HomeMy WebLinkAboutSigned Minutes 03-16-20Minutes of the Arlington
City Council Meeting
Council Chambers
110 East Third Street
March 16, 2020
Councilmembers Present: Mike Hopson, Michele Blythe, Jan Schuette, Marilyn Oertle,
Jesica Stickles, Debora Nelson, and Don Vanney.
Council Members Absent: None.
Staff Present: Mayor Barb Tolbert, Paul Ellis, and Wendy Van Der Meersche.
Also Known to be Present: Kathy Vanney.
Mayor Barb Tolbert called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m., and the Pledge of Allegiance and
roll call followed.
APPROVAL OF THE AGENDA
Mayor Pro Tem Jesica Stickles moved to approve the agenda as presented. Councilmember
Marilyn Oertle seconded the motion, which passed with a unanimous vote.
Mayor Tolbert read a statement regarding COVID-19 precautions the City is taking, including
social distancing set up for tonight's meeting.
INTRODUCTION OF SPECIAL GUESTS AND PRESENTATIONS
None.
PROCLAMATIONS
None.
PUBLIC COMMENT
None.
CONSENT AGENDA
Mayor Pro Tem Jesica Stickles moved and Councilmember Jan Schuette seconded the motion
to approve the Consent Agenda that was unanimously carried:
1. Minutes of the March 2 and March 9, 2020 Council meetings
2. Accounts Payable: EFT Payments and Claims Checks #99157 through #99278 dated
March 3, 2020 through March 16, 2020 for $599,197.14; and Payroll EFT Payments
and Checks #29508 through #29516 dated February 1, 2020 through February 29,
2020 for $1,390,386.74.
3. Professional Services Agreement with Karen Reed Consulting, LLC
4. Ordinance Amending Ordinance No. 2019-012 Regarding Legal Description
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Minutes of the City of Arlington City Council Mecting March 16, 2020
PUBLIC HEARING
Resolution Declaring Certain Property (Vehicles) as Surplus
City Administrator Paul Ellis requested Council approve the resolution declaring certain
vehicles as surplus.
The public hearing was opened at 7:04 p.m. With no one wishing to speak, the public
hearing portion was closed at 7:04 p.m. Council questions were opened at 7:04 p.m. With
no further comments or questions, the public hearing was closed at 7:06 p.m.
Mayor Pro Tem Jesica Stickles moved and Councilmember Debora Nelson seconded the
motion I move to approve the Resolution Declaring Certain Property as Surplus, and
authorize the Mayor to sign the resolution. The motion passed unanimously.
NEW BUSINESS
Resolution for Emergency Declaration for Burn Road Waterline Break and Repair
City Administrator Paul Ellis requested Council approve the resolution declaring an
emergency for water main repair at 207th Street and Burn Road. Discussion followed with
Mr. Ellis answering Council questions.
Councilmember Debora Nelson moved and Councilmember Jesica Stickles seconded the
motion to approve the Resolution Declaring an Emergency and Waiving Competitive Bidding
Requirements due to a Break in the Burn Road Water Main, and authorized the Mayor to sign
the resolution, pending final approval by the City Attorney. The motion passed unanimously.
Financing for New Fire Station 48
City Administrator Paul Ellis reviewed financing options for new Fire Station 48.
The City is currently leasing space for Fire Station 48. The lease agreement was entered
into April 1, 2018 and can be terminated by either party, at any time. The current owner of
the facility would like the City to vacate as soon as possible as they would like to the use the
facility for a different purpose. The short term nature of the lease agreement is driving the
City's need for a new fire station as there isn't an alternative facility that can be used.
Councilmember Marilyn Oertle moved and Councilmember Debora Nelson seconded the
motion to authorize the finance director to sign the term sheet, as presented, with Sterling
Bank, authorizing continued negotiations on the financing of the new fire station.
ADMINISTRATOR & STAFF REPORTS
City Administrator Paul Ellis indicated that IT Director Bryan Terry is working on a process
to give Councilmembers remote access to council meetings. In the near future, he will
conduct testing, and provide training. Mr. Ellis has contacted the City Attorney to prepare a
resolution to make changes to Council Rules and Procedures to allow remote access. It is still
in process. There will be protocols in place to provide structure and allow all
councilmembers to make comments. This will allow councilmember and members of the
public the opportunity to call in.
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Minutes oMe-City of Arlington City Council Meeting March Ib 2020
Mr. Ellis also stated that many public utility districts, in light of the coronavirus, have waived
late fees and suspended shutoffs, due to people being without jobs, and businesses closing.
Council does have authority to do that, as well. A resolution is not required at this point, but
a motion can be made tonight for the March and April billing period with an emergency
action. Anything beyond that, a resolution would be generated. Discussion followed.
Emergency Waiver of Utility Bill Late Fees and Suspension of Water Shutoffs for March
and April 2020
Mayor Pro Tem Jesica Stickles moved and Councilmember Marilyn Oertle seconded the
motion to waive utility bill late fees and suspend water shutoffs on overdue bills for March
and April 2020. The motion passed unanimously.
In the upcoming months, Mr. Ellis wants to limit the amount of staff present at Council
meetings, and will try to perform presentations himself. He asked Councilmembers to
consider holding one Council cycle a month (one workshop, one meeting), during this time.
If video conferencing becomes available, that would be the first priority. Discussion followed.
The Mayor indicated that with the Governor's updates, physical Council meetings may have
to be suspended temporarily. In that case, workshops would be suspended, and packets
would be distributed early, with a Council meeting held remotely.
City revenues and economic downturn was discussed. The Mayor indicated an in depth
discussion would likely occur at the retreat. She asked Councilmembers to remain flexible
about the April 3-4 retreat date. That date may be pushed out. She indicated that information
would be coming.
COMMENTS FROM COUNCILMEMBERS
Councilmember Don Vanney stated that he received a phone call today from a local
business owner who would like to paint the exterior of his business, but has been unable to
connect with the Permit Center staff. City Administrator Paul Ellis indicated he would
follow up.
Councilmember Michele Blythe inquired whether there is a provision for citizens who
unable to pay utility bills. Mr. Ellis indicated that those individuals are directed to services
in the area, such as the Arlington Community Resource Center. Discussion followed.
MAYOR'S REPORT
None.
EXECUTIVE SESSION
None.
ADJOURNMENT
With no further business to come before the Council, the meeting was adjourned at 7:33 p.m.
Barbara Tolbert, Mayor
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