02/05/2007-CC-Agenda Packet-RegularAGENDA
CITY COUNCIL
MONDAY, FEBRUARY 5, 2007
7:00 P.M.
201 BOLIVAR
1. Call Meeting to Order, Invocation, Pledge of Allegiance.
2. a) Approve Minutes: January 8, 2007 -Workshop
January 22, 2007 "Minutes
b) Disbursements
3. Citizen's Input:
Citizens are allowed 3 minutes to speak. The City Council is unable to respond to or to discuss any issues that are
brought up during this section.
4. Consider and Possible Action on Ordinance #02-06-07 on Establishing Usage Fees for Parks.
5. Consider and Possible Action on Ordinance #02-07-07 Ordering Municipal Election to be Held on
May 12, 2007.
6. Possible List of Future Agenda Items.
7. Adjournment.
Pursuant to the Texas Open Meetings Act, Chapter 551, Texas Government Code, one or more of the above
items may be considered in executive session closed to the public. Any final action, decision or vote on such
matter will be made in open session following the conclusion of the executive session.
I, the undersigned;au
Texas, a lac conv�
time#
•� ti tf`i �,�v:Q �
Gity of Sanger, Texts
This notice was removed f,
ity Hall Cf Sanger,
do hereby certify that this Notice of Meeting was posted on the bulletin board, at the Cof the ity o
ind readily accessible to the general public at all times, and said Notice was posted on the following date and
p.m. and shall remain posted until meeting is adjourned.
official bulletin board on
at
by
This facility is wheelchair accessible and accessible parking spaces are available. Requests for
accommodations or interpretive services must be made 48 hours prior to this meeting. Please contact
the City Secretary's office at (940) 45&7930 for further information.
MINUTES: CITY COUNCIL - PUBLIC MEETING
JANUARY 8, 2007
PRESENT: Mayor Joe Higgs, Councilman Andy Garza, Councilman Glenn Ervin,
Councilman Robert Patton, Councilman Mike Walker, Councilman Mike James
OTHERS
PRESENT: City Manager Jack Smith, City Secretary/Assistant City Manager Rose Chavez,
Engineering Coordinator Samantha Renz, City Engineer Rob Woods, Economic
Development Director Cecile Carson, C.G. McNeill, Woodrow Barton, Wanda
Ervin, John Springer, Jerry Jenkins, Vickie Jenkins, Liz Springer, Fred Yeatts,
Bill Fuller, Joe Falls, Roger Otwell, Ann Barton, Merrie Lou Abney, Rod
Zielke, Lindall Mitchell, Don Hutcheson, Everette Newland, John Pearson,
Russell Martin, Barbara Martin, Bret Chance, Will Tate, Trent Petty, Rebecca
Brewer, Beverly Howard
1. Mayor Joe Higgs called meeting to order.
2. Discussion Regarding Special Taxing Districts.
a. Public Forum
Mayor Introduced Rod Zielke
Rod Zielke, Tomlin Group, indicated he put together a few quick slides on what they
propose for this development and wanted to talk a little about the district they are
planning. He felt it was important to know a little about the project. It is roughly a
1000 acre tract near the high school. They are modeling the project after one they have
done before, and have included a lot of green belts and open spaces. In their
experience one of the ways to ensure high quality development is by providing a lot of
amenities and open space. He indicated that water features, green spaces, and a
community center will be included. Historically a project is done in phases, but to
attract the market they feel that in the DFW metroplex, the buyer doesn't buy on
speculation; they want the product there first. It costs a lot of money to do that. The
concept is a master planned community with a variety of housing types, highly
amenitized, large green belt areas, hike and bike trails, pedestrian access through -out,
and plenty of lake and water features. He indicated they will have highly regulated
landscape and development codes. There will also be 20 or 30 acres of school sites and
some retail. The quality of the project does require some additional financing. District
financing is important to ensure the quality and sustainability of the project. There are
significant up front cost for the utilities and amenities. The other significant reason a
district is important is to provide the municipal infrastructure. They recognize with
a project of this magnitude that someone needs to help. He explained that although the
area was recently annexed, they do not expect city to provide all of the infrastructure.
He continued to discuss utilities and municipal service, and indicated that to serve this
project and the land around it, there could be 25 million dollars worth of
infrastructure. The district concept allows the developer to fund some of these costs.
Mr. Zielke showed some pictures of a project similar to the one they are proposing for
Sanger. He indicated the starting home price is $160,000 in the development that he
is comparing this too.
If Zielke asked the Mayor if there was anything else he wanted him to address.
The Mayor indicated he did not mention the specific type of district.
Mr. Zielke indicated there were many different types, and they have suggested a fresh
water supply district. They are open to whatever type of district is best and the
committee that has been formed will be discussing that.
Mayor introduced Mr. Trent Petty from North Lake.
Mr. Petty indicated he was asked to come share what experience he had with these type
districts. He indicated that he has worked with a number of districts throughout the
state. He explained there are some basic things the community should understand. It's
not so important which district you get; there are many different types. That is not the
focus. They are all created to do the same thing, that is to create an entity to charge the
people that live there to pay for the district. It is designed not to put a burden on the
City. He advises cities that the district should pay for what the district is going to need.
If the district needs a million and half gallons of water a day, then the district should
pay for it, not the current citizens. He indicated the City should look at what the
district can finance in the community that the City cannot finance themselves. He just
finished a project with the City of Argyle. There were two very large developers
representing 2300 acres of land, and they were proposing two different districts, both
needed City support. In those circumstances there were multiple CCN's e the water and
sewer CCN is very important, the districts can't arbitrarily happen without City
approval. The City has significant leverage to craft this district in a way that benefits
the City. There is a lot they can do for the City that the City cannot do for themselves.
The City of Argyle needed 23 and half million dollars in infrastructure and
improvements. The special district became the tool they used to make that happen.
When said and done the City received 23.5 million in water and sewer improvements
that the city was not liable for. It's not near as scary as it seems. If the agreement is
negotiated the correct way the City can be protected. He explained that the things to
ask are things like: How much park space do we want? How much green belt?
General density? How many units per acre are we comfortable with? What are the
general areas we'd like to see those areas in? He expressed the need for a
comprehensive plan and the need to stick by it. This will give the City the ability to
work with the developer to say these are the standards and we want to work with you
to meet those standards. The comprehensive plan is the main tool the city has to work
with to make sure development is done the way they want. He explained that he would
rather work with a developer that has 1000 acres than work with 10 developers that
have a 100 acres. The City does not have to give up anything; the standards can be the
same. Once you get the comprehensive plan to a standard you want you have every
right to make developers adhere to that plan. The last thing the Tomlin group would
want to do is put in a nice development and have something around them impact them
negatively. He expressed that it is very important to have the Comprehensive Plan
identify the standards of what you want the City to be.
Mr. Petty continued to explain that a lot of things have happened in Austin since that
first district was approved in this area. He encouraged them to approach this with an
open mind.
