The Mayor and City Council request that all cell phones be turned off or set to vibrate. Members of the audience are requested to step outside the Council Chambers to respond or to conduct a phone conversation.
Those who wish to speak may fill out a form or email the City Secretary prior to the meeting.
BACKGROUND
Minutes from the September 6, 2022, Council meeting.
POLICY CONSIDERATIONS
There are no policy considerations affiliated with this item.
RECOMMENDATION
Approve the September 6, 2022, meeting minutes.
OVERVIEW
Due to schedule conflicts, and as there are no pressing agenda items, the October 3 Council meeting may be cancelled. Upon approval, the City Council will meet next on October 17, 2022.
POLICY CONSIDERATIONS
There are no policy considerations affiliated with this item.
RECOMMENDATION
Cancel the City Council meeting on October 3, 2022.
BACKGROUND
The Master Fee Schedule is a convenient tool for residents and customers to familiarize themselves with various charges for City services. The schedule can be updated periodically for necessary changes without amending the associated budget Ordinance.
OVERVIEW
The Master Fee Schedule is considered annually during the budget process. Water and wastewater rates were presented and considered during the 2019 Water Rate Study discussions, performed by NewGen Strategies and Solutions. The City Council was briefed at the August 1, 2022, meeting regarding water and wastewater rates and at the September 6, 2022, meeting regarding all proposed changes.
POLICY CONSIDERATIONS
There are no policy considerations affiliated with this item.
RECOMMENDATION
Approve and adopt a resolution amending the Master Fee Schedule by amending public safety fees, building permits and development services fees, impact fees, refuse services fees, the water rate schedule, water service connection fees, and the wastewater rate schedule and providing an effective date.
BACKGROUND
Sachse, along with 181 other Mid-Texas cities served by Atmos Energy Corporation, Mid-Tex Division ("Atmos Mid-Tex" or "Company"), is a member of the Atmos Cities Steering Committee ("ACSC"). In 2007, ACSC and Atmos Mid-Tex settled a rate application filed by the Company pursuant to Section 104.301 of the Texas Utilities Code for an interim rate adjustment commonly referred to as a GRIP filing (arising out of the Gas Reliability Infrastructure Program legislation). That settlement created a substitute rate review process, referred to as Rate Review Mechanism ("RRM"), as a substitute for future filings under the GRIP statute.
Since 2007, there have been several modifications to the original RRM Tariff. The most recent iteration of an RRM Tariff was reflected in an ordinance adopted by ACSC members in 2018. On or about April 1, 2022, the Company filed a rate request pursuant to the RRM Tariff adopted by ACSC members. The Company claimed that its cost-of-service in a test year ending December 31, 2021, entitled it to additional system-wide revenues of $141.3 million.
Application of the standards set forth in ACSC's RRM Tariff reduces the Company's request to $115 million, $83.26 million of which would be applicable to ACSC members. ACSC's consultants concluded that the system-wide deficiency under the RRM regime would be $95.8 million instead of the claimed $141.3 million.
The Executive Committee recommends a settlement at $115 million. The Effective Date for new rates is October 1, 2022. ACSC members should take action approving the Resolution/Ordinance before September 30, 2022.
OVERVIEW
The impact of the settlement on average residential rates in an increase of $4.60 on a monthly basis, or 6.7 percent. The increase for average commercial usage will be $14.34 or 4.3 percent. Atmos provided bill impact comparisons containing these figures.
POLICY CONSIDERATIONS
The governing body of a municipality has exclusive original jurisdiction over the rates, operations, and services of a gas utility within the municipality.
RECOMMENDATION
Approve a resolution approving a negotiated settlement between the Atmos Cities Steering Committee ("ACSC") and Atmos Energy Corp., Mid-Tex Division regarding the company's 2022 Rate Review Mechanism filings.
BACKGROUND
In October 2006, Valley View Consulting, LLC was initially contracted to provide investment advisory services to the City. The City desires to renew the contract which expires September 30, 2022, for a two-year period with the option to renew for an additional two years. The Public Funds Investment Act (PFIA) requires the investment advisory services contracts to be reviewed every two years.
