City Council Meeting of Feb. 23, 2022 - Recap by Councilmember Hines
Received by City Staff on February 28, 2022.
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Update on recent Council action: Regular traffic enforcement and radar patrols by Hays County Sheriff’s Officers will begin this week throughout the City of Woodcreek. If you get a chance, be sure and thank these officers for their service to our community!
February 23rd Special Council Meeting Recap Submitted by Councilmember Debra Hines, approved by Mayor Jeff Rasco
Councilmember Brizendine was absent due to illness, Council had a quorum for the Special Meeting with four Councilmembers present.
Regular Agenda:
Item #1: Report from P&Z by Chairperson Kotarba included a series of questions and recommendations concerning the Brookmeadow 1 acre minimum overlay. The document can be made available upon request from City Staff. Discussion on this item was brief. Mayor Rasco noted that many of the questions felt more developer friendly than citizen oriented. Councilmember Pulley expressed concerns that some of the questions seemed to indicate P&Z didn’t understand the proposed overlay or the public hearing process. Mr. Kotarba assured Council that he understands both and supports the overlay going to public hearing. Mayor Rasco stated that the public hearings are the perfect time to hear from concerned citizens throughout Woodcreek, and they are welcome to voice questions at that time. City Attorney Bud Wymore clarified that creating minimum lot sizes is not only customary practice but is well within the legal rights of the City and noted a Supreme Court case in support of this work. Mr. Kotarba advocates for more citizen input and engagement through the public hearing process. No action was taken on this item.
Item #2: Executive Session was held to discuss The City of Woodcreek’s franchise agreement with Aqua Texas. A legal representative for the City involved with these negotiations was present. No action was taken on this item.
Item #3: The formation of an advisory task force to act as liaison and consult with the Sheriff’s office on the placement and timing of patrols within the City of Woodcreek was unanimously approved by all those present. The goal of this is to alleviate the workload of the City staff and to give Council and citizens direct input into where and when the off-duty officers patrol. Citizens wishing to be involved can reach out to the City Staff or Councilmember Pulley. Patrols should start as early as next week. Councilmember Grummert noted it will be relevant to compare traffic data produced by the City owned radars and compare it with reports from the Sheriff’s office to direct future timing and placement of patrols.
Item #4: An ordinance to amend the subdivision code under land usage to set a minimum lot size for subdivision at 12,000 sq ft passed unanimously by all those present. An amendment was made to strike the entire section of 155.44 rather than just the proposed edits in the original ordinance. This was passed unanimously by all those present following the legal advice of City Attorney Bud Wymore, and considerable discussion by Council.
Item #5: Workshop on Agenda Process, Use of Available Resources, Confidentiality, Dissemination of Information, Attendance at Elected Bodies, Other Boards and/or Commissions, and Representing the City of Woodcreek. Key points listed below:
-Elected and appointed officials have a duty to take care of resources, budget, volunteers, staff, and each other.
-It is an honor to serve and with that comes a great deal of responsibility.
-The concept of “servant leadership” is something Mayor Rasco supports and would like us to keep in mind. Our staff is paid for by citizens and as elected officials we work for the citizens.
-No Council or Board or Committee Members have any individual authority but are a body of representatives. No single individual unless appointed to do so can speak on behalf of the whole body or City.
-Our votes on Council serve as the laws of the City and they should be viewed and respected as such.
-Having disagreements, discussion is not being disloyal and is in fact an important part of the work we are doing. Citizens have been vocalizing that they appreciate the amount of open discussion that is happening.
-We have a duty of:
Care: individual responsibility, protecting confidential information, remembering we always represent the government
Obedience: favoring open dialogue, and working together to honor the laws of the City, to follow ethical guidelines and to fulfill our duties as officials or staff
Loyalty: eliminating motivation of personal gain or personal agendas to work in the best interest of the city
-Agenda process: the Mayor and staff are working hard to get this timeline moved up so that agendas come out sooner. The new form is working well, and additional adjustments are to be expected as we work through this new process.
-Councilmembers and Staff need to be aware of and thoughtful of the use of our resources specifically when contacting representatives with billable hours. Ideally the Mayor or City Manager need to know so that they can address the payment and budget process properly.
-City Manager Lewis and Mayor Rasco encouraged City Councilmembers to request meetings with Mr. Lewis as needed for agenda items. They noted Mr. Lewis is in the office beyond official City Hall hours. The goal would be to reach out to him first with questions about agenda items so that we can be more efficient and save City resources.
-Mayor Rasco noted confidentiality has been broken but refrained from naming anyone but did note a couple of known instances where this has occurred. He reminded everyone that dissemination of information noted as confidential before it has been posted for public notice goes against the City’s anti-fraud policies.
-The only people authorized to speak for the City are the Mayor and City Manager. Councilmembers are encouraged to attend other Boards and Committees but they should refrain from speaking for Council at these meetings. They can express their individual opinions and beliefs, but they cannot speak for the body unless appointed to do so.