Rebecca Brewer indicated she was grateful to have the opportunity to work with
Sanger. She indicated that she is working with Bob Helmberger along with Ted
Christiansen (Government Capital) in assisting the City with coming up with a deal on
what is good and what is not good for the City of Sanger. She explained that they have
worked with other cities in this area on coming up with these agreements. The Tomlin
Group has agreed to pay for consulting and legal fees for them, and it has been sent
to the city for consideration by the Council. It is an difficult task that takes time and
money; the city should not have to pay those fees if in the end it does not wok out. She
explained that her role in this is to answer some questions from a legal, engineering
and financing prospective.
Ms. Brewer continued to explain that they are going to look at what the City needs, and
what is best for the city. A district can be a financing mechanism for the city to gain
infrastructure and gain development in a controlled manner. The Mayor and the
Council want to approach this with an open mind and enter into it in good faith. She
encouraged input from the community.
Lindall Mitchell, citizen, addressed Ms. Brewer and indicated that he had been told
that her law firm, in one of the first meetings, advised the city not to put the
development in the city limits. He asked why they had recommended that.
Ms. Brewer indicated that she could not support the first agreement that was
submitted to the Council for this development.
Discussed that it would not be a problem to have in the city limits if some things in the
agreement were changed.
Merrie Lou Abney had questions regarding what this development can offer the IN
of Sanger.
Mr. Zielke indicated that a lot of development is coming to Sanger. They feel this type
of quality development affords the City to plan for high quality development. They are
bringing a highly amenitized, highly developed community. He explained that they are
trying to bring a master -planned high quality development and when the development
agreement is complete it will specify how many acres of green belt, how many of what
size home, etc. All of the up -front cost is borne by the developer. They can't do
anything till 25% of development is in, they will probably have 20 to 25 million dollars
invested of their own money. The majority of that will become City'so
Mr. Petty indicated that in no circumstances does residential growth provide enough
revenue to serve that district, but when you start looking at development, you have to
look at what is going to sustain our community. The answer is sales taxes. When
looking at potential sales tax base, that is what is gonna have to grow to sustain the
community.
Discussion regarding infrastructure and services.
Ms. Brewer indicated that the citizens should get involved in updating the
comprehensive plan. What Mr. Zielke is proposing may not be what we want for the
City. It is important that the community gets involved. They need to look at it from all
aspects, including education, administration and what ever else the community needs.
Woodrow Barton indicated that he is very familiar with the current development in
Sanger. He expressed that Sanger is growing at a very moderate rate. There have been
close to 600 or 700 homes in last three years. New schools have been built. Wal-mart
Distribution center really helped Sanger. Sanger has been doing real well. He
expressed that the City has a good Council and a good Planning and Zoning
Commission. The City has a good development program, rules and regulations. The
way our development plans are, the current developer pays for all infrastructure, the
City is out no expense. When the houses are built and sold the city collects a tap fee for
water and sewer. Those tap fees pay for the increased infrastructure. Sanger, over the
years has developed a good plan and we are doing well. A water district would not be
of any advantage to Sanger. He expressed that he felt it was an advantage to the
developer, it's a means of getting some of there money back, and they make more
profit.
Discussion regarding different types of districts, and the areas they are limited to.
Discussed infrastructure.
Ted Christiansen indicated that he is here for financial help. He wants to help make
sure the City gets the best deal financially. If this development fails, there could be a
moral obligation by the City to look after those citizens living in that community. They
want to protect the City as much as can possibly be done. The will make sure the City
only issue debt they can afford to pay back. They have to be very careful and his job
is to guide the City and make sure this is done in a conservative manner. He indicated
that if this is done correctly, they can mitigate and make sure it's done in the best way
for the City.
Discussion regarding the City's Master Plan and the fact that it is in the process of
being prepared.
Discussion continued regarding districts, fire protection and other services.
Barbara Martin indicated that she has worked with the School Board and we really
need to find a way to raise the price point of homes in Sanger. Currently, Sanger is
36% financially disadvantaged. The only way to offer things other districts offer is to
raise the price point. All of the rental properties and foreclosures affect the school
district. Small lots and small homes will not help the school district. She indicated that
she wants to see our kids afforded every opportunity that other students in other cities
are afforded.
Mayor indicated that residential growth alone will not do the trick, we need industry
and commercial growth.
John Pearson indicated that the City must have roof tops to create commercial growth,
to get taxes. The City cannot bring modern day retailers if they don't have density, or
the household income to bring quality retail. He expressed the need to create the bases
to bring in increased taxes, the housing just makes us break even, and without housing
we cannot get commercial development.
Lindall Mitchell indicated that he recently chaired a facility committee, and that it was
very eye opening. He expressed that Sanger has a very good school board that
manages finances very well. He indicated that the school has hired a demographics
company, they say that our school system is taxed very heavily. The number of
students per home is above average, and we are not bringing in tax revenue to sustain
our school system. He expressed that increased taxes will increase the level of
education, and that new development will bring the increased taxes.
Discussion regarding the bonds and the debt.
Bob Helmberger indicated that there is a deal that be reached. They are trying to find
one that is best for the City and one that works for the developer . There is a way to
do this where it is beneficial for both. It can be a win -win situation for the City and the
developer.
Discussion followed.
Mr. Helmberger indicated that the committee and consultants will take a look at the
City ordinances and make sure developer pays what our ordinances require. The only
thing that the bonds pay for is what is above and beyond. There is a deal to be reached
in here somewhere.
Discussion continued regarding the bonds and TCEQ requirements.
Ms. Brewer indicated from a legal perspective the goal for her is to make sure the City
and the developer are equal partners. She indicated that she wants to make sure there
are significant motivating factors, and factors that will motivate the developer to see
it through. The developer wants to turn a profit, that does not mean it is bad for the
city. It is their goal to make sure there are a significant amount of personal dollars put
into it as a motivating factor.
Russell Martin asked that as the bonds are paid, do the taxes go down?
Ms. Brewer indicated they did.
Discussion regarding the finance district "JUL how taxes in the district are affected.
Mr. Zielke indicated that at some point the district may become profitable and the City
may want to take over it at that point.
Jerry Jenkins asked if the Tomlin Group said they would build a new city hall, are
there any rules that says they cannot pay for that city hall.
Ms. Brewer indicated they could not pay for it with the bonds. It is not assumable debt.
Mr. Petty indicated the District cannot recover it through bonds, but they can pay for
it.
Discussion regarding that the City is currently waiting on the comprehensive plan and
the development agreement.
Vickie Jenkins expressed concerns about growth and planning. She did not feel they
should be considering this without a thoroughfare and master plan in place. The
reason our housing tax base is low is poor planning, and we don't want to be guilty
of poor planning again. She indicated there are currently $250,000.00 homes being
built in Sanger, and they are being sold.
Ms. Brewer indicate that this is not an overnight project. She felt we could
simultaneously work with the committee and work on the master plan. The developer
and the City should be able to come to an agreement.
Discussion regarding the current land use plan and that it will be used in developing
the new master plan for the City.