The City has, under the guidance and advice of Valley View Consulting, laddered the City's portfolio with authorized investments whenever possible in order to address portfolio diversification, yield, and maturity, while maintaining the liquidity required for obligations as they come due. They also assist the City with the Investment Policy and Broker/Dealers list annual review as required by the PFIA and in the preparation of Quarterly Investment Reports.
As part of the advisory service, Valley View assisted with the recent bank depository request for proposals for the new depository bank contract that began June 1, 2022.
Attached are the Investment Agreement for approval and Form ADV, used by investment advisors to register with both the SEC and state securities authorities. Form ADV requires investment advisors to prepare brochures that include disclosures of the advisor's business practices, fees, conflicts of interest, and disciplinary information, if any.
OVERVIEW
The cost of the advisory service has decreased from 0.06% to an annual fee equal to 0.05% of the City's average portfolio book value. The fee will be charged against interest earnings. These fees were taken into consideration for the FY 2022-2023 budget. The fees paid in 2019-2020 were approximately $32,000. The fees paid in 2020-2021 were approximately $34,000. The fees for 2021-2022 are projected to total approximately $35,000. Fees fluctuate with the cash balances and interest earnings related to debt issuances, including the issuance of the 2021 Tax Notes and 2022 General Obligation Bonds.
POLICY CONSIDERATIONS
Investment strategies and objectives are to preserve principal, maintain liquidity, and attain competitive overall yields.
RECOMMENDATION
Authorize the City Manager to execute a renewal of an agreement with Valley View Consulting, LLC for the purpose of investment advisory services for an additional two years.
BACKGROUND
Supervisory Control And Data Acquisition (SCADA) is a software and communication device(s) that allows remote monitoring and control of the pump stations (water levels in tanks and towers) and sewer lift stations. Staff can communicate via cellular devices to each site from the Public Works office or via two-factor authentication on City phones and laptops. It allows 24/7 monitoring of the system and also has a connection to the vendor for easy access to trouble-shoot alarms, error codes, or system alerts above what Public Works crews' ability.
This is for an upgrade to the current system and in preparation for two major facilities starting construction. As city pump stations, ground water storage tanks, elevated water tanks, and lift station facilities are upgraded and reconstructed, new technology is installed with each project. The outdated and obsolete communication systems need to be replaced and updated periodically.
The current cellular communication system at the Public Works facility is outdated and is in need of upgraded equipment due to poor connection with existing and future facilities.
OVERVIEW
With the proposed construction of the Maxwell Creek Pump Station and Sable Hills Lift Station, communication upgrades are included in each project. Other existing facilities have required additional maintenance and support to provide communication from the Public Works Facility to each respective site. The system needs to have all units at each site updated with current cellular communication systems. This project will complete the system upgrades for system communication and monitoring.
These upgrades were identified as potential system improvements for cybersecurity and remote access and monitoring in the Risk and Resilience Study. The new system will allow staff to monitor and respond to alerts via mobile or laptop devices, enhances cybersecurity firewalls, and helps protect the entire distribution and collection system.
Capital Project W-22-07, SCADA System Upgrades, is identified in the FY 2022-2023 Proposed Budget Capital Project Plan. Staff is requesting the required project budget, funded with undesignated/unbudgeted Utility Fund revenue.
POLICY CONSIDERATIONS
Cellular and communication system improvements to City facilities (lift stations, pump stations, water towers and water tanks) are part of routine required upgrades and outlined as part of the Risk and Resilience Study. The project will be funded from the Utility Fund.
RECOMMENDATION
Authorize the City Manager to execute an agreement approving a construction contract for the Supervisory Control And Data Acquisition (SCADA) System Improvements project with WHECO Electric, Inc. in the amount not to exceed One Hundred Forty Thousand and No/100 Dollars ($140,000.00).
BACKGROUND
The Public Improvement District Assessment Act (the PID Act), Texas Local Government Code, Chapter 372, as amended, authorizes the City Council to create a public improvement district within the city. On January 22, 2019, the Council approved Resolution No. 3905 authorizing, establishing, and creating the Sachse Public Improvement District No. 1, and on December 2, 2019, the Council approved Resolution No. 3958 adding land to the District.
POLICY CONSIDERATIONS
This action item is authorized under Chapter 372 of the Texas Local Government Code and is contemplated within the original Development Agreement between the City and PMB Station Land LP that was executed on October 3, 2018.
