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CITY OF TEXAS CITY
REGULAR CALLED CITY COMMISSION MEETING

AGENDA

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 18, 2024 - 5:00 P.M.

KENNETH T. NUNN COUNCIL ROOM - CITY HALL
1801 9th Ave. N.
Texas City, TX 77590

PLEASE NOTE: Public comments and matters from the floor are generally limited to 3 minutes in length. If you would like to request to speak, please do so in advance of the meeting by filling out a Request To Address Commission form. All in attendance are required to remove hats and/or sunglasses (dark glasses) during meetings and to also silence all cell phones and electronic devices.

(1)

ROLL CALL

(2)

INVOCATION

(3)

PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE

(4)

PROCLAMATIONS AND PRESENTATIONS

(a)

Service Awards

Tacarra Creamer

Parks & Recreation

12/08/2014

10 years

Damon McNeel

Library

12/20/1999

25 years

Mickey House

Police

12/27/1994

30 years

Debra McGrew

Police

12/19/1994

30 years

(b)

Firefighter of the Year 2024 Award Presented to Engineer Brent Black

(5)

PUBLIC COMMENTS

(6)

CONSENT AGENDA

(a)

Approve City Commission Minutes for the December 4, 2024 meeting. (City Secretary)

(b)

Consider and take action on Resolution No. 2024-171, approving and awarding a contract for Bid No. 2025-001 Vegetation Management Chemicals Annual Contract. (Public Works)

(c)

Consider and take action on Resolution No. 2024-172, authorizing a fiscal year payment to Badger Meter for wireless cell phone reading of water usage for billing of City Water Customers. (Public Works)

(d)

Consider and take action on Resolution No. 2024-173, authorizing the purchase of bunker gear for the Texas City Fire Department. (Fire)

(e)

Consider and take action on Resolution No. 2024-174, adopting the new City of Texas City Water Conservation and Drought Contingency Plan. (Public Works)

(f)

Consider and take action on Resolution No. 2024-175, authorizing payment to Accurate Utility Supply for the purchase of meters and other related appurtenances. (Public Works)

(7)

REGULAR ITEMS

(a)

Consider and take action on Resolution No. 2024-176, authorizing a Waiver of Right to Terminate provision 16.6 of the 312 Tax Abatement Agreement between the City of Texas City and Gulf Coast Ammonia LLC., for failure to place the improvement in service by December 31, 2024. (Management Services)

(b)

Consider and take action on Resolution No. 2024-177, authorizing the Mayor or his designee to enter into a contract with Generocity Services (Choice Partners Contract #23/016MR-17) to replace the original target system and floor at the Criminal Justice Center Indoor Shooting Range. (Public Works)

(c)

Consider and take action on Resolution No. 2024-178, authorizing a Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA) for Non-Civil Service staff. (Finance)

(d)

Consider and take action on Ordinance No. 2024-29, amending the 2024/2025 fiscal year budget to accept and appropriate funds from Lago Mar Development Authority and appropriate funds from the Undesignated Fund Balance Sewer Zone 2. (Finance)

(e)

Consider and take action on Resolution No. 2024-179, ratifying the authorization of payment made for windstorm insurance premiums to the Texas Windstorm Insurance Association (TWIA). (Finance)

(8)

COMMISSIONERS' COMMENTS

(9)

MAYOR'S COMMENTS

(10)

ADJOURNMENT

NOTICE OF ANY SUBJECT APPEARING ON THIS AGENDA REGARDLESS OF HOW THE MATTER IS STATED MAY BE ACTED UPON BY THE CITY COMMISSION.

NOTICE: The City of Texas City will furnish free transportation to handicapped individuals via a 4-door sedan for anyone wishing to attend the City Commission meetings. Call 948-3111, City Secretary's Office before noon on Monday preceding the meeting to make arrangements.

