025, which falls on the first Thursday of the month. Establishing this date now ensures compliance with the city charter and provides adequate time to the public notice and allows staff and public to prepare for year end items requiring council consideration. Additionally, staff will probably bring forward an agenda item at the next council meeting to cancel the first meeting in January as it falls on Thursday, January 1st, 2026, which you just approved the

holiday schedule. So, it is a holiday um and it's a federal and city observed holiday. Uh but that will be brought at the next council meeting and staff is here to answer any questions. So, we only have one meeting in December. Yes, sir. Not the not the third week, not the 18th. No, ma'am. And so, there's only one meeting. There's so there's always one meeting, but I remember a lot of times we come and do a special meeting. Correct. If there's things that need uh council's approval, we definitely call a special meeting.

There was a um Oh, there's no further discussion or questions. No, I just know.

Okay. for December 4th. Yes, we'll just have to go to Maryland for the meeting. No. So, uh let's let's all take some time and mark our calendars right now for December 4th. Um again, we don't know what the future holds for any of us and if we'll have quorum at the time, but thank you, Mr. Nevada, for letting us know. We'll make note of that. Um does December 4th sit well with everyone here on council? Yes. Okay. All right. Except Mr. Nevada is correct. You'll be out of time. So you won't be When's the parade? Yes. This the sixth.

December. Okay. December the 5th. I'll send the boss and my girls to represent. Okay. So December 4th is is when we'll schedule We'll schedule that one. Any uh more questions or discussion on this item right here? There was a motion and second. All those in favor say I.

Any oppose or abstain? That motion carries. Thank you. Um agenda item number 23. This is the discussion and action to approve and ratify the interlocal agreement with the El Paso area transportation services LGC EPATS for public transit access in the city of Sakuro. Good evening mayor and council Adrian Rovartes city manager. This item concerns the approval and ratification of interlocal agreement between the city of Sakoro and El Paso area transportation services uh effective October 1st, 2025. This agreement was brought forward by John Ando, executive director director of EPADS to continue providing public transit access for residents of Sakoro. Through this partnership, EPADS will operate fixed routes, bus services, ADA complimentary paratransit services and microtransit services within the city of Sakoro. The agreement is intended to enhance mobility, reduce traffic congestion, and air pollution. Under the terms of this agreement, the city of Sakakota will pay an annual access fee of $5,000 to EPADS due by November 1st of each fiscal year. The agreement will remain in effect through September 30th of 2026. It can automatically renew annually unless terminated by either party with a 30-day written notice. And this item just seeks approval to ratify it to October 1st of 2025.

Motion to approve. And staff is here to answer. Any uh questions or comments on this item here? No. There was a motion and second on the table. All those in favor say I. I. Any oppose or abstain? That motion carries. Thank you. Miss Roas. Okay. Unanimous vote there. It carries. We um we're going to jump down agenda item number 24 which is the discussion and action to approve the interlocal cooperation agreement between the city of Sakoro and the city of San Lisario.

Motion to approve.

Good evening mayor and council city manager. So Mayor Chakoan of San Lisario approached the city of Sakuro to request assistance with certain public works activities due to San Lisario's limited operational budget and staffing constraints. The proposed interlocal agreement establishes a framework for cooperation under which Sakoro may on a projectby- project basis provide limited assistance to Sanelisario. This assistance may include personnel, equipment and or materials for specific projects such as street paving, pothole repairs, and other smallcale infrastructure maintenance. All work performed under this agreement will be subject to resource availability. So Koro's own public works needs to needs will take priority at all times. Um each authorized individually each project will require written cost estimate and scope of work from Sakoro to be formally approved by Sanisario before any work begins and then reimbursement by Senelisario. The city of Sakuro will be reimbursed for actual cost including labor, equipment, use of material and fuel. This cooperative approach allows Sakoto to support neighboring municipality while maintaining fiscal accountability and flexibility. It also aligns with the Texas interlocal cooperation act uh which allows local governments to show re to share resources to perform governmental functions efficiencies and staff is here to answer any questions.

I have a question. Yes ma'am. What kind of resources are we sharing? monetary or monetary or is it people going out and doing the services or is it city money that we're using to fund?

No. So the assistance includes personnel, equipment and or materials for specific projects such as street paving, pothole repairs and other smallcale infrastructure maintenance. and they're reimbursing the personnel or they're is it just our cost? Are we doing um are we're paying our the labor for our personnel? No. So, uh when you become an interlocal agreement when they identy identify a project, we go in and we quote them for that project. Oh, that's right.