RECOMMENDATION
Approve a resolution accepting and approving a preliminary amended and restated service and assessment plan and preliminary assessment rolls for the Sachse Public Improvement District No. 1, approving Preliminary Limited Offering Memoranda, calling a public hearing at the Regular City Council meeting on October 17, 2022, for the levy of special assessments against property in the District and approving all other matters related thereto.
BACKGROUND
The ordinance creating Tax Increment Reinvestment Zone (TIRZ) No. 2 for The Station was approved by the City Council in 2018. That ordinance provides for a percentage contribution of the tax increment (being the difference in property taxes generated in 2018 and the current tax year). Pursuant to the Development Agreement between the City of Sachse and PMB Capital Investments (also executed in 2018), the City’s tax increment contribution is to be used to buy-down the public improvement district assessments against property within the Zone. That arrangement indicates that the City will use a portion of the TIRZ No. 2 revenue to buy down the overall tax stack for properties within the Public Improvement District (PID) No. 1 to equal a rate of $3.15. Since the City Council voted to adopt a lower tax rate of $0.650416 per one hundred dollars ($100) assessed valuation at its September 6, 2022 meeting relating to the 2022 tax year, this action is required to adjust the proportionate buy-down of the tax stack to remain consistent with the terms of the Development Agreement.
Jason Hughes, the City's Financial Advisor with Hilltop Securities and a representative from P3 Works, the City's PID consultant, will be available to answer any questions.
POLICY CONSIDERATIONS
The purpose of this item is to call a public hearing to consider changing the percentage of the City’s tax increment to be contributed to the TIRZ funds from 50% to 55% that are used to buy-down the tax stack in the PID in response to the recently adopted tax rate of $0.650416 per one hundred dollars ($100) assessed valuation.
RECOMMENDATION
Approve a resolution calling a public hearing for the Regular City Council Meeting on October 17, 2022, to receive public input on a proposed amendment to Ordinance No. 3898, establishing Tax Increment Financing Reinvestment Zone number Two of the City of Sachse, Texas, as amended, relating to an increase in the percentage of the City’s tax increment contribution to the tax increment fund.
BACKGROUND
The City of Sachse has contractually provided fire and ambulance services to the Dallas County unincorporated areas, east of the city limits, for many years. At the time of the original agreement, this arrangement was very appropriate. However, due to growth by the cities of Wylie and Rowlett, the residents of this area are better served by other means. Existing fire stations and future station plans of these cities are much closer than Sachse resources. Additionally, as the incident numbers increase within the City of Sachse, it is prudent to make every effort to keep resources within city limits.
OVERVIEW
Currently, fire and ambulance services are contractually reimbursed based on type of call and responding resource. If it is an Emergency Medical Services (EMS) incident, the patient is also billed for transport services. The loss in revenue from these contracts and transports will be approximately $55,000 annually. The City of Sachse will support fire and ambulance services based on mutual aid requests from either Rowlett, Wylie, or other entity contracted to provide these services.
POLICY CONSIDERATIONS
This is a decision to terminate contractual support of fire and ambulance services with unincorporated areas of Dallas County.
RECOMMENDATION
Staff recommends the termination of contractual support of fire and ambulance services with unincorporated areas of Dallas County upon contract expiration of September 30, 2022.
BACKGROUND
The Fiscal Year 2021-2022 Budget, including the 2021-2022 capital improvement program, were adopted by Council on September 7, 2021. Per Sachse Comprehensive Financial Management policy, based on projected revenues and expenditures/expenses for the current fiscal year, City Council may periodically amend the budget during the year if adjustments are required at the fund level. Several budget and capital improvement program amendments have been identified for the current fiscal year and shall become an attachment to the original Budget if approved by Council.
OVERVIEW
Budget or Capital Improvement Program adjustments are requested for the following funds or projects:
2022 Bond Construction Fund
Sachse residents voted to approve Propositions A, B, C, and D included on the November 2021 bond election ballot, authorizing $54,035,000 in bond principal. The City anticipates selling bonds in three tranches, the first of which came from a 2022 General Obligation Bond sale generating $18,035,000 in net proceeds. $1,000,000 is requested for Bailey-Hooper Road (BP-21-B01) and $350,000 is requested for the Animal Shelter (BP-21-D01). The remaining $16,685,000 is included in the FY 2022-2023 Budget. Budget adjustments will be funded with 2022 General Obligation Bond revenue.
