Brenton B. Lewis

The City Council conducted a budget workshop to present the proposed Fiscal Year 2023-2024 budget and 5-year Capital Improvement Plan. Key discussions focused on security resource officer staffing for the school district, including the potential for shared funding and committee formation to assess needs. The Council also reviewed financial reports, including fund balances, projected revenues, and the sewer treatment plant funding. Additionally, there was extensive discussion regarding proposed tax rate adjustments to support infrastructure, street maintenance, and municipal equipment needs, as well as updates on the animal shelter project and new court system migration.

The Council meeting featured presentations on the Drainage Master Plan and growth initiatives from the Ingleside Chamber of Commerce. Key actions included the approval of several HOT Fund applications for local community events, the adoption of an ordinance establishing public tree care regulations and a Tree Advisory Board, and the appointment of housing authority commissioners. Financial and administrative decisions involved the defeasance of outstanding obligations, the approval of a contract for an animal adoption trailer, the acceptance of a state transportation grant, and adjustments to utility and solid waste service fees. Furthermore, the Council adopted the annual budget for the 2024 fiscal year, set the property tax rate, and approved the Ingleside Development Corporation's budget and work plan.

The council received a presentation on the Parks and Recreation Master Plan and subsequently adopted it as an addendum to the Comprehensive Master Plan. Guidance was provided regarding the recruitment process for the City Manager position, including a timeline adjustment. Additionally, the council approved the election of officers for the Ingleside Volunteer Fire Department and authorized a budget amendment for Municipal Court software. Various infrastructure items were discussed, including tabling a decision on fencing for N. O. Simmons Skate Park pending further information, approving specific beautification expenditures for the Live Oak Park Pond, and tabling a contract for emergency generator replacements to verify equipment specifications.

The Council meeting involved several key actions and discussions. Staff introduced the new Director of Parks and Recreation, and the Council reviewed recent expenditures. Major items included the approval of an ordinance amending personnel codes for the Volunteer Fire Department, the appointment of an interim Fire Chief, and authorization for a drainage improvement project extension. Additionally, the Council authorized contracts for professional administrative and engineering services for the CDBG-MIT program, approved a utility easement, and authorized an interlocal agreement for health services. Several items were tabled, including a GPS tracking system purchase and a project contract. The meeting concluded with a closed session regarding contract negotiations and personnel matters.

The council discussed various operational and legislative matters, including COVID-19 updates and the initiation of the hiring process for a new City Manager. Key actions taken included approving a one-year contract with the Ingleside Little League Association, authorizing task orders for Street Bond Projects, and approving a request for proposal for a Master Drainage Plan. The council also addressed the first readings of ordinances regarding property road closures, city charter election amendments, and utility connections. Additionally, discussions were held on an EPA wastewater fine and the 8th Street sanitary sewer line, while guidance was provided on the standard format for future meeting minutes.