And then at that point, they take it to their council to approve whether they want to pay what we're asking uh the price that we're giving them. Thank you for the clarification. Any comments or uh quick comment? We just got to be ready for people to be calling and telling us that there's people working in

you know. Yeah. And and I think that right now and and moving forward, should this agreement be one that that the the city of Sanario can can finance um there first has to be some agreements and terms in place so that we can engage. Um and the whole reason and purpose behind this is because our our sister city and neighbors, they don't they don't quite have the uh operational budget uh the way we do. So whenever they go out for these types of projects, they're having to contract it out to a contractor, which in turn has to charge uh labor fees, um materials, but at the same time, they need to turn a profit where us as a municipality or a governmental entity. We can't necessarily turn our profit, but what we can do is it would be no different than us doing this type of project within our own city because the the funds have already been suffice through the the tax base. Um the only difference is the city requesting the services from Soro will now have to reimburse those monies once the city has let them know this is the amount of money that it's going to cost you in labor hours um material and any type of u uh machinery that that we may need to take out there to help them with their project. But there's a 100% reimbursement on their end to us. But at the same time, it's going to come at a much lesser cost because we're we're not here to turn a profit. We're just here to knock it out for them and and help them out a bit. I think Sani has struggled long enough and these are the opportunities that they are trying to take advantage and I think we should take advantage of it too because um Sanel and Soro, they've they've um

yeah, we're sister cities and I think this is a good project. But at the end of the day, it uh it's going to have to come back to the table once more for us to uh to say yes or no to it. Am I am I right once we get a price or is this it? Is this a done deal after taking this vote?

No. So, they still have to take it to their council and then whenever they're ready for a project, then we will discuss the scope and how we're going to move forward with that project. So, it's on a project to project and because of the limited budget, I don't foresee us lasting there more than a day, day and a half to complete our, you know, a street overlay or at the magnitude we can probably knock it off on the weekend. We'll charge them overtime if that's what we're paying our employees to work. Okay. Yeah. So, that's that's pretty much it. Um, any question?

And along the lines with what uh Uh Mr. Reyes mentioned earlier about us getting calls from the community. Um is there something a flyer or something a statement that uh you all can provide later and I'm talking for later terms but so that our community residents understand that it is not our money in there per se because I know we're going to hear they're not this we have a pothole. How come they're fixing that one without understanding the situation of the communication between the two sister?

Because they have the money to fix the paho right now. We're going to fix it for them. Like the easy answer that and that's what I'm saying. Is there a statement? That's what I'm saying. Is there a a statement that you all can We can have staff prepare a formal statement and again it still has to go to their council. um they have to discuss and they have to agree to the terms. They may come back and say, "Hey, you know what? We don't want Sakoro over here doing it. We want someone else to do it. We want somebody less certified." And so we'll have to just go with that and um and wait until we get a response from Sali. Yeah.

Any other questions, concerns, or comments about this one? No. Okay. There was a motion and second on the table. All those in favor say I. I that motion carries. Thanks. Thank you. The next item is agenda item number 26. This is the discussion and action to direct city staff to evaluate and present financing options related to the issuance of certificates of obligations, also known as cos to support ongoing and future infrastructure and capital improvement needs. Motion to approve.

Second. Thank you council um for allowing me to present this item to you all. I feel that it's it's necessary. It's needed and I think that we us as uh representatives of the city at times our frustration has grown because we haven't been able to see large capital improvements happen at the rate we would like them to see. And and that that really it's not our fault. It's not the the resident's fault. At the end of the day, it comes it comes down to the amount of money that we have to spend on certain repairs. Now, uh pothole repairs happen on a daily uh throughout the year annually. Um just park improvements is something that we have not been able to get a good hold of because we go out to one park and we and we paint the pole and then we go to another park and then we put a light and we go to another park and we plant some grass. we and but really is it is it what the residents are are actually seeing? They want to see some real work being done. So, I think the only way we're going to be able to accomplish this right now is if we um we give our staff a directive to go out and see well how much how much debt our city can acquire, but in a healthy way. We we don't we don't want to push it. We want to make sure that we're doing it in a healthy way. But we we do need to acquire a little bit of debt so that we can knock out some real big street overlays. I know some of the streets that we drive on and our residents drive on, they're they're pretty they're pretty bad. Um and uh we keep doing these this patchwork. I think it's time that we we really um get a good hold of this here and we can knock out some real big projects such as overlays and the park improvements. I know that all of us have parks in our areas that our residents have asked for some for for us to improve, but at the at the end of the day, the improvement or or anything like that, it doesn't look like one that's impactful because

the budget is so small and we're trying to eat this elephant uh with uh the the the mouth of a mouse. And so just looking at us here and the way you guys ate enchiladas back there, I think that we really need to sit down and and see how much debt we can acquire so we can knock out some real big projects here. But the only way we're going to be able to do that is um by having our staff go out first. So we can't just say, "Yeah, you know what? We want to go acquire x amount of millions of dollars in cos." That's that's up to a different entity to dictate that because what they'll come in and they'll do is they'll they'll conduct some sort of a a financial I don't know I don't want to call it an audit but they they want to see how healthy we're looking right um in order for us to acquire some of this debt here they'll do they'll do what the traditional bank does to us when we walk in asking for the bank loan right they want to see what our debt to income ratio looks like and uh that's what I'm bringing to the table here but again we can't move forward with this unless we take action on this item tonight and u here to answer any questions and so is Mod.

