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City of Horseshoe Bay |
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Official Website of the City of Horseshoe Bay, Texas | |
Minutes of the CITY COUNCIL PUBLIC MEETING
November 22, 2005
The Council of the Village of Horseshoe Bay held a Public Meeting at the Quail Point Lodge, located at 107 Twilight, Horseshoe Bay, Llano County, Texas, November 22, 2005, in accordance with duly posted notice of said meeting. Mayor Lambert called the meeting to order at 3:00 p.m. with a quorum of Council Members present as follows:
Robert W. Lambert, Mayor
James E. Babcock, Secretary
John Bird, Treasurer
Donald B. Wood, Alderman
Karen Wines, Alderwoman
Vernon E. Schrader, Alderman1. Call to Order and Establish a Quorum: Mayor Lambert called the meeting to order at 3:00 p.m. A quorum was established with six (6) Council Members present. He then led the pledge of allegiance to the United States Flag and to the Texas Flag. Rev. Christy gave the invocation.
2. Comments from Mayor: Mayor Lambert expressed his appreciation to the guests for their attendance and support and encouraged their comments, explaining that the open meeting laws restrict the council to only discussing items posted on the agenda. He stated that should the public have comments or questions on items not posted on the agenda, he would consider adding those to future meeting agendas. Mayor Lambert closed his comments by stating that the meeting will be recorded and will last approximately two (2) hours. He also noted that copies of the hand-outs are available.
3. Comments from Aldermen: Each of the Aldermen expressed their gratitude to those who voted for them and that they appreciate their support and are honored to serve on the Council.
4. Public Comments: County Commissioner Wayne Brascom congratulated the Council and welcomed them, stating that the Llano County staff is available and willing to assist them in any way and that they look forward to a close working relationship. He suggested the Council send a letter of appreciation to Betty Sue Hoy for her assistance with the election. There were no further public comments.
5. Approval of Minutes of the November 18, 2005 Meeting: Alderman Bird made a motion to approve the minutes of the November 18, 2005, meeting. Alderman Babcock seconded the motion. The motion carried by unanimous vote (5-0).
6. Election of Mayor Pro Tem: Mayor Lambert announced that nominations were in order for the election of Mayor Pro Tem. Alderman Babcock nominated Alderman Wood. Alderman Wood stated that he was honored to be nominated, but he declined the nomination due to personal reasons and then nominated Alderman Babcock to the position of Mayor Pro Tem. There being no further nominations, Mayor Lambert announced that nominations were closed. Alderman Wood made a motion to elect Alderman Babcock as Mayor Pro Tem. Alderman Bird seconded the motion. The motion carried by a unanimous vote (5-0).
7. Appointment of City Secretary: Mayor Lambert reported that state law requires the City to appoint a City Secretary and a City Treasurer. He then announced that nominations were in order for the position of City Secretary and nominated Alderman Babcock. There being no further nominations, Mayor Lambert announced that nominations were closed and made a motion to appoint Alderman Babcock as City Secretary. Alderman Schrader seconded the motion. The motion carried by unanimous vote (5-0).
8. Appointment of City Treasurer and Authorization to Obtain a Bond: Mayor Lambert reported that the procedure for appointing a City Treasurer was basically the same as for appointing the City Secretary and that the Treasurer was required to obtain a bond. He then announced that nominations were in order for the position of City Treasurer and nominated Alderman Bird. There being no further nominations, Mayor Lambert announced that nominations were closed. He then made a motion to appoint Alderman Bird as City Treasurer and to authorize him to obtain a bond. Secretary Babcock seconded the motion. The motion carried by unanimous vote (5-0).
9. Discuss Open Meetings Law: Mayor Lambert gave a brief overview of the open meetings law, reporting that newly elected officials are required to attend training on the law by January of 2007, and that the Texas Municipal League conducts such trainings. He also suggested several websites where the open meetings law could be reviewed. Secretary Babcock reported that the Llano County Health Care System Board was working on developing a County-wide training session. Mayor Lambert also reported that, under the open meetings law, if a quorum of council members is present, they cannot discuss business unless a notice of a public meeting has been properly posted. They can, however, meet together socially as long as they do not discuss business.
10. Discuss Open Records Law: Mayor Lambert reported that the City will be required to comply with the Texas Open Records Law and will maintain all City records as necessary to comply with the law. He also noted that all materials presented at the meetings will be maintained by the City and also made available to the public.
11. Designate Secretary to Give Notice for Application for a Depository Bank: Mayor Lambert stated that Secretary Babcock has been researching the requirements for selecting a Depository Bank and asked him to update the Council on the process. Secretary Babcock reported that before the City can select a Depository Bank, a notice for application must be published in a newspaper covering the area where the depository is located. He stated that the depository does not have to be within the boundaries of the City, but that the City’s policy could be to select a bank that is within the City. If so, the entire process should take approximately two (2) or three (3) weeks. Alderman Wood made a motion to authorize Secretary Babcock to proceed with selection of a Depository Bank within the City boundaries and to publish the necessary notice for application in the official local newspaper selected by the council for posting such notices. Alderman Schrader seconded the motion. The motion carried by unanimous vote (5-0).
