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AGENDA

CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION
City of Garland
Work Session Room, City Hall
William E. Dollar Municipal Building
200 North Fifth Street
Garland, Texas
Monday, June 19, 2023
6:00 p.m.

DEFINITIONS:

Written Briefing: Items that generally do not require a presentation or discussion by the staff or Council. On these items the staff is seeking direction from the Council or providing information in a written format.

Verbal Briefing: These items do not require written background information or are an update on items previously discussed by the Council.

NOTICE: The City Council may recess from the open session and convene in a closed executive session if the discussion of any of the listed agenda items concerns one or more of the following matters:

(1) Pending/contemplated litigation, settlement offer(s), and matters concerning privileged and unprivileged client information deemed confidential by Rule 1.05 of the Texas Disciplinary Rules of Professional Conduct. Sec. 551.071, Tex. Gov't Code.

(2) The purchase, exchange, lease or value of real property, if the deliberation in an open meeting would have a detrimental effect on the position of the City in negotiations with a third person. Sec. 551.072, Tex. Gov't Code.

(3) A contract for a prospective gift or donation to the City, if the deliberation in an open meeting would have a detrimental effect on the position of the City in negotiations with a third person. Sec. 551.073, Tex. Gov't Code.

(4) Personnel matters involving the appointment, employment, evaluation, reassignment, duties, discipline or dismissal of a public officer or employee or to hear a complaint against an officer or employee. Sec. 551.074, Tex. Gov't Code.

(5) The deployment, or specific occasions for implementation of security personnel or devices. Sec. 551.076, Tex. Gov't Code.

(6) Discussions or deliberations regarding commercial or financial information that the City has received from a business prospect that the City seeks to have locate, stay, or expand in or near the territory of the City and with which the City is conducting economic development negotiations; or to deliberate the offer of a financial or other incentive to a business prospect of the sort described in this provision. Sec. 551.087, Tex. Gov't Code.

(7) Discussions, deliberations, votes, or other final action on matters related to the City's competitive activity, including information that would, if disclosed, give advantage to competitors or prospective competitors and is reasonably related to one or more of the following categories of information:

generation unit specific and portfolio fixed and variable costs, including forecasts of those costs, capital improvement plans for generation units, and generation unit operating characteristics and outage scheduling;
bidding and pricing information for purchased power, generation and fuel, and Electric Reliability Council of Texas bids, prices, offers, and related services and strategies;
effective fuel and purchased power agreements and fuel transportation arrangements and contracts;
risk management information, contracts, and strategies, including fuel hedging and storage;
plans, studies, proposals, and analyses for system improvements, additions, or sales, other than transmission and distribution system improvements inside the service area for which the public power utility is the sole certificated retail provider; and
customer billing, contract, and usage information, electric power pricing information, system load characteristics, and electric power marketing analyses and strategies. Sec. 551.086; Tex. Gov't Code; Sec. 552.133, Tex. Gov't Code]

Public Comments on Work Session Items

Persons who desire to address the City Council on any item on the Work Session agenda are allowed three minutes to speak. Speakers are taken only at the beginning of the meeting, other than invited testimony.

Speakers are grouped by Work Session item and will be taken in the order of the Work Session agenda. Speakers must submit to the City Secretary a completed speaker's card before the beginning of the meeting. Speaker cards will not be accepted after the Mayor calls the meeting to order. Speaker cards are available in the lobby, at the visitor's side of the Work Session Room, and from members of staff.

Speakers are limited to addressing items on the Work Session agenda – any item relating to a Regular Session agenda item should be addressed at the Regular Session and any item not on an agenda may be addressed during the open microphone at the end of the Regular Session.

Consider the Consent Agenda

A member of the City Council may ask for discussion or further information on an item posted as a consent agenda item on the next Regular Meeting of the City Council. The Council Member may also ask that an item on the posted consent agenda be pulled from the consent agenda and considered for a vote separate from consent agenda items on the regular agenda. All discussions or deliberations on this portion of the work session agenda are limited to posted agenda items and may not include a new or unposted subject matter.