M Rod, can you explain a little bit about the SE because this again this is something that's that's uh that's new to me as well. Um as far as cos go it could be seen as a loan. There's another term for for the certificates of obligation. Right.

Correct. So that's all all that's all based on your um taxes, right? you have for the M and then you have for debt services. So you can go up to like a dollar something in debt service. However, that's not recommended. Right now we're about at uh 10 cents in debt service, right? So we would have to make an assessment and see how much we can go out to um that we can borrow. However, through our five-year capital plan, we did we have outlined approximately $25.7 million in project. Can you pull that slide up? Those 27 those $25.7 million in proposed capital projects um identifies street overlays, sidewalks, park improvements, drainage improvements, fleet and equipment replacements, and the creation of a solid waste department. Do you have a slide that you wanted to

correct present? And I think we can all agree with some of the items that that were just mentioned right now because a lot of the phone calls we receive from our residents is when am I getting a sidewalk? When are you guys going to come fix my street? When are you guys going to fix one side of the street? Why is it only one side of the street? Um and and

so in order for for even um me approaching the the company that handles our seals, we have to identify what projects. They're not just going to come and and give you an assessment without them knowing why you want to go out to debt, right? So, there's going to have to be a notice of intent, right? Um that we're going to have to bring back to council where council says, "I have an intent to borrow money, and this is what I want to borrow money for." Um they'll come out and do the assessment and let us know how much we can borrow. Um I want to say that the passport and vineyard bridge improvements that is identified there that's actually being covered through isalur pueblo um they're they're the ones that are helping us and they were able to tap into federal funds and uh be able to expand those bridges. We we are you know after talking to staff on Monday we are pursuing to see if we can use those $3.8 million to bring the utility infrastructure into the Rio Vista complex. Right. That is something that it's real hard for us to get funded for the utility infrastructure. Um, we have received appropriations, but they're mostly for the buildings, not the actual infrastructure. And you can rehabilit rehabilitate the buildings, but without the utility infrastructure, it does no good for us, right? So it's it's really important that if we do re really want to be aggressive in going after funding that we do invest in that utility infrastructure and I'm here to answer any questions but there is a process um but we do have to identify and that's why we adopt always our five-year capital improvement program and identify projects where we already have a plan and identified which parks there's a design there's an actual cost attached to Um, and then you determine which ones

you want and the amounts that you want to tie to each project. So, we need to find out what our borrowing power is first and and an entity. Will there have to be an RFP that goes out to identify this entity or is it one that we've worked for in the worked with in the past? Correct. It's someone that we've worked for in the past.

Okay. And this number can always change. This is again uh these are these are projected numbers. There may be a project or line item that we're seeing right now that we may want to remove and say you know what let's leave that uh for later but I think that some of these bridge expansions are very very much needed especially uh pass more and being pass is like it's like a roller coaster. I don't know what's on the other side when I'm going up the A lot of people have lost bumpers and muffers. I've lost my bumper to that road twice. Um and she almost lost her mind the other day.

No, I've been there for 17 years. So, yeah, I've lost it twice throughout those years. So, yeah. Um replaced it twice.

And and I think uh these are the struggles that a lot many of our residents have experienced. I'm looking out also for our public safety vehicles as well. A large fire truck has a hard time getting up on that thing. Um, so we're trying to make it a lot better for our residents to travel through our streets safely. Um, and as always, we're a growing city and the our fleet is one that's also growing with the city. So, we we do require a lot of that machinery as well that we're going to have to invest a little bit of money in there. Um, but for the most part, we can always add or take away from this dependent on what our borrowing power looks like.

Agreed. Yeah. Okay. Did anybody make a motion, Miss? Yes, we have a motion. Mr. I make the motion seconded by Mus. There was a a motion and a second for this item. All those in favor say I. I. Any oppose or abstain? That motion carries. Um, do we have any items for 27, 28, and 29? Motions to leave item 27, 28, and 29. Second. There's been a motion to delete 27, 28, and 29. All in favor say I. I. Any oppose or abstain? That motion carries. Motion to adjurnn.

Second. All those in favor? I. Mr. Garcia has made a motion to adjourn the meeting and it's it's adjourns at 8:45 p.m. Thank you all. Thank you. Thanks everyone. Good night. Good night.