I, THE UNDERSIGNED AUTHORITY, DO HEREBY CERTIFY THAT THIS NOTICE OF MEETING WAS POSTED ON THE BULLETIN BOARDS AT CITY HALL, 1801 9TH AVENUE NORTH, TEXAS CITY, TEXAS, AT A PLACE CONVENIENT AND READILY ACCESSIBLE TO THE GENERAL PUBLIC AND ON THE CITY'S WEBSITE ON DECEMBER 13, 2024, PRIOR TO 5:00 P.M. AND REMAINED SO POSTED CONTINUOUSLY FOR AT LEAST 72 HOURS PRECEDING THE SCHEDULED TIME OF SAID MEETING.

______________________
RHOMARI LEIGH
CITY SECRETARY

CITY COMMISSION REGULAR MTG

(4)(a)

Meeting Date:

12/18/2024

December 2024 Service Awards

Submitted For:

Jennifer Price, Human Resources

Submitted By:

Susan Sensat, Human Resources

Department:

Human Resources

Information

ACTION REQUEST

Service Awards

Tacarra Creamer

Parks & Recreation

12/08/2014

10 years

Damon McNeel

Library

12/20/1999

25 years

Mickey House

Police

12/27/1994

30 years

Debra McGrew

Police

12/19/1994

30 years

BACKGROUND (Brief Summary)

Service Award(s) for the following individual(s) for the month of December is based on their years of service with the City.

RECOMMENDATION

Human Resources recommend approval of the December service awards.

Fiscal Impact

CITY COMMISSION REGULAR MTG

(4)(b)

Meeting Date:

12/18/2024

Fire Chief

Submitted For:

Dennis Harris, Fire Department

Submitted By:

Dennis Harris, Fire Department

Department:

Fire Department

Information

ACTION REQUEST

Please add this to the Service awards.
Brent Black: Firefighter of the Year 2024

BACKGROUND (Brief Summary)

Engineer Brent Black has displayed exemplary service this year and will be named firefighter of the year 2024.

RECOMMENDATION

Firefighter of the Year 2024 Award Engineer Brent Black

Fiscal Impact

CITY COMMISSION REGULAR MTG

(6)(a)

Meeting Date:

12/18/2024

Submitted By:

Renee Edgar, City Secretary

Department:

City Secretary

Information

ACTION REQUEST

Approve City Commission Minutes for the December 4, 2024 meeting. (City Secretary)

BACKGROUND (Brief Summary)

RECOMMENDATION

Fiscal Impact

Attachments

12/4/2024 Minutes

CITY COMMISSION REGULAR MTG

(6)(b)

Meeting Date:

12/18/2024

2025-001 Vegetation Management Chemicals Annual Contract

Submitted For:

Mike McKinley, Public Works

Submitted By:

Mike McKinley, Public Works

Department:

Public Works

Information

ACTION REQUEST

Approve and award a contract for Bid # 2025-001 Vegetation Management Chemicals Annual Contract.

BACKGROUND (Brief Summary)

On November 1, 2024, and November 8, 2024, a notice to bidders was published in local newspaper and bid packets were made available to local area vendors. Three bids were received and were opened on November 19, 2024, at 10:00 A.M. The lowest responsible bid was received from Orion Solutions, LLC., in Rocky Mount, VA.

As this is an annual contract with no minimum or maximum purchase quantities guaranteed. The quantities listed in the bid documents are for comparison purposes only.

Funds are made available in the City of Texas City 2024/2025 annual budget via account # 101301-53490. A bid tabulation is attached for your review.

RECOMMENDATION

It is the recommendation of the Public Works Department to award Bid # 2025-001 Vegetation Management Chemicals Annual Contract to Orion Solutions, LLC for the unit prices bid, and that the Mayor be authorized to execute a contract on behalf of the City Commission.

