Eva Cortez

The meeting agenda included standard opening procedures such as Call to Order, Roll Call, Welcome Guest, Invocation, and Pledges. Key discussion and action items involved the review and consideration of unopposed candidates certification and a sample order of cancellation. Specific agenda items focused on the Airport Hangar Lease Proposal with Legacy LSC, LLC, and a Street Abandonment Request for 1st Mesa Drive and 2nd Mesa Drive. Other significant topics included the review and approval of the Cullen Johnson Lease Agreement, discussion of the Free Backflow Tracking Program, and discussion concerning EMT Training for Police Officers. Further actions involved the review and approval of the Code Enforcement and Animal Control (CEAC) Department structure, the City of Abernathy Social Media Policy, a Resolution authorizing bank account signatures (031323), and a Resolution denying Southwestern Public Service Company's proposed rate increase (031323A). The Council planned to convene an Executive Session to discuss Personnel Matters.

Key discussion topics for this meeting include several public hearings concerning a fence variance request at 1201 Ave D, the determination of unsafe/uninhabitable structure conditions at 1401 East Street, and the consideration for adopting Tax Abatement Guidelines and Criteria. The agenda also covers an executive session for consultation with the attorney, a presentation of the Financial Statement for FY2024-2025, discussion on the cost sharing of a water line extension on FM 597, potential sale of bulk water to construction companies, the sale of the city-owned American Legion Building, the creation of a part-time janitorial/custodian position, and action related to the Hotel Occupancy Tax and the repeal/re-consideration of farm lease bids.

The meeting included an Executive Session to discuss Personnel Matters and Consultation with Attorney, though no action was taken upon reconvening in open session. Key discussion items involved the approval of the Fiscal Year 2022-2023 budget. Following budget approval, the Council ratified the property tax increase reflected in that budget and subsequently adopted a municipal ad valorem tax rate for 2022, setting the rate at $0.529314 Per $100 valuation, which represented a 4.26% increase.

Key discussions during the meeting included following up on the UMC Health System Contract, requiring the City Manager to provide alternative options for review at the next meeting. The Council reviewed the Public Protection Classification results (03/3Y). The Council directed the City Manager to seek a grant for floor repairs at the American Legion Building. The Council also addressed the striping and placement of City logos on all city vehicles. The janitorial contract with Juan Hernandez Cleaning was approved. Regarding road improvements, the Mayor requested repairs for Ave A, offering to donate road material for spreading by the Street Department. The revised Vacation Leave Policy (Policy Number 9.03) was approved. The session concluded with departmental reports from the Police Chief, Public Works (Water and SPS), City Manager, Council members, and the Mayor.

The meeting included standard opening procedures such as establishing quorum, welcoming guests, invocation, and pledges. The primary discussion item involved a workshop with the Civil Engineer from Parkhill to discuss the current condition and future requirements for the city infrastructure.