3. Meeting Adjourned.
Tr7GIIIJACILL
JANUARY II
PRESENT: Mayor Joe Higgs, Councilman Glenn Erwin, Councilman Robert Patton,
Councilman Andy Garza, Councilman Mike James, Councilman Mike Walker
OTHERS
PRESENT: City Manager Jack Smith, City Secretary/Asst. City Manager Rose Chavez,
Streets and Parks Supervisor John Henderson, Economic Development Director
Cecile Carson, Jerry Jenkins, Paul Edelman, Bill Fuller, Joe Falls, J.R.
Thompson, Cora Harner
1. Call Meeting to Order.
Mayor Higgs called meeting to order, Councilman Garza led invocation followed by
Councilman Patton leading Pledge of Allegiance.
2. a) Approve Minutes: December 18, 2006 -Workshop
December 18, 2006 - Minutes
January 2, 2007 - Minutes
b) Disbursements:
Councilman Walker expressed a concern on an expense for a padlock in the amount
of $776.33.
Electric Superintendent Mike Prater, advised that the locks are push-button and are
easier to reprogram and change when employees quit or are terminated.
Motion made by Councilman Ervin to approve consent agenda as presented. Seconded
by Councilman Garza.
Motion carried -Councilman Walker abstained since he was not present at the meeting
on December 18, 2006.
3. Citizen's Input:
None,
4. Consider and Possible Action on Ordinance #Ol-OS-07 Creating Utility Service Fees.
City Manager advised that the Electric Department already has this in place.
Phe employee has to make sure that the water meter does stop before the employee
customereaves the site. This ordinance will set the service fee in a situation where a
residences not at the and the employeecan not
could be spinning which indicates the water is on inside or a possible water leak.
The after hours fee is in a situation where an employee has to make a service call after
5:00 p.m. on a current or disconnected account which is not due to any fault of the City.
This policy is already in effect for the Electric Department and this will set the fees for
the Water Department.
City Secretary advised that the service fee is in circumstances where an employee goes
to the service address and there is not anyone home, the employee turns the meter on
and if the meter continues to move the water is turned off. Since no one is home, the
employee has to disconnect the meter. The customer then calls later and advises that
his service is still off, then the employee has to make a service trip to the same
residence.
At the time the service is applied for, customers are advised that someone must be at
home before service is connected.
Motion made by Councilman Patton to approve Ordinance #O1-OS-07.
Seconded by Councilman Walker. Motion carried.
Caption as follows:
THAT APPENDIX A "FEE SCHEDULE" ARTICLE 4.000 "UTILITY RELATED
FEES" IN THE CODE OF ORDINANCES OF THE CITY OF SANGER, TEXAS IS
HEREBY AMENDED BY ADDING SECTION 4.1900 "UTILITY SERVICE FEES";
PROVIDING FOR THE, REPEAL OF ALL ORDINANCES IN CONFLICT;
PROVIDING FOR A SEVERABILITY CLAUSE; PROVIDING FOR A PENALTY;
AND PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE.
5. Consider and Possible Action on Resolution #R 01-01-07 Amending City Investment
Polley.
City Manager advised that City Secretary has visited with TML concerning the
Investment Policy. There were some minor changes that needed to be made in order
to get the policy in compliance according to TML as required by the Public Investment
Act.
City Manager advised that before the City became Home Rule the Investment officers
were the Mayor and City Administrator. There was a change to designate the City
Manager and City Secretary as the Investment officers.
City Secretary advised that the other changes were as follows:
Page 1 - A paragraph concerning diversification.
Page 4 -Section VIII -Item CBzD adding Public Investment Act as noted
® Page 5 - Collateralization - certificates of deposit was changed to all
funds and corrected a typo to reflect 102%
Motion made by Councilman Ervin to approve Resolution #R 01-01-07. Seconded by
Councilman James. Motion carried unanimously.
6. Consider and Possible Action for Usage Fees at Railroad Ballpark.
an Edelman addressed the Board regarding usage fees at Railroad Park.
The all Board approved the proposed fees. The Board considered the cost for
maintaining the fields and these are the fees they are proposing:
The fees were: $10.00 per child non refundable
$100.00 deposit per field
$200.00 per field per day and $15.00 an hour for lights as needed
Paul Edelman discussed fees that other cities are charging and indicated that the fees
they are proposing are in line with what other cities are charging.
Discussion on tournament fees and `vho collects the fees.
Paul Edelman discussed that the ordinances will be brought to the City later and
basically a decision in the fees need to be made so that the Sanger Summer League can
pIan on these changes.
The fee the Sanger Summer League charges was discussed.
Councilman Garza indicated he agrees with the other fees; however, he has a concern
on the additional fee per each child.
Councilman Ervin asked if the staff needs to prepare an ordinance prior to changing
these fees. He also asked now can they enforce these fees if an ordinance is not in place.
Discussion followed on fees for the lights and who monitors the lights to turn them off.
Timers were discussed as a consideration for a later date.
Councilman Ervin made the motion to set the fees and direct staff to prepare the
ordinance to adopt the usage fees which will be forthcoming.
Seconded by Councilman Patton.
Voted for: Councilman Ervin, Councilman Patton and Councilman James
Voted no: Councilman Garza and Councilman Walker
(Both council members expressed a concern on the $10.00 fee per
child)
consideration is given to those families who are unable to pay.
7. Consider and Possible Action on Resolution #R 01-03-07 Setting, Date, Time and Place
for Public Hearing on Proposed Annexations.
A. NL Hobbs Addition, Block A, Lot 5
B. NL Hobbs Addition, Block A, Lot 411
C. Abstract 29, Reuben BeBee Survey, Tract 107, Being 196 Acres
D. Abstract 801, WM Mason Survey, Tract 31, Being 74.18 Acres
Discussion on location of property and dates for Public Hearing for March 5, 2007 and
March 19, 2007 at 7:00 P.M.
Motion made by Councilman James to adopt Resolution #R O1-03-07 Setting Date,
Time and Place for Public Hearing for proposed annexation.
Seconded by Councilman Ervin. Motion carried unanimously.
8. Consider and Possible Action on the Preliminary Plat for Bubba's Ranch. Property is
Located on the Corner of Lake Ray Roberts and Union Hill Road.
J.R. Thompson with All American Surveying was present to address any questions,
City Manager advised that this plat went before Planning &Zoning and was approved
unanimously. This property is within the City's ETJ.
Motion was made by Councilman Ervin to approved preliminary plat. Seconded by
Councilman James. Motion carried unanimously.
9. Consider and Possible Action on the Final Plat of Lot 1R -Block 1, First Baptist
Church of Sanger. Property is Located on the Corner of Fifth and Wayne Streets.
The l+first Baptist Church is requesting a Variance from a portion of the sidewalk
requirements.
Motion made by Councilman Patton to approve the Final Plat on Lot 111 -Block 1 of
First Baptist Church.
Seconded by Councilman Garza. Motion carried unanimously.
10. Discussion and Presentation on Master Plan Survey.
Cecile Carson addressed Council and advised MPRG has completed the survey for the
land use Master Plan.
Ms. Carson advised that thanks to Rose, Paula and other staff members, a post card
was sent out and addressed to all utility customers advising that the survey is up and
available by going to the web site www sangerrexas.or6,.