12. Approval of Contract with the Llano News to Serve as the Official Newspaper for Posting of Notices as Required by Law: Mayor Lambert stated that Secretary Babcock has also been researching the requirements for selecting an official newspaper for publishing public notices as required by law and called on him to report the procedure to the Council. Secretary Babcock reported that the City is required to select a newspaper of general circulation within the community that meets certain statutory requirements. Both The Llano News and The Highlander meet those requirements. He stated that when there is more than one qualified publication, most generally the entities will initially select one of the publications and then alternate between the others from time to time to equitably share the revenues generated. Secretary Babcock recommended initially engaging The Llano News, whose bid was $1.00 per line with publications to also be included in The Beacon. Alderman Schrader made a motion to contract with The Llano News as the official newspaper for posting of notices required by law. Alderwoman Wines seconded the motion. The motion carried by unanimous vote (5-0).
Mayor Lambert moved to Agenda Item #16 and #17.
16. Approval of Official Web Site and Web Master: Mayor Lambert called on the new Village Web Master, John Robertson, to lead the discussion of the website. Mr. Robertson requested authorization from the Council to proceed with establishing an official website for the City with an official address of www.horseshoe-bay-tx.org . The cost will be $12.00 to register the domain and $45.00 per quarter for web hosting. Mayor Lambert stated that Mr. Robertson has spent a lot of time on setting up the site which is ready to go operational at this time, and that it will be very useful to the residents of Horseshoe Bay. Alderman Wood commented that he had reviewed the site and that it will be a very useful tool and very functional. Alderman Schrader commented that he had also reviewed the site, and he thanked Mr. Robertson for donating his time and expertise in developing it. Mayor Lambert also stated that Mr. Robertson has done a great job and expressed his appreciation for his initiative and donation of his time to create the site. Alderwoman Wines made a motion to approve Mr. Robertson’s proposal for the official website. Alderman Bird seconded the motion. The motion carried by unanimous vote (5-0).
17. Announce Financial Support from the Committee to Incorporate: Jeff Robinson addressed the Council stating that following the successful incorporation of Horseshoe Bay, he and Treasurer Bill Sweet determined that the Committee to Incorporate Horseshoe Bay had a remaining bank account of $5,400. The Committee wishes to dedicate these remaining funds to the City to assist with the start up costs. The Council unanimously thanked the Committee for the generous donation. The funds will remain in the Committee’s bank account until such time as the City establishes a depository account. Alderman Wood made a motion to adopt a Resolution to formally thank the Committee. Alderman Bird seconded the motion. The motion carried by unanimous vote (5-0).
13. Approval for Making Application to Join the Texas Municipal League: Mayor Lambert reported that most municipalities join the Texas Municipal League (TML) and recommended approval from the Council for the City to join, stating that the City could obtain help in many areas from the TML and that the first year is free. Alderwoman Wines made a motion for the City to join the TML. Alderman Wood seconded the motion. The motion carried by unanimous vote (5-0).
14. Authorize the Mayor to Obtain Quotes for Liability and Directors and Officers Insurance from the Texas Municipal League: Mayor Lambert reported that once the City becomes a member of the TML, it is eligible to obtain Directors’ and Officers’ insurance from them. State law does not require competitive quotes if the coverage is obtained through the TML as they are deemed to provide the cheapest, most effective coverage for municipalities. Secretary Babcock made a motion to authorize Mayor Lambert to obtain quotes from TML for the Directors’ and Officers’ insurance. Alderman Schrader seconded the motion. The motion carried by unanimous vote (5-0).
15. Announcement Concerning Location for Future Meeting Notices and Procedures of Communicating with the Village: Mayor Lambert reported that it is a legal requirement to post notices of the public meetings. The notices will be posted on the bulletin board at the administrative offices of Lake LBJ Municipal Utility District and at the Llano County and Burnet County Courthouses. It is not a legal requirement, but the notices will also be posted on the website. The City can also be communicated with at the new post office box #7685, or by calling Mayor Lambert’s home phone at 830-598-5026.
18. Discuss Changing Name to City of Horseshoe Bay: Mayor Lambert reported that he has been involved in numerous conversations over the previous months in which he has been asked whether or not the City could legally change the name from the Village of Horseshoe Bay to the City of Horseshoe Bay. It has been determined that the Council does have the authority to change the name. Mayor Lambert stated that if the Council wishes to consider doing so, it should be done as soon as possible. Alderman Wood expressed that he prefers being named “The City” and recommended changing the name. Mayor Lambert suggested getting the word around to get the general feeling of the community and to consider the name change at the next meeting.