Written Briefings:

2023 Capital Improvement Program Budget Amendment No. 1

Written staff presentation and recommendation regarding an amendment to the 2023 Capital Improvement Program (CIP) to appropriate $400,000 to construct a new downtown Visitor Center, as prepared by the Budget Department. Unless otherwise directed by Council, this item will be scheduled for formal consideration at the June 20, 2023, Regular Meeting.

TxDOT Operation Slowdown Grant 2023

Written staff presentation and recommendation requesting Council to consider accepting a Texas Department of Transportation (TXDOT) Selective Traffic Enforcement Program (STEP) Operation Slowdown Grant for 2023, as prepared by the City of Garland Police Department. Unless otherwise directed by Council, this item will be scheduled for formal consideration at the June 20, 2023, Regular Meeting.

832 Woodland Drive - HOME Re-Capture

Written staff presentation and recommendation to consider executing the option through right of first refusal to re-purchase a home previously built with HOME funds in 2012 located at 832 Woodland Drive, to maintain its use as an affordable housing project for another buyer, as prepared the Community Development Department. Unless otherwise directed by Council, this item will be scheduled for formal consideration at the June 20, 2023, Regular Meeting.

Amendment to Water And Wastewater System Commercial Paper Program

Consider and take appropriate action to extend the 2015 CP program beyond the current expiration date of September 30, 2023 to lock in favorable pricing. The Water and Sewer System Tax-Exempt Commercial Paper (CP) Program was approved in 2015, and the program has been a low cost financing tool for the Water and Wastewater Capital Improvement Program. Unless otherwise directed by Council, this item will be scheduled for formal consideration at the June 20, 2023, Regular Meeting.

Verbal Briefings:

Garland Housing Finance Corporation 2022 Annual Report

David Gibbons, CEO of The Garland Housing Finance Corporation will present to City Council their 2022 Annual Report.

2023-2024 CDBG, HOME, ESG and HOME-ARP Federal Grant Allocations

Mona Woodard, Neighborhood Services Administrator will present information to City Council regarding the allocation of the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funding, HOME Infill Partnership Grant (HOME) funding, Emergency Solutions Grant (ESG) funding, and the one-time allocation of HOME American Rescue Plan Funding (HOME-ARP) for City Council's review and consideration.

Police Update - Gunshot Detection Technology

Chief of Police, Jeff Bryan, will provide an update on gunshot detection technology.

Closed Captioning on City Televisions

Mitch Bates, Deputy City Manager will make a presentation to consider adopting a resolution to require all public facing TV monitors in City facilities to keep "Closed Captioning" turned on and to encourage, but not require, local business owners to do the same. This item was requested by Mayor Pro Tem Morris and seconded by Council member Williams.

Announce Future Agenda Items

A member of the City Council, with a second by another member, or the Mayor alone, may ask that an item be placed on a future agenda of the City Council or a committee of the City Council. No substantive discussion of that item will take place at this time.

Adjourn

GARLAND
POLICY REPORT

City Council Work Session Agenda

Work Session Item 3.a.

Meeting Date:

06/19/2023

Item Title:

2023 Capital Improvement Program Budget Amendment No. 1

Submitted By:

Allyson Bell Steadman, Budget Director

Strategic Focus Areas:

Sound Governance and Finances

ISSUE

Amend the 2023 Capital Improvement Program (CIP) to appropriate $400,000 to construct a new downtown Visitor Center, and request City Council authorization for the City Manager to execute a Job Order Contract (JOC) for construction not to exceed $400,000 in order to expedite project completion.

OPTIONS

Approve CIP Budget Amendment No. 1 with authorization for the City Manager to enter into a Job Order Contract not to exceed $400,000.
Approve CIP Budget Amendment No. 1 without authorization for the City Manager to enter into a Job Order Contract requiring a subsequent Purchase Award approval by City Council.
Do not approve CIP Budget Amendment No. 1 or authorization.