Fiscal Impact

Attachments

Exhibit A

Resolution

CITY COMMISSION REGULAR MTG

(6)(c)

Meeting Date:

12/18/2024

Cell Phone fees for automated meter reading of customer water usage

Submitted For:

Dj Hutchinson, Public Works

Submitted By:

Dj Hutchinson, Public Works

Department:

Public Works

Information

ACTION REQUEST

The COTC Utilities Department is seeking Commission approval for payment up to $225,000.00 to Badger Meter for wireless cell phone reading of water usage for billing of City Water Customers. This is a proprietary item with Badger being the sole-source vendor.

BACKGROUND (Brief Summary)

The City’s water meters are automatically read using cellular technology. Each meter calls the network host once per day to transfer the data. For this service, the City is charged $0.89 per meter every month. As the City adds meters, this number increases each month, therefore an exact amount cannot be determined at this time. It is estimated this cost will not exceed $225,000 for the fiscal year.

Funds for this purchase are budgeted in Account No. 501701 5320.

RECOMMENDATION

It is the recommendation of the Utilities Department that the Mayor and City Commission approve this agenda item.

Fiscal Impact

Attachments

Resolution

CITY COMMISSION REGULAR MTG

(6)(d)

Meeting Date:

12/18/2024

Texas City Bunker Gear Purchase

Submitted For:

Mathew Wyatt, Fire Department

Submitted By:

Mathew Wyatt, Fire Department

Department:

Fire Department

Information

ACTION REQUEST

Approve the purchase of bunker gear for the Texas City Fire Department to address current operational needs and maintain sufficient stock levels to ensure continued operational readiness.

BACKGROUND (Brief Summary)

The Texas City Fire Department regularly evaluates and updates its bunker gear inventory to ensure the safety and preparedness of its personnel. Current assessments indicate a need to replenish stock to meet immediate operational requirements and maintain adequate reserves. This purchase aligns with the department's commitment to providing firefighters with essential protective equipment, ensuring compliance with safety standards, and sustaining operational readiness during emergencies.

RECOMMENDATION

The Texas City Fire Department recommends approval of the purchase of bunker gear to address current shortages and ensure adequate stock levels. This action will enhance operational readiness, comply with safety standards, and support the department's commitment to firefighter safety and preparedness.

Fiscal Impact

Funds Available Y/N:

Amount Requested:

54,660.00

Source of Funds:

Fire Department's operating budget

Account #:

10120252060

Fiscal Impact:

2025 Bunker Gear Procurement and Replenishment

Attachments

TCFD Gear Quote

Resolution

CITY COMMISSION REGULAR MTG

(6)(e)

Meeting Date:

12/18/2024

Utilities Department - COTC - WATER CONSERVATION AND DROUGHT CONTINGENCY PLAN

Submitted For:

Dj Hutchinson, Public Works

Submitted By:

Dj Hutchinson, Public Works

Department:

Public Works

Information

ACTION REQUEST

The Utilities Department is requesting the Mayor and City Commission to approve and adopt the new City Of Texas City, Water Conservation And Drought Contingency Plan. (see Exhibit A for details)

BACKGROUND (Brief Summary)

The City of Texas City has implemented this water conservation plan in accordance with The Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ), Texas Administrative Code, Title 30, Chapter 288 and has followed these guidelines set forth by the TCEQ in preparing this document for municipal use.

RECOMMENDATION

The Utilities Department recommends that the Mayor and City Commission adopt the 2024 City Of Texas City, Water Conservation And Drought Contingency Plan.

Fiscal Impact

Attachments

Resolution

EXHIBIT A

CITY COMMISSION REGULAR MTG

(6)(f)

Meeting Date:

12/18/2024

Utilities Department Purchase of Water Meters and Associated Parts

Submitted For:

Dj Hutchinson, Public Works

Submitted By:

Dj Hutchinson, Public Works

Department:

Public Works

Information

ACTION REQUEST

The Utilities Department is seeking approval for payment(s) to Accurate Utility Supply not to exceed $125,000.00 for the purchase of meters and other related appurtenances. Budgeted in Account No.- 501705 53410

BACKGROUND (Brief Summary)

The City utilizes Badger meters and their components exclusively and Accurate Utility Supply is the authorized Badger dealer for the state of Texas. Additional meters, endpoints (communication device), and additional components are sole sourced through Accurate Utility Supply.