General Capital Projects Fund
Multiple General Capital Projects Fund projects are anticipated to exceed the originally adopted budget, primarily due to an unfavorable bidding climate. As mentioned during the project awarding, a budget adjustment would be forthcoming to correct the budget shortfall. Budget adjustments will be funded with unobligated/undesignated General Capital Projects Fund revenue, primarily received from prior year transfers from the General Fund.
Projects include:
In addition, $2,000,000 of prior year unspent authority is requested as it was not originally reflected in the FY 2021-2022 General Capital Projects Fund budget.
Impact Fee Fund
Request to add $15,000 budget for Ermine Roadway Impact Fee Grant expenditures per an October 2019 Economic Development Incentive Agreement not previously budgeted in FY 2021-2022. Budget adjustments will be funded with current year unbudgeted impact fee revenue.
Special Revenue Fund
Special Revenue funds account for and report the proceeds of specific revenue sources that are restricted or committed to expenditure for specified purposes. CARES Act funds received in FY 2019-2020 were budgeted in the same year, however, unspent prior year funds remained unbudgeted in FY 2021-2022. $274,000 in budget authority is requested to cover projected expenses. Budget adjustments will be funded from prior year revenue.
Street Maintenance Tax Fund
Capital project expenditure authority not needed for the following projects:
Utility Fund
Multiple Utility Fund projects are projected to exceed the originally adopted budget, primarily due to an unfavorable bidding climate. As mentioned during the project awarding, a budget adjustment would be forthcoming to correct the budget shortfall. Budget adjustments will be funded with unbudgeted Utility Fund revenue.
Projects include:
Municipal Development District Fund
At the August 11, 2022, Municipal Development District (MDD) Board Meeting, the MDD Board made a recommendation to the City Council that Fiscal Year 2021-2022 and 2022-2023 available funding be appropriated to J.K. Sachse Park (P-22-04). Unbudgeted prior and current year sales tax and interest collections of $315,000 are requested for J.K. Sachse Park (P-22-04) expenditures.
Attachment A - Budget Amendment to Capital Improvement Program Reconciliation provides a reconciliation of items by Fund requested for Budget amendment and/or Capital Improvement Program.
POLICY CONSIDERATIONS
According to Section 7.09 of the City Charter, "Under conditions which may arise and which could not reasonably have been foreseen in the normal process of planning the budget, the city council may, by a majority vote of the full membership, amend or change the budget to provide for any additional expense in which the general welfare of the citizenry is involved. These amendments shall be by ordinance, and shall become an attachment to the original budget."
RECOMMENDATION
Approve an ordinance authorizing certain Budget and Capital Improvement Program amendments pertaining to the Fiscal Year 2021-2022 Budget and Capital Improvement Program.
BACKGROUND
The State of Texas has authorized approximately fifty million dollars ($50M) to be awarded through the Bullet Resistant Shield Grant Program to municipal and independent school district police departments for the purchase of bullet resistant shields.
The Sachse Police Department currently has two of these shields which are in need of replacement and desires to expand procurement to seven shields in total to be disbursed throughout the patrol fleet.
OVERVIEW
The Sachse Police Department is requesting Fifty-Two Thousand, Ninety-Nine and 60/100 Dollars ($52,099.60) for a total of seven bullet resistant shields through the grant program. Assistant Chief Baxter will provide an overview of the grant and the intended purpose.
POLICY CONSIDERATIONS
A resolution from the governing body is required as a component of the grant process.
RECOMMENDATION
Approve a resolution authorizing the submittal of an Office of the Governor Bullet Resistant Shield Grant application, and name Chief Bryan Sylvester as the authorizing official to accept the grant, if awarded.
BACKGROUND
According to Section 4.04 of the Sachse Home Rule Charter, the City Council appoints and determines compensation for the City Attorney and special or additional counsel as necessary.
POLICY CONSIDERATIONS
There are no policy considerations affiliated with this item.
RECOMMENDATION
Conduct Executive Session as appropriate.