19. Approval of Press Release Regarding Quo Warranto Action: Mayor Lambert presented the Council with a press release regarding the Quo Warranto action pending with the District Court. Secretary Babcock recommended issuing the press release. Alderman Schrader made a motion to approve issuing the press release as submitted regarding the Quo Warranto action. Alderman Wood seconded the motion. The motion carried by unanimous vote (5-0). A copy of the press release is attached and made a part of these minutes.
20. Discuss Hotel Occupancy Tax: Mayor Lambert opened discussion of the hotel occupancy tax by stating that, as a result of his research on the issue, the tax appears to be in the best interest of the residents of Horseshoe Bay. There are two separate aspects to this tax: to legally initiate the tax and collect the money and then to determine how to spend the money that is collected. He then advised the Council that he had appointed Alderwoman Wines to take the lead in researching this tax. Alderwoman Wines stated she would proceed with the research and bring the results back to the Council. Secretary Babcock stated that approval of the tax would require a resolution and that the money collected would be restricted to promoting tourism to the community. Further discussions of the legalities of initiating the tax and spending the money followed. County Commissioner Wayne Brascom also discussed the process for the County to be able to adopt the tax. No action was taken.
21. Discuss Process to Review Requests to Change Plats: Mayor Lambert discussed the process for approving replats and stated that the County will no longer be responsible for approving them; therefore, the City will need to adopt a process for approving the replats as soon as possible. He has appointed Alderman Bird to take the lead in researching the process. Alderman Bird stated that he has received the County’s policy and is in the process of obtaining declarations from the POA’s within the community. Mayor Lambert suggested placing this item on the agenda of a future meeting, preferably in December, to consider adopting the Llano County procedures on an interim basis to be reconsidered in three (3) to six (6) months. No action was taken.
22. Discuss Building Permits, Codes and Other Construction Related Issues: Mayor Lambert stated that similar procedures need to be adopted for issuing building permits, adopting codes, and other construction related issues. Alderman Bird is also researching these procedures. Alderman Wood stated that these should become a high priority for the Council. Mayor Lambert concurred, requesting that the Council continue the study and make recommendations that will be considered at a future meeting.
23. Discuss Listing of Potential Agenda Items: Mayor Lambert distributed a listing of future agenda items that need addressing and asked the Council to review the list and make recommendations for additional items. He also recommended scheduling a workshop for November 29, 2005, and posting the agenda for this meeting tomorrow, November 23rd, due to the holiday.
24. Approval of Dates of Future Meetings: Mayor Lambert opened discussion regarding dates of future meetings. He recommended setting the regular meeting time at 3:00 p.m. on the third Tuesday of each month. However, for the next several months, it will be necessary to meet more often and recommended meeting on December 6th and 20th and on January 3rd and 24th. Alderman Bird made a motion to approve the recommended meeting dates and to meet at 3:00 p.m. Alderwoman Wines seconded the motion. The motion carried by unanimous vote (5-0).
25. Discuss Formation of Committees: Mayor Lambert distributed a list of issues for which he recommended forming advisory committees that will make recommendations to the Council for their approval. He stated that there are different options for the structure of the committees and recommended that an Alderman be active on the committee. He requested that the Council be searching for local residents who would be willing to serve on the committees.
26. Approval of Interim Operating Agreement with Lake LBJ MUD: Mayor Lambert presented the Interlocal Agreement with Lake LBJ MUD for interim operations. He stated that he appreciated the MUD’s generosity in offering its services and facilities and that the fee is very reasonable. He then called on Alderman Wood, as a former member of the Board of Directors of the MUD, to explain the services and the contract. Secretary Babcock also explained the need for the contract on an interim basis. After further discussion, Alderman Wood made a motion to approve the Interlocal Agreement for Interim Operations with Lake LBJ Municipal Utility District. Alderman Schrader seconded the motion. The motion carried by unanimous vote (5-0). A copy of the Agreement is attached and made a part of these minutes.
27. Discuss Strategic Partnership Agreement with Lake LBJ MUD: Mayor Lambert discussed the proposed Strategic Partnership Agreement with Lake LBJ MUD, explaining that the Agreement is a legal opportunity to facilitate the merger of the MUD and the City. He also noted that there are specific notices that are required to be published prior to finalizing the Agreement. Therefore, the anticipated date to finalize the agreement is March. Mayor Lambert stated that proceeding with negotiating the Strategic Partnership Agreement will be an agenda item to consider at the next meeting.
28. Adjournment: There being no further business, Secretary Babcock made a motion to adjourn the meeting. Alderman Wood seconded the motion. The motion carried by unanimous vote, and the meeting was adjourned at 5:00 p.m.
APPROVED this 6th day of December, 2005.
/ S /
James E. Babcock, Secretary
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