RECOMMENDATION

It is the recommendation of the Utilities Department that the Mayor and City Commission approve this agenda item as described above.

Fiscal Impact

Funds Available Y/N:

Amount Requested:

not to exceed $125,000.00

Source of Funds:

FY 24/25 Budget

Account #:

501705 53410

Fiscal Impact:

Attachments

Resolution

CITY COMMISSION REGULAR MTG

(7)(a)

Meeting Date:

12/18/2024

Waiver of Right to Terminate - Gulf Coast Ammonia LLC

Submitted For:

Jon Branson, Management Services

Submitted By:

Jon Branson, Management Services

Department:

Management Services

Information

ACTION REQUEST

Authorizing a Waiver of Right to Terminate provision 16.6 of the 312 Tax Abatement Agreement between the City of Texas City and Gulf Coast Ammonia LLC., for failure to place the improvement in service by December 31, 2024.

BACKGROUND (Brief Summary)

In September 2019, the City of Texas City formally approved a Chapter 312 (tax abatement) Agreement with Gulf Coast Ammonia LLC. The tax abatement agreement is for a ten (10) year period. The terms of the agreement required Gulf Coast Ammonia LLC., to begin construction of the facility within two (2) years of the effective date of the agreement; construct a facility with a minimum value of $450,000,000; comply with the executed Chapter 380 Economic Development and Performance Agreement, and complete improvements and have those improvements in service by December 31, 2024.

Each of the above requirements of the agreement have been fulfilled except for being in service by December 31, 2024. Due to unforeseen issues with equipment, the start-up of the facility will not meet the deadline of being in service December 31, 2024. As a result of this delay, Gulf Coast Ammonia LLC., is requesting a waiver of provision 16.6 of the 312 agreement. It is anticipated the plant will start up within the next six (6) months.

It is important to note that Gulf Coast Ammonia LLC., is in compliance with all other terms of the agreement and has exceeded the $450,000,000 in infrastructure improvement on the ground and is current on all payments to the City for the 380 Economic Development Agreement and the Charitable Contribution requirement. The proposed action has no negative financial impacts on the City of Texas City.

RECOMMENDATION

Staff recommends approval of a Waiver of Right to Terminate section 16.6 of the 312 Tax Abatement provision for failure to place improvements in place and to have the plant operational by December 31, 2024. Staff further recommends this provision be extended to December 31, 2025.

Fiscal Impact

Attachments

312 Agreement

Waiver of Default GCA

Resolution

CITY COMMISSION REGULAR MTG

(7)(b)

Meeting Date:

12/18/2024

Police Department Indoor Shooting Range Target System Replacement and Flooring

Submitted For:

Dj Hutchinson, Public Works

Submitted By:

Dj Hutchinson, Public Works

Department:

Public Works

Information

ACTION REQUEST

The Texas City Police Department is seeking approval from the Mayor and City Commission to approve entering into a contract with Generocity Services (Choice Partners Contract #23/016MR-17) for the sum of $402,885.00 to replace the original target system and floor at the Criminal Justice Center Indoor Shooting Range. Money for this project is budgeted and available through the TCPD Policy Departments Budget.

BACKGROUND (Brief Summary)

The Inveris Target System that is being replaced was installed during the original construction of the Criminal Justice Center back in 1997. After 27 years of service, this system has become obsolete and is now non-operational because parts are no longer manufactured to perform repairs. Currently, the range is non-operational and needs to be back in service to ensure new and existing officers can receive training and the required qualifying certification.

RECOMMENDATION

The Texas City Police Department recommends that the Mayor and City Commission move forward with approval of entering into a contract with Generocity Services to complete the required work at the the Police Department.