S. Carson gave a presentation on the Community Vision Survey. A detailed
explanation on the survey was given. Paper copies will be entered into the computer
system.
The survey covers demographics, length of residency in Sanger, age groups, and
employment questions which are important information for the comprehensive plan.
This will track where people are employed and the location.
Discussion that someone cannot complete two surveys from the same web address.
The survey also covers the quality of life and land development. There are questions
concerning development and questions on City services and what citizens would like
to see in the future.
The survey covers questions concerning preserving historical character of downtown
and other questions dealing with the community.
Survey will be opened for approximately one month until February 19, 2007.
Cecile Carson advised there will be information in the local newspaper and there was
an article in the Denton Record Chronicle on Saturday on the second page. Press
releases will be sent for an article.
Cecile Carson also advised City Council to inform their friends, citizens, community
and church groups to complete the survey.
Councilman Patton expressed that he hopes they have a maximum turn out.
Ms. Carson indicated if they can encourage the teenagers to give their input in the
survey then they can bring their information home and they can encourage their
parents to do the same.
The email address, if given, will allow information to be sent for citizens to be
encouraged to serve on boards and commission. The web site will have a schedule of
future council meetings. Presently, the site is linked to the Sanger Chamber website.
Ms. Carson advised that the Economic Development website has had over 1,000 hits
since November 2006. All information that is collected from companies concerning
Economic Development about 95 to 99% is being done online from compani
Ees.
11. Possible List of Future Agenda Items.
a. Councilman Patton expressed a concern about a situation on FM 455 and Chapman
Drive.
City Manager advised that the Texas Department of Transportation has reset the
signals.
Councilman Patton expressed that citizens need to contact their congressman or
legislator and express their frustration and concerns.
b. Property or land for City ]FIall and Fire Department on the Agenda.
c. Councilman Ervin expressed a concern on the neon sign ordinance which was
passed at the last council meeting and drive4hrough for restaurants that is now
prohibited.
Ms. Carson advised that in the code there is a separate item that references restaurant
drive through.
Discussed briefly.
12. Meeting Adjourned.
Date: February 5, 2007
To: Honorable Mayor and City Council
From: Rose Chavez, City Secretary/Assistant City Manager
Re: Ordinance on Usage Fees for Parks
At the last City Council meeting, these usage fees were approved upon an ordinance to be presented
at our next regular scheduled meeting.
ORDINANCE 02-06-07
THAT APPENDIX A "FEE SCHEDULE" IN THE CODE OF ORDINANCES OF THE CITY
OF SANGER, TEXAS, IS HEREBY AMENDED BY ADDING ARTICLE 7.000 "PARK
USAGE FEES"; PROVIDING FOR THE REPEAL OF ALL ORDINANCES IN CONFLICT;
PROVIDING A SEVERABILITY CLAUSE; PROVIDING FOR A PENALTY; AND
PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE.
BE IT ORDAINED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SANGER, TEXAS:
Section 1. That Appendix A "Fee Schedule" in the Code of Ordinances of the City of
Sanger, Texas, is hereby amended by adding Article 7.000 "Park Usage Fees", which said article
shall read as follows.
"Article 7.000 Park Usage Fees
"Sec. 7.100 Park Usage Fees
(a) $10.00 per child non-refundable
(b) $100.00 deposit per field
(c) $200.00 per field per day and $15.00 an hour for lights as needed"
Section 2. All ordinances or parts of ordinances in conflict herewith are, to the extent
of such conflict, hereby repealed.
Section 3. It is hereby declared to be the intention of the City Council that the sections,
paragraphs, sentences, clauses, phrases and words of this Ordinance are severable and, if any
word, phrase, clause, sentence, paragraph, or section of this Ordinance shall be declared
unconstitutional by the valid judgment or decree of any court of competent jurisdiction, such
unconstitutionality shall not affect any of the remaining portions of this Ordinance, since the
same would have been enacted by the City Council without the incorporation in this
Ordinance of any such unconstitutional word, phrase, clause, sentence, paragraph, or section.
Section 4. Any person, firm, or corporation who shall violate any of the provisions of
this article shall be guilty of a misdemeanor and upon conviction shall be fined in accordance
with the general penalty provision found in Section 1.109 of this Code.
Section 5. This ordinance will take effect immediately from and after its passage and
the publication of the caption, as the law and Charter in such cases provide.
DULY PASSED, APPROVED, AND ADOPTED, this the _
by the City Council of the City of Sanger, Denton County, Texas.
Joe Higgs, Mayor
ATTEST:
Rosalie Chavez, City Secretary
day of February, 2007
Date: February 5, 2007
To: Honorable Mayor and City Council
From: Rose Chavez, City Secretary/Assistant City Manager
Re: Ordinance on Ordering Election
At the recommendation of our City Attorney, he advised to proceed with the election ordinance. We
have been informed that the County will be holding an election at the same time. They have asked
the school and the City to enter into an interlocal agreement with the County's elections department
to allow them to conduct the election. The costs for the election will be divided equally between all
the entities and they will be responsible in hiring the personnel to conduct the election.
f'' :' 1 1 1 _� 1� • 1
1 1
i i 1um Of %nm Le DEKINN CKAVIN1 1
PROVIDING DATE.
WHEREAS, the City Council desires to conduct an election on May 12, 2007.
BE IT ORDAINED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SANDER, TEXAS:
Section 1. That a general municipal election is hereby ordered to beheld on the 12`" day of
May, 20007, for the purpose of electing three City Council members for a two year term.
Section 2. Should any candidate in the municipal election fail to receive a majority vote,
then in that event it shall be the duty of the Mayor to order a runoff election as required by the Texas
Election Code.
Section 3. That the election be held jointly with the City of Sanger general municipal
election and the Sanger Independent School District May 12, 2007 pursuant to Section 271, Texas
Election Code. The costs of said election are to be shared by the two governmental entities and the
City Secretary is authorized to arrange the City's share of said costs on a fair and equitable basis.
Section 4. The City Secretary is expressly authorized to obtain election supplies and
equipment required by law and necessary to conduct said election.
Section 5. The office of the City Secretary shall perform all duties normally required in the
general elections by giving notice of the election and preparing the official ballots.
Section 6. The election precinct and voting places of said election shall be as follows:
Po11in�Location Voting Precincts
First Baptist Church 105 & 128
Section 7. That the proposed election shall be conducted in accordance with the Elections
Service Contract between the City of Sanger and the Denton County Elections Department.
Section 8. All residents, qualified voters of the City of Sanger shall be permitted to vote in
said election. In addition, the election materials as outlined in Section 272.005, Texas Election
Code, shall be printed in both English and Spanish for use at the polling places and for early voting
for said election.
Section 9. The Mayor is authorized to sign an Order of Election and Notice of Election
prescribed by the State of Texas and attached hereto. The Notice of Election shall be published in
accordance with the provisions of the Texas Election Code and the City Charter.
Section 10. Should any part, section, subsection, paragraph, sentence, clause or phrase
contained in this ordinance , but in all respects said remaining portion shall be and remain in full
Force and effect.
Section 11. That this ordinance shall be effective immediately upon adoption.