RECOMMENDATION

Option (1) – Approve CIP Budget Amendment No. 1 with authorization for the City Manager to enter into a Job Order Contract not to exceed $400,000. Unless otherwise directed by Council, this item will be scheduled for formal consideration at the June 20, 2023, Regular Meeting.

BACKGROUND

The downtown Visitor Center is tucked away from the square in a less visible location for visitors to access. Staff is proposing the relocation of the visitor center to the corner of the Economic Development Suite, adjacent to the Downtown Square. Making the move during the square reconstruction project would demonstrate the City's ongoing commitment to improving the visitor experience and affirming itself as an active partner in bringing more activity and revenue to downtown. The goal is to complete the construction of the relocated visitor center in early Fall 2023. Over time, staff plans to implement interactive and experiential displays to highlight products made in Garland and share informational brochures with a more tailored and organized approach that makes it easy to create complete itineraries. In addition, staff will incorporate micro-visitor information points, such as kiosks and outdoor brochure holders, located in places where people congregate around the city. Approval of this CIP Amendment and authorization for the City Manager to execute a Job Order Contract for construction not to exceed $400,000 would allow this relocation to be completed in early Fall 2023.

CONSIDERATION

Staff seeks the Council's approval to transfer $400,000 from the Hotel/Motel Tax Fund to the Capital Improvement Program (CIP) Fund for the relocation of the visitor center project. The transfer will be reflected in the FY 2022-23 Revised Operating Budget.

Attachments

Visitor Center Remodel Sketch

GARLAND
POLICY REPORT

City Council Work Session Agenda

Work Session Item 3.b.

Meeting Date:

06/19/2023

Item Title:

TxDOT Operation Slowdown Grant 2023

Submitted By:

Jeffrey Bryan, Chief of Police

Strategic Focus Areas:

Safe Community

ISSUE

Council is requested to consider accepting a Texas Department of Transportation (TXDOT) Selective Traffic Enforcement Program (STEP) Operation Slowdown Grant for 2023.

OPTIONS

1. Accept TxDOT STEP Operation Slowdown grant funding.
2. Do Not Accept TxDOT STEP Operation Slowdown grant funding.

RECOMMENDATION

Staff recommends Council accept TxDOT grant funding for the Selective Traffic Enforcement Program (STEP) Operation Slowdown Grant, for education, awareness, and increased safety during the period of July 11 to August 2, 2023.

Unless otherwise directed by Council, this item will be scheduled for formal consideration at the June 20, 2023, Regular Meeting.

BACKGROUND

The Garland Police Department has successfully participated in STEP enforcement grants for many years. The purpose of this grant is to increase effective enforcement and adjudication of traffic safety-related laws to reduce fatal and serious injury crashes, as well as public information and education efforts during the enforcement period. Enforcement of these efforts will be focused throughout the City of Garland.

CONSIDERATION

The grant for the time period is in the amount of $6,257.26. If accepted, TxDOT will reimburse the City of Garland $4,992. The grant requires the City to provide $1,265.26 in matching funds. This will be accomplished in part through fringe benefits expenditures and direct costs. Consequently, the City can satisfy the contractual match requirements without expending any additional funds.

Attachments

Ops Slowdown Resolution 2023

GARLAND
POLICY REPORT

City Council Work Session Agenda

Work Session Item 3.c.

Meeting Date:

06/19/2023

Item Title:

Acquisition of a single family home for affordable housing at 832 Woodland Drive Through the HOME Program

Submitted By:

Mona Woodard, Neighborhood Services Administrator

Strategic Focus Areas:

Vibrant Neighborhoods and Commercial Centers

ISSUE

The Community Development Department has the option through right of first refusal to re-purchase a home previously built with HOME funds in 2012 located at 832 Woodland Drive. Through the use of HOME funds, the Community Development Department may re-capture the property to maintain its use as an affordable housing project for another buyer.

OPTIONS

Council may:
1. Approve the purchase of the single-family property.
2. Deny the purchase of the single-family property.