Fiscal Impact

Attachments

Resolution

EXHIBIT A (Proposal)

EXHIBIT B (INVERIS Target Systems)

CITY COMMISSION REGULAR MTG

(7)(c)

Meeting Date:

12/18/2024

Cost of Living Adjustment for Non-Civil Service Staff

Submitted For:

Cynthia Rushing, Finance

Submitted By:

Cynthia Rushing, Finance

Department:

Finance

Information

ACTION REQUEST

Consider and approve a cost-of-living adjustment for the non-civil service staff.

BACKGROUND (Brief Summary)

In preparing the FY25 budget, the CFO recommended a pause on issuing a Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA) to assess the city's financial position due to several unplanned expenditures, such as rate increases for garbage collection, health insurance, animal shelter facility fees, and capital projects/equipment. Now that the dust has settled, there has been a deep dive analysis of the City's financial strength in sales tax revenue. The sales tax revenue was understated in FY24 due to adjustment entries to account for the timing difference and to comply with the accounting principles for revenue recognition. Due to the understated FY25 Sales Tax Revenue Budget, no action is needed to amend the budget to fund the COLA.

After making the year-end closing adjustment entries, the sales tax revenue is $3.5M more than projected at the time of the budget adoption. The CFO recommends a 3% COLA for our non-civil service staff employed on or before July 1, 2024. The COLA is effective January 1, 2025, without retroactive pay.

RECOMMENDATION

The CFO recommends a 3% COLA for non-civil service staff employed on or before July 1, 2024. The COLA's effective date is January 1, 2025, and it does not include retroactive pay.

Fiscal Impact

Attachments

Resolution

CITY COMMISSION REGULAR MTG

(7)(d)

Meeting Date:

12/18/2024

Budget Amendment - Lago Mar East Offsite Project

Submitted For:

Cynthia Rushing, Finance

Submitted By:

Cynthia Rushing, Finance

Department:

Finance

Information

ACTION REQUEST

Consider approval of a request to amend the fiscal year 2024-2025 budget to accept and appropriate funds from Lago Mar Development Authority and appropriate fund from the Undesignated Fund Balance Sewer Zone 2.

BACKGROUND (Brief Summary)

City Commission approved the cost-sharing of Phase II of the project to install a 24-in and 16-in force main for the Lago Mar Development at the December 4, 2024, meeting, resolution 2024-169. This is the budget amendment details for the Developer's deposit for the cost of the project.

RECOMMENDATION

The Finance Department recommends the following Budget amendment to accept and record the Developer's deposit.

Org

Object

Project

Description

AMOUNT

256702

55681

25603

LAGO MAR EAST CONSTRUCTION FUND

$ 2,300,267.53

Fiscal Impact

Attachments

Ordinance

CITY COMMISSION REGULAR MTG

(7)(e)

Meeting Date:

12/18/2024

Ratify Payment of Windstorm Insurance

Submitted For:

Cynthia Rushing, Finance

Submitted By:

Cynthia Rushing, Finance

Department:

Finance

Information

ACTION REQUEST

Ratify the payment of windstorm insurance premium to Texas Windstorm Insurance Association (TWIA).

BACKGROUND (Brief Summary)

The City's windstorm coverage is through Texas Windstorm Insurance Association (TWIA). Since the city is located in the first tier of counties that border the Texas Gulf Coast, windstorm coverage is not available through Texas Municipal League Intergovernmental Risk Pool to the extent that it is available through either TWIA or other windstorm carriers. Victor Insurance Managers Inc. serves as the property underwriting contractor for the Pool. As part of the City's agreement with the Pool, they are available to serve as the City's insurance agent in placing windstorm coverage with TWIA and/or another carrier. The cost for renewal with TWIA is $261,532.00, which is the same amount as the current year. Buildings covered by this insurance are Charles T. Doyle Convention Center/Nessler Center, Matthew T. Doyle Natatorium/Lowry Fitness Center, and Texas City Museum.

To avoid any disruption in coverage, the payment for the annual premium was made in August of 2024.

RECOMMENDATION

Recommend approval to ratify the payment.

Fiscal Impact

Attachments

Declaration Page

Resolution