DULY APPROVED AND PASSED by the City Council of the City of Sanger the day
of February 2007.
Joe Higgs, Mayor
ATTEST:
Rosalie Chavez, City Secretary
APPROVED AS TO FORM:
City Attorney
DATE ACTION
Jan 16 Last day for filing ofsemi-annual report of contributions and expenditures
Feb. 10 First day that candidates may file application for a place on the ballot and
first day for write in candidates to file application.
Feb 26 Last Day to submit changes affecting voting to the U.S. Department of Justice
March 9 City Secretary posts notice of drawing for order of names on ballot.
March 12 Last day for candidate to file application far a place on the ballot.
DEADLINE -- 5:00 P.M. CITY SECRETARY'S OFFICE
March 12 Recommended period for APPOINTING ELECTION JUDGES.
March 13 First day for applying to receive a ballot for early voting by mail.
March 13 Recommended day to CONDUCT DRAWII�TG FOR ORDER OF NAMES ON
BALLOT. Prepare ballot format and send it to printer.
TIME -- I0:00 A.M.
March 19 Last day for write-in candidate to declare candidacy.
DEADLINE -- 5:00 P.M. CITY SECRETARY'S OFFICE
March 20 Last day for candidate to withdraw candidacy.
March 22 Recommended Date to print Ballots.
March 23 Mandatory Office Hours
March 28 First Day to mail early ballots, if available.
April 2 Recommended last day to notify Presiding Judges of duty to hold election.
April 12 First day of period to publish notice of City election and last day to request list of
Registered Voters.
April 12 Due date for filing statement of campaign contributions and expenditures of
opposed candidates, certain specific purpose of committees, and all general
purpose committees, and all general purpose committee's not filing monthly.
DEADLINE -- 5:00 P.M. CITY SECRETARY'S OFFICE
April 12 Last day voter may register to vote in May election.
Apri125 Last day to publish notice of the public Logic and Accuracy (L&A) Test, also
known as, the first test, of automatic tabulating equipment. Published 48 hours
before test is conducted.
Apri127 Last Day to conduct L&A test of automatic tabulating equipment for use during
the early voting period.
April 28 Last Day a Candidate May withdraw and have name removed from Ballot
Apri130 First day for Early Voting by personal appearance.
SANDER CITY HALL -- -F, 8:00 A.M. TO 5:00 P.M.
May 4 Last day for City Secretary to receive applications by mail for a ballot to be voted
by mail by 12 noon or close of business.
May 4 Due date for filing second report of campaign contributions and expenditures.
DEADLINE -- 5:00 P.M. CITY SECRETARY'S OFFICE
May 6 Last day to publish notice of the public Logic and Accuracy (L&A) Test, also
known as, the first test, of automatic tabulating equipment. Published at least 48
hours before test is conducted.
May 8 Last day for regular Early Voting by personal appearance.
DEADLINE -- 5:00 P.M. CITY SECRETARY'S OFFICE
May 10 Last Day to conduct L&A test of automatic tabulating equipment for use during
election day. (If published on 6`h can do on the 9th)
May 11 Last Day to deliver early voting lists to election judges.
May 12 ELECTION DAY -Voting at the First Baptist Church
7:00 A.M. TO 7:00 P.M.
May 12 Unofficial Tabulation of Results
May 14 Deliver Provisional ballots to voters registrar
May 15 Provide Official Oath and Statement of Elected Officials to candidates who
appear to have won
May 16 Deadline for registrar to complete review of provisional ballots, retrieve
provisional ballots
May 17 Post Agenda for Official canvas by City Council
May 21 Official Canvas of Election Results by City Council.
May 21-23 Mayor issues Certification of Election (After Canvass) to newly elected officials.
May 18 First day newly elected officials may qualify and assume duties of office.
Swearing in of officials at City Hall by City Secretary -- 5#00 p.m.
•,�I I 1 11 i I 1
July 16 Last day for timely filing of Semi-annual report of campaign contributions and
expenditures.
DEADLINE -- 5*00 P.M. CITY SECRETARY'S OFFICE
MONDAY, FEBRUARY 5, 2007, FOR THE
FOLLOWING TWO EVENTS!
Event 1: 2007 Elected Officials' Conference
Elected officials will have the opportunity to network in breakfast roundtables
and select from a variety of concurrent sessions. Featured speakers will be Dr.
Ray Perryman from the Perryman Group and Dr. Willie D. Larkin from the
University of Wisconsin.
Event 2: 2007 Legislative Briefing
The TML Legislative Briefing is a unique opportunity not only to learn
firsthand about statewide, municipal -related legislative priorities, but also to
interact with your legislators regarding key issues. Act NOW to be sure you are
a participant in this important event that draws hundreds of municipal decision -
makers from across the state!
Register online at www.tml.or� and click on the education button.
Texas Municipal League Institute (TMLI) Credits
Elected city officials participating in the TMLI program can earn the following credits:
♦ Elected Officials' Conference —up to 12 CEUs
♦ TML Legislative Briefing —up to 3 CEUs
If you have any questions, please contact TML at 5 12-23 1 -7400, or e-mail amcc(c�tml.or�.
Texas Municipal League 1821 Rutherford Lane, Suite 400 � Austin, Texas 78754 � 512431-7400 ^ Fax: 512m2314495
DON'T MISS THE
2007 TML LEGISLATIVE BRIEFING
The Association of Mayors, Councilmembers and Commis"sinners (AMCCh an
association of all municipal elected officials in Texas, will conduct its Elected
Officials' Conference in Austin on February 10 —11, 2007. The conference will
be held in conjunction with the TML Biennial Legislative Briefing, which will
be held on Monday, February 12.
The Elected Officials' Conference offers two days of training and special
presentations. The Legislative Briefing is a networking breakfast followed by a
morning of discussing key municipal issues and unveiling some new research on
municipal revenue. Representative Fred Hill, Chairman of the House Local
Government Ways and Means Committee, and a key supporter of local
governments, will make a presentation, as will Harvey Kronberg, the editor and
publisher of the Quorum Report, an Austin -based newsletter focusing on politics
and government. The Quorum Report is among the most -respected publications in
the state.
The Legislative Briefing will conclude before noon on Monday, in order to give
you an opportunity to travel to the State Capitol for lunch with your own state
representative or senator, or to attend meetings in their offices. Please remember
that during the session, time is very important, so we urge you to make your
appointments as soon as possible.
City officials may register for the combined Elected Officials'
Conference/Legislative Briefing or the Legislative Briefing only. You may
register on line at www.tml.org or call 512-231-7400 for more information.
7:00 a.m.
2007 TML LEGISLATIVE BRIEFING
RENAISSANCE HOTEL .- ARBORETUM
AUSTIN, TEXAS
Agenda
TML Member City officials only
Registration
Breakfast
8:30 - 9:45 a.m. Senator Royce West, Chairman, Senate Intergovernmental
Relations Committee (invited) . .
TML Legislative Program —Overview
Frank Sturzl, Executive Director, TML
9:45 - 10:15 a.m. Representative Fred Hill, Chairman, House Local Governmental
Ways and Means Committee .