RECOMMENDATION

Staff recommends that the City Council approve the purchase of the property located at 832 Woodland Drive. Unless otherwise directed by Council, this item will be scheduled for formal consideration at the July 11, 2023 Regular Meeting.

BACKGROUND

The City of Garland is an entitlement community that receives Federal HOME Investment Partnership funding (HOME) through the Department of Housing and Urban Development. HOME funding's sole purpose is to further affordable housing. The Community Development Department seeks to increase the availability of safe and decent housing for low-income families and individuals by providing flexible lending on the sale of acquired single family homes, rehabilitated existing homes and new home construction. HOME allows for the provision of a Right of First Refusal to re-capture previously built homes from the original owners who wish to relocate for the continuation of use as an affordable housing project.

CONSIDERATION

Monthly loan payments and sales of previous HOME projects result in program income generation. It is a HUD requirement that this program income be utilized prior to the annual allocation being spent down. Due to recent project sales and increasing program income, it is necessary that the Community Development Department acquire properties that fall within program parameters for use as feasible projects. The seller has accepted the City's offer of $310,000 on the condition that the City Council approves the re-acquisition of the property. If approved by the City Council, the property will be formally purchased on July 25, 2023. HOME Projects are eligible for in-house financing to a qualified buyer, and allow for necessary repairs and upgrades to be made to the property while offering a mortgage financing structure to allow homeownership to be more affordable for low to moderate income families. This project will meet a national objective as set forth by the Housing and Urban Development Department for the Federal Government.

Attachments

PROPERTY INFORMATION 832 WOODLAND

GARLAND
POLICY REPORT

City Council Work Session Agenda

Work Session Item 3.d.

Meeting Date:

06/19/2023

Item Title:

Amendment to Water And Wastewater System Commercial Paper Program

Submitted By:

Matt Watson, Finance Director

Strategic Focus Areas:

Sound Governance and Finances

ISSUE

The Water and Sewer System Tax-Exempt Commercial Paper (CP) Program was approved in 2015. The program has been a low cost financing tool for the Water and Wastewater Capital Improvement Program. Staff would like to extend the 2015 CP program beyond the current expiration date to lock in favorable pricing. Sumitomo Mitsui Bank, the liquidity provider for the Water and Sewer CP Program, has agreed to an extension of the liquidity facility.

OPTIONS

Authorize staff to amend the Water and Sewer Commercial Paper Program, Series 2015.
Do not approve the amendment to the Water and Sewer Commercial Paper Program, Series 2015.

RECOMMENDATION

Unless otherwise directed by Council, this item will be scheduled for formal consideration at the June 20, 2023 Regular Meeting.

BACKGROUND

Commercial Paper (CP) is a short-term debt instrument that is issued incrementally as funds are needed to finance the Water and Wastewater Capital Improvement Program. By utilizing CP, the City is able to lower its overall debt payments due to the deferral of principal payments and by taking advantage of short-term interest rates which are typically lower than long-term rates. Furthermore, CP is only issued as funds are needed, not in advance at a given time each year as with other debt instruments.The existing Water and Sewer Utility System Commercial Paper Program has a capacity of $90 million and is set to terminate on September 30, 2023. Liquidity facility is provided by Sumitomo Mitsui Bank and the City pays a .44% liquidity facility fee to Sumitomo. Sumitomo has agreed to extend the existing agreement to September 30, 2028.

CONSIDERATION

Staff and the City Financial Advisor, Hilltop Securities, are recommending that the City amend the existing Water and Sewer Commercial Paper Program and extend the agreement to September 30, 2028. Liquidity fees and short-term interest rates are anticipated to increase and this agreement provides the City an opportunity to lock in pricing for liquidity fees over the next five years. If market conditions change the City will have the ability to terminate this contract and issue an RFP for a more desirable rate.

Attachments

Draft Ordinance

GARLAND
CITY COUNCIL ITEM SUMMARY SHEET

City Council Work Session Agenda

Work Session Item 4.a.

Meeting Date:

06/19/2023

Item Title:

Garland Housing Finance Corporation 2022 Annual Report

Summary of Request/Problem

The Galand Housing Finance Coronation will provide Council their 2022 Annual Report.

