Recap of City Council Meeting - 6/8/22 by Councilmember Hines and Approved by Mayor Rasco
June 8th Regular Council Meeting Recap
Submitted by Councilmember Debra Hines and approved by Mayor Jeff Rasco.
Councilmembers Chrys Grummert and Debra Hines were absent
Proclamation To Honor Mary Alice Bauer on her 100th Birthday and to Declare June 14th, 2022 as Mary Alice Bauer Day in the City of Woodcreek read by Mayor Jeff Rasco
Consent Agenda:
Approval of May 11th City Council minutes approved unanimously by all those present.
Regular Agenda:
Item 3 Independent Auditors Report by ABIP for fiscal year ending September 30th 2021 was unanimously accepted by all those present on Council. Discussion on this item established that the city maintains a healthy unassigned fund balance. Councilmember Brizendine inquired about the lateness of the report and the ABIP representative acknowledged that there had been a delay due to health issues in their office and the loss of family. Councilmember Pulley asked about the financial controls in place for the city and had it clarified that this audit was not checking that aspect of the accounting specifically. The ABIP representative did state that they conduct a very basic check in this area and found no issues. Additionally, it was stated that the City uses a third-party accounting service and so that adds additional protections.
Item 15 was moved up to this point in the meeting and results in Executive Session to discuss economic development.
Item 4 Request that the Tree Board research, create a packet, and consider making a recommendation back to Council about applying for a grant from the Texas Parks and Wildlife CO-OP passed unanimously by all those present. Items 4, 5, and 6 are similar, but directed towards individual boards. The grant program described in all three items is a reimbursement based program. You can learn more about each proposal request in the agenda packet: https://www.woodcreektx.gov/citycouncil/page/city-council-meeting-cyj-8
Item 5 Request that the Parks Board research, create a packet, and consider making a recommendation back to Council about applying for a grant from the Texas Parks and Wildlife CO-OP failed. Councilmember Pulley abstained. Mayor Pro Tem LeBrun and Councilmember Brizendine voted nay. Mayor Rasco confirmed there is no concern of interference with the POSAC grant process per discussions in meetings with Hays County Commissioner Lon Shell. Mayor Pro Tem LeBrun communicated that the Parks Board already has one grant in process and is looking at others. There was some concern shared that perhaps the Parks Board already has enough projects going already. Mayor Rasco asked if it would be relevant to recommend this item so that they could compare additional grant options and narrow down on which would be best for Woodcreek to consider.
Item 6 Request that the Platinum Panel research, create a packet, and consider making a recommendation back to Council about applying for a grant from the Texas Parks and Wildlife CO-OP failed. Councilmember Pulley abstained. Mayor Pro Tem LeBrun and Councilmember Brizendine voted nay. Concerns were expressed by Mayor Pro Tem LeBrun that the Platinum Panel already had significant projects in the works and that they needed to focus on that work.
Item 7 Discussion and possible action on creating an additional ad valorem homestead tax exemption for 65+ or disabled homeowners was tabled. Councilmember Pulley voted nay. Mayor Pro Tem LeBrun and Councilmember Brizendine voted aye. It was noted that the Tax Accessor/Collector’s office had been contacted but no reply had been received yet. Some concerns were expressed over the timeline to pass this item, and it was noted the item would have to come back before Council before the end of the month if it was to meet the deadline for the year.
Item 8 Request that the Woodcreek Parks Board consider the creation of Wildlife Habitats with the National Wildlife Federation in city-owned parks was tabled unanimously by all present.
Item 9 Report on the Tree Board by Councilmember Pulley have elected officers and they are preparing for their next regular meeting on June 13th. They will be looking at the new proposed Tree Ordinance and planning the City’s Arbor Day event. No action taken.
Item 10 Report on the Traffic Committee by Councilmember Pulley reviewed the schedule and activities of the sheriff’s office discussing the amount of stops and locations patrolled. No action taken.
Item 11 Discussion on the resolution setting the time and place for Woodcreek City Council meetings to address the hour of the meetings and the location was tabled unanimously by all those present. Discussion centered around what is the best practice for keeping citizens informed and City Attorney Bud Wymore stated that both Camp Young Judaea and City Hall can be named as customary places for City Council Meetings. Councilmember Pulley also mentioned that the later timing of the meetings at 6:30 can result in a late end time and requested this be considered in the decision process.
Item 12 Naming the new park near Hog Creek on Brookhollow, “Creekside,” per recommendation from the Parks Board passed and the name recommendation was accepted unanimously by all those present.
Item 13 discussion on the budget process for the upcoming year with Mayor Rasco occurred. Boards, Committees, Panels, and Councilmembers need to start submitting items to be considered for the budget for the fiscal year 2022-2023. Discussion centered around the timeline and process for workshops and posting of tax rates. No action was taken on this item.
Item 14 Initiation of the review process outlined in city code for the positions of City Manager and City Attorney was withdrawn by Councilmember Pulley who submitted the item.