10:15 - 10:30 a.m. Break
10:30 - 11:15 a.m. Harvey Kronberg, Editor, Quorum Report
11:15 - 11:45 a.m. Land Use Issues —TML Staff
11:45 a.m. Adjourn
:�
�1
TML will continue to monitor the issue.
PUC ADOPTS NEW ACCESS I
Chapter 283 of the Texas Local Government Code, enacted in 1999, replaced telecommunications
franchise agreements with a new system of compensation based on "access lines." Under Chapter 283, a
telecommunications provider pays compensation for the use of a city's rights -of -way (ROW) based on
how many lines the provider operates in the city. The system represented a successful compromise in
1999, but new technologies have placed a strain on the statutory methodology and have led to
disagreements about which providers and which types of lines are subject to the compensation
requirements.
Senate Bill 5, the statewide cable and video franchise bill, was passed during the second special session of
2005. While most cities' attention was focused on the franchise portions of that bill, S.B. 5 also
contained language amending Chapter 283. Specifically, S.B. 5 amended the definition of "voice service"
in Chapter 283 to provide that "voice communications services provided through wireline facilities
located at least in part in the public right-of4ay, without regard to the delivery technology, including
Internet protocol technology" constitute a compensable use of city ROWs. In addition, the bill expanded
the definition of a "CTP" to include not only a PUC certificated telecommunication provider, but also "a
person that provides voice service." The amendments were, in theory, designed to create technology -
neutral definitions that include Internet phone technology, such as voice-over internet protocol (VoIP),
under the compensation requirements of Chapter 283.
The Public Utility Commission iated a rulemaking project to implement the changes made by S.B. 5,
and new rules were ultimately adopted on December 14, 2006. The rules provide that certain providers of
VoIP must pay access line fees, while others do not. Generally, a VoIP provider with facilities in a city's
ROW (e.g., a cable company like Time Warner) must pay access line fees, whereas providers with no
facilities in a city's ROW (e.g., an application -only company like Vonage) are not required to do so.
Detailed information is available on the Public Utility Commission's Web site at:
hftp://www.puc.state.tx.us/rules/rulemake/33004/33004.cfino
MELAND SECURITY GRANT PROCESS ANNOUNCED
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has released guidance on five critical infrastructure
grant programs that include port, transit, and rail security. The five grant programs will total roughly
$1.7 billion in funding for state and local counterterrorism efforts.
"This year's grant process will be more user-friendly. There will be increased interaction with all
applicants before we award the grants to ensure effective investment," said Homeland Security Secretary
Michael Chertoff. "The funds will be distributed to reduce risk across the United States, not just in a
handful of places. But let me be clear that the communities facing the highest risk will receive the
majority of the funds."
The five programs that comprise the Homeland Security Grant Program (HSGP) encourage a regional
approach to strengthening homeland security. Grant funding priorities include reducing risks of
2
improvised explosive devices
interoperable communications,
funding totals are:
and radiological, chemical, and biological weapons. They emphasize
information sharing, and citizen preparedness. The fiscal year 2007
• State Homeland Security Program- $509.3 million
• Law Enforcement Terrorism Prevention Program- $363.8 million
• Urban Areas Security Initiative- $746.9 million
• Metropolitan Medical Response System- $32.0 million
• Citizen Corps Program- $14.6 million
For more information about these programs, please visit Bulletin: Homeland Security Grants Information
on the TML Web site: www.tml.or.
The preceding article was reprinted with permission from an alert issued by the National League of Cities
NLC).
SEX OFFENDER NOTIFICATION REQUIREMENTS
Current law lays out the procedures under which local law enforcement agencies are required to notify
school districts of any registered sex offenders who intend to enroll in the school district.
Chapter 62 of the Code of Criminal Procedure specifically requires local law enforcement authorities to
immediately provide such notices to the superintendent of the public school district and to the
administrator of any private school located in the district in which the person registering intends to
reside. The local law enforcement authority is required to include in the notice any information the
authority determines necessary to protect the public, except:
1. the person's social security number, driver's license number, or telephone number; and
2. any information that would identify the victim of the offense for which the offender is
required to register.
Upon receipt of this information, the superintendent or administrator is required to release the information
contained in the notice to the appropriate district personnel including peace officers and security
personnel, principals, nurses, and counselors.
For more information on this issue, please contact the Texas Municipal League Legal Services
Department at (512) 231-7400 or leaal(a�tml.org.
GOVERNOR'S ENVIRONMENTAL FLOWS ADVISORY
COMMITTEE ISSUES REPORT
The term "environmental flow" refers to the amount of water that must be left in a river for the protection
of bays, estuaries, and instream uses to support plant and aquatic life. In 2003, the issue of environmental
flows was brought to the forefront by various environmental groups, most notably the San Marcos River
Foundation (SMRF). The SMRF applied to the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ)
for a permit to "appropriate" 1.3 million cubic feet of water from the Guadalupe River (essentially all the
3
remaining surface water rights). Rather than applying to use the water for agricultural or municipal uses,
the SMRF wanted a water rights permit to leave the water in the river. The concern with this type of
application is *that it may unnecessarily foreclose all future water rights in a river.
The Texas Water Code expressly states the manner in which new water appropriation permits are granted
and requires a physical appropriation of water (i.e., the appropriator must take steps to either store or
divert the water from the source to put the water to beneficial use). There is no provision that allows for a
permit that authorizes "non -appropriation."
The general consensus among cities at the time was that a "water rights permit" is not the appropriate
mechanism to achieve the environmental goals proposed by the SMRF. Many experts argued that the
SMRF requested in its application an amount of water vastly in excess of what is reasonably necessary to
balance the protection of the environment with the water needs of the citizens. Furthermore, under the
current water right permitting scheme, a right granted in response to an environmental flows application
would arguably be "uncancellable." As such, it would be against the interests of the public -at -large.
Based on the lack of statutory guidance, the TCEQ deferred to the legislature to decide whether a permit
for environmental flows is in the best interests of the citizens of Texas.
In response to the environmental flows issue and others, Senate Bill 3, an omnibus water bill, was
introduced in 2005. That bill, which did not pass, would have enacted new provisions relating to the
development and management of the state's water resources. In the wake of the failure of S.B. 3, both the
House and Senate Natural Resources Committees received interim charges to study the environmental
flows issue. However, the real action appears to be in the form of an Environmental Flows Advisory
Committee created by the governor. The committee consists of nine members appointed by the governor.
The chairmen of three state agencies (the TCEQ, the Texas Water Development Board, and the Texas
Parks and Wildlife Commission) are standing members of the advisory committee. The remaining six
members were chosen from among river authorities; cities; the public; and environmental, agricultural,
industrial, and hunting and fishing interests. A representative from Houston serves as the municipal
representative on the committee. On December 20, 2006, the committee submitted its report with
findings and legislative recommendations to the governor, lieutenant governor, and speaker of the House
of Representatives.