Recommendation/Action Requested and Justification

Council discussion.

GARLAND
POLICY REPORT

City Council Work Session Agenda

Work Session Item 4.b.

Meeting Date:

06/19/2023

Item Title:

2023-2024 CDBG, HOME, ESG and HOME-ARP Federal Grant Allocations

Submitted By:

Mona Woodard, Neighborhood Services Administrator

Strategic Focus Areas:

ISSUE

Information is being provided for Council review regarding the allocation of the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funding, HOME Infill Partnership Grant (HOME) funding, Emergency Solutions Grant (ESG) funding, and the one-time allocation of HOME American Rescue Plan Funding (HOME-ARP).

OPTIONS

The Council was provided information on submitted grant applications for the CDBG, HOME Infill, ESG, and HOME-ARP Programs at the June 5, 2023 work session. A public hearing was held on June 6th, 2023. This item will be brought back before the Council on July 10, 2023, for final discussion with formal approval scheduled for July 11, 2023.

BACKGROUND

The City will receive the following new funding from the Department of Housing and Urban Development for the 2023-2024 program year:

CDBG: $2,124,930
HOME: $ 741,993
ESG: $ 188,612
HOME-ARP: $2,541,737

For all Federal grant applications, the proposed budget for the fiscal year 2023-2024 must be submitted to the Department of Housing and Urban Development by August 11, 2023. There have been several public input meetings to solicit feedback on the proposed use of funding.

CONSIDERATION

A total of $318,740 is available for CDBG Public Services category. HUD sets a maximum limit of 15% of provided entitlement funding that can be used for public services. In addition, approximately $1,888,097 in CDBG Project funding is available for allocation to City projects ($1,381,205 in new funding and $506,893 in reprogrammed funding). HUD regulations limit CDBG monies used for administrative and planning to no more than 20% of the entitlement funding provided. The Community Development Department will use $424,986 in CDBG administrative funding to manage the grant programs.

HOME entitlement funding available totals $741,993. HUD regulations require that 15% of the HOME funding be used to support a Community Housing Development Organization (CHDO). HUD allows up to 10% of funding provided to be used for the program's administration. Community Development will use $74,199 for program administration, and the remaining 75% will be used for the development of single-family housing.

The total funding available for the ESG program is $188,612. The Community Development Department will use $14,146 in ESG funding to administer the program. Other ESG-funded categories include Shelter Operations and Street Outreach in the amount of $112,919 and Rapid Rehousing/Homeless Prevention in the amount of $61,547.

The HOME-ARP Program is a one-time allocation of funding in the amount of $2,541,737. Previously, during the March 20th work session meeting, Council approved categories of funding as follows: Supportive Services for $648,143 and Rental Housing Development for $1,512,334. The remaining $381,260 in administration funding will be used by the Community Development Department to administer the grant.

Attachments

2023-2024 CDBG, HOME, ESG and HOME-ARP Federal Grant Allocations Presentation

GARLAND
CITY COUNCIL ITEM SUMMARY SHEET

City Council Work Session Agenda

Work Session Item 4.c.

Meeting Date:

06/19/2023

Item Title:

Police Update - Gunshot Detection Technology

Submitted By:

Jeffrey Bryan, Chief of Police

Summary of Request/Problem

Chief of Police, Jeff Bryan, will provide an update to City Council on the following items:

Gunshot Detection Technology

Recommendation/Action Requested and Justification

Council discussion.

GARLAND
CITY COUNCIL ITEM SUMMARY SHEET

City Council Work Session Agenda

Work Session Item 4.d.

Meeting Date:

06/19/2023

Item Title:

Closed Captioning on City Televisions

Submitted By:

Mitch Bates, Deputy City Manager

Summary of Request/Problem

Recommendation/Action Requested and Justification

At the request of Council Member Morris, Council is requested to consider adopting a resolution to require all public facing TV monitors in City facilities to keep "Closed Captioning" turned on and to encourage, but not require, local business owners to do the same.