Using Senate Bill 3 as a framework, the committee's findings and recommendations are as follows:
1) The Texas Legislature should create an Environmental Flows Committee (EFC) of eleven members
as follows: a presiding officer of the Texas Water Development Board; a presiding officer of the
Texas Commission on Environmental Quality; a presiding officer of the Texas Parks and Wildlife
Department; six members to be appointed by the governor; the chair (or appointed representative) of
the Senate Natural Resources Committee; and the chair (or appointed representative) of the House
Natural Resources Committee. The recommendation states that the members should represent
several areas of expertise and different stakeholders, including cities.
2) The EFC would create stakeholder committees of up to seventeen members, including city
representatives. Each basin or bay area in the state would have a separate stakeholder group, and the
geographical extent of each river basin and bay system would be defined by November 1, 2007,
which would also be the deadline for the appointment of the stakeholder committees.
3) Each basin and bay stakeholder committee would appoint an expert science team for its area by
March 1, 2008. The science team would research environmental flow issues in the area and submit a
recommendation to the basin and bay stakeholder committee, the TCEQ, and the EFC by March 1,
2009.
NU
4) Each basin and bay stakeholder committee would have six months after the. receipt of the science
team's environmental flow recommendation to submit its recommendation to the TCEQ.
5) Funding should be made available by the Texas Legislature for these stakeholder committees and
expert science groups.
6) The EFC should review the information sent from the stakeholder committees to the TCEQ and
submit comments to the TCEQ not later than six months after the date of the receipt of the
information.
7) The TCEQ would be given one year from the time it receives comments and recommendations from
the stakeholder committees to complete the normal rulemaking process to adopt appropriate
environmental flow standards for each bay system and river basin.
8) Trading water rights in a market -based system, like those used in other western states, is a system that
should be investigated further to determine the efficacy of those methods in Texas.
The League will continue to monitor the environmental flows issue and any legislation that is filed as a
result of the committee's recommendations.
CITY -RELATED BILLS FILED
H.B. 6 (Hilderbran) —Parks: would do the following: (1) divide cities into two groups for purposes of
calculating eligibility for state grant funding for local parks —cities under 500,000 in population, and
cities of 500,000 or more in population; (2) for cities under 500,000 in population, restructure the local
grant funding formulas based on the sporting goods sales tax; (3) for cities of 500,000 population or more,
provide restructured funding for grants from the sporting goods sales tax, but allow such grants only to
satisfy a city's match requirement for a federal grant or for other specifically defined purposes such as
benefiting "underserved" populations; and (4) provide that cities of 500,000 or more in population may
receive state park grants only if recommended by a regional planning commission.
H.B. 422 (Phillips) -- Transportation Funding: would: (1) allocate two-thirds of the revenue generated
by the $30 state traffic fine to the Texas Mobility Fund; and (2) require the state comptroller to credit
traffic fines submitted by a city of less than 5,000 population (when those fines account for more than
thirty percent of the city's revenue for the preceding year) to the Texas Mobility Fund. (Companion bill
is S.B. 126 by Carona.)
H.B. 438 (Hochberg) —Property Tax: would provide that the appraised value of a residential
homestead may not increase by more than ten percent for the entire time period since the most recent tax
appraisal, as opposed to current law, which allows up to a ten -percent increase each year. (Note: Please
see H.J.R. 40 below.)
H.B. 442 (Phillips) — Tasers: would provide that the removal or attempted removal of a taser from a
peace officer is a felony offense.
H.B. 447 (Callegari) —Construction Procurement: would: (1) prohibit a reverse auction procedure for
a public works contract for which a performance or payment bond is required; (2) consolidate the
E
provisions of current law relating to alternative delivery systems for construction projects (e.g.,
competitive sealed proposals, construction manager -agent, construction manager at -risk, design -build, job
order contracting) by most governmental entities, including cities; (3)
provide procedures and criteria for a governmental entity to use when selected a construction contractor
using a method other than competitive bidding; (4) authorize the use of any alternative delivery method,
except for design -build, for any improvement to real property; and (5) limit the use of design -build to
buildings and associated structures.
RoBe 457 (Rodriguez) — Property Tax: would require the chief appraiser to deliver a notice each year to
each property owner whose property is not currently receiving a homestead exemption. The notice would
contain information about how to apply for a homestead exemption.
[I*Bs 463 (Flores) - Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Contractors: would create a statewide
registration system, to be administered by the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation, for air
conditioning and refrigeration technicians.
H.B. 466 (Flores) —Parks: would alter the formulas by which sporting goods sales taxes are allocated to
the various parks accounts.
H.B. 476 (Vo) —Property Tax: would extend the ten -percent appraisal cap on residential homesteads to
all real property. (Note: Please see H.J.R. 41 below.)
H B. 478 (Vo) —Utility Payments: would provide that a payment for utility services is considered made
on the date the envelope is postmarked i£ (1) the payment is not required by law or contract to be
delivered by a method other than mail; (2) the payment was mailed with sufficient postage; and (3) the
envelope was properly addressed.
H B 486 (Driver) — Police Chief Education: would: (1) direct the Texas Commission on Law
Enforcement Officer Standards and Education (TCLEOSE) to create a uniform 24-month training period
during which all police chiefs shall receive at least forty hours of training; and (2) direct TCLEOSE to
establish a rule stating that the first continuing education training period for a police chief shall begin on
the first day of the first uniform continuing education training period following the date the individual
completes the TCLEOSE initial training program.
H B. 490 (Solomons) —Pawn Shops: would do the following: (1) permit, but not require, police chiefs
to place holds on pawn shop goods that are suspected of being stolen; and (2) require pawn shops that
generate computerized pawn tickets to electronically transmit pawn data to the police department if
required by the police chief.
H B 491 (Burnam) —Electric Markets: would limit the amount of generation capacity that a
deregulated electric utility may own or control within the Electric Reliability Council of Texas (ERGOT).
H B 492 (Orr) —Emergency Services Districts: would prohibit a city from removing area in its
extraterritorial jurisdiction from an emergency services district.
H B 495 (Bonnen) -Emergency Services Personnel: would make assault on emergency services
personnel a felony of the third degree.
H B 497 (Madden) —Construction Contracts: would provide that: (1) a dispute arising under a
construction contract for non-residential construction may be referred to a "dispute board" if the contract
provides for such a referral; (2) each construction contract entered into by a governmental entity that does
0
not provide for submission of disputes arising under the contract to a dispute board must contain a
provision stating that the provision was actively considered and rejected; (3) a dispute board consists of
one, three, or a greater odd number of persons selected by the parties through a nomination process, and
one person selected by the parties' chosen members; (4) each member of the dispute board must meet
certain qualifications related to the construction industry and meet certain training requirements; (5) a
project owner (e.g., a governmental entity) shall provide a dispute board with all documents necessary to
the board's work, including conference facilities for meetings; (6) a dispute board may act in an advisory
or formal decision -making capacity, as agreed by the parties; and (7) the meetings of a dispute board and
its records are confidential.
H.B. 499 (Castro) -Guardrails: would require that a guardrail constructed on a bridge or overpass
located on a public road or highway be at least 36 inches in height.
H.J.R. 40 (HochberE) —Property Tax: would amend the Texas Constitution to provide that the
appraised value of a residential homestead may not increase more than ten percent for the entire period
since the most recent tax appraisal, as opposed to current law which allows up to a ten -percent increase
each year. (Note: Please see H.B. 438 above.)
H.J.R. 41 (Vo) —Property Tax: would amend the Texas Constitution to permit the legislature to extend
the ten -percent appraisal cap on residential homesteads to all real property. (Note: Please see H.B. 476
above.)
S.B. 74 (Lucio) —Open Records: would: (1) authorize a program to protect the confidentiality of a
victim of stalking, sexual assault, or family violence, and allow the victim to use a post office box as an
official address; and (2) require a city to accept the designated substitute post office box address in place
of the individual's true residential address, with certain exceptions.
S.B. 17S (Wentworth) —Open Records: would: (1) require a requestor to make a deposit or post a bond
before the tenth business day after the required date, or the request will be considered withdrawn; (2)
allow the attorney general's office 45 business days to issue a decision after the date the office receives a
request for a decision, with an extension period of the attorney general's action of ten business days; and
(3) require a city to release information to a person with a special right of access not later than the tenth
business day after the receipt of a request for information.
S.J.R. 10 (Janek) —Property Tax: would amend the Texas Constitution to permit the governing body of
a political subdivision, including a city, to reduce the homestead appraisal cap from ten percent to some
percentage not lower than three percent. Once lowered, the appraisal cap could be changed again by
action of the governing body, but the change would take effect only after six years have expired since the
first change.
WHAT'S YOUR AREA OF EXPERTISE OR INTEREST?
JOIN YOUR FAVORITE E-LIST
The TML staff is gathering e-mail addresses from city officials (elected or appointed) who are willing to
provide testimony during the 2007 legislative session, want to be kept "in the loop" on certain subject
matters, or are willing to simply provide their perspective on a particular legislative matter. If you would
like to participate in this &List project, simply send an e-mail to Rachael Pitts at rpitts@trn1.org with
your name/e-mail address and the subject matter(s) below that interest you.
7
Subiect Areas
• Telecommunications
• Electric Utilities
• Gas Utiltities
• Open Meetings/Open Records
• Annexation/ETJ
• Land Use (eminent domain, permit vesting, etc.)
• Transportation
• Revenue/Appraisal Caps
• Property Tax
• Sales Tax
• Economic Development
• Elections
• Civil Service
• Collective Bargaining/Meet and Confer
• Water
• Purchasing
• Ethics
• Municipal Court
• Public Safety/Police
• Public Safety/Fire
• Emergency Services Districts/EMS
• Disease Presumption
• Disaster Response
• Other:
TML member cities may use the material herein for any purposes
No other person or entity may reproduce, duplicate, or distribute any
part of this document without the written authorization of the
Texas Municipal Lea ue
for further information contact the TML Legislative Services Department
1821 Rutherford Lane, Suite 400, Austin, Texas 78754-5128 512-231-7400, Fax 512-231-7490 www.tml.org
January 19, 2007
Number 2
LT. GOVERNOR DEWHURST APPOINTS SENATE COMMITTEES
Lt. Governor David Dewhurst appointed Senate committees on Friday, January l2, 2007. Here are the key related committees.
committees.
Intergovernmental Relations
Royce West (D-Dallas), Chair
Robert Nichols (R-Jacksonville), Vice -Chair
Mario Gallegos (D-Galena Park)
Dan Patrick (R-Houston)
Jeff Wentworth (R-San Antonio)
State Affairs
Robert Duncan (R-Lubbock), Chair
Tommy Williams (R-The Woodlands), Vice Chair
John Carona (R-Dallas)
Rodney Ellis (D-Houston)
Troy Fraser (R-Horseshoe Bay)
Chris Harris (R-Arlington)
Mike Jackson (R-Pasadena)
Eddie Lucio (D-Brownsville)
Leticia Van de Putte (D-San Antonio)
Business and Commerce
Troy Fraser (R-Horseshoe Bay), Chair
Chris Harris (R-Arlington), Vice Chair
Kip Averitt (R-Waco)
4Ot@: When you receive this TML Legislative Update, please make copies of it and distribute them to members of the governing body and to depart-
ment heads as appropriate. TML sends only one copy to each city, and we rely on those who receive it to distribute it. Thanks for your help.
Published by the Texas Municipal League
1821 Rutherford Lane, Suite 400, Austin, Texas 78754-5128 • 512-231-7400, Fax 512-231-7490 www.tml.org
Kevin Eltife km -Tyler)
Craig Estes (R-Wichita Falls)
Kyle Janek (R-Houston)
Eddie Lucio (D-Brownsville)
Leticia Van de Putte (D-San Antonio)
Kirk Watson (D-Austin)
Finance
Steve Ogden (R-College Station), Chair
Judith Zaffirini (D-Laredo), Vice Chair
Kip Averitt (R-Waco)
Bob Deuell (R-Greenville)
Robert Duncan(R-Lubbock)
Kevin Eltife (R-Tyler)
Troy Fraser (R-Horseshoe Bay)
Juan Hinojosa (D-McAllen)
Kyle Janek (R-Houston)
Eddie Lucio (D-Brownsville)
Jane Nelson (R-Lewisville)
Florence Shapiro (R-Plano)
Royce West (D-Dallas)
John Whitmire (D-Houston)
Tommy Williams (R-The Woodlands)
Natural Resources
Kip Averitt (R-Waco), Chair
Craig Estes (R-Wichita Falls), Vice Chair
Kim Brimer (R-Fort Worth)
Bob Deuell (R-Greenville)
Robert Duncan(R-Lubbock)
Kevin Eltife (R-Tyler)
Glenn Hegar (R-Katy)
Juan Hinojosa (D-McAllen)
Mike Jackson (R-Pasadena)
Kel Seliger (R-Amarillo)
Carlos Uresti (D-San Antonio)
LOBBYING: RECENT COURT DECISION DOES NOT AFFECT TEXAS
CITIES
On January 5, 2007, a Williamson County district court judge issued his opinion in the case of Peggy Venable,
Janice Brauner, and Judy Morris v. Williamson County and Texas Association of Counties. The opinion concluded
that Williamson County's payment of dues to the Texas Association of Counties (TAC) is prohibited by Texas Local
Government Code Section 89.002(a)(4). That section provides that "[t]he commissioners court [of a county] may
spend, in the name of the county, money from the county's general fund for membership fees and dues of a nonprofit
state association of counties if...neither the association nor an employee of the association directly or indirectly
influences or attempts to influence the outcome of any legislation pending before the legislature..."
2
The facts of the case centered on TAC's efforts in 2005 to oppose reduced appraisal caps. Based on several
"legislative alert" e-mails and press releases, the opinion concluded that TAC "implemented a coordinated lobbying
effort to defeat any measures that would lower appraisal caps." The opinion concluded that TAC directly attempted
to influence legislation in violation of Section 89.002(a)(4). Interestingly, the opinion does not preclude TAC from
lobbying. Rather, the opinion concluded that TAC "voluntarily brought itself under the legislative prohibition. .by
accepting dues from county governments."
Section 89.002(b) provides the remedy for a violation Section 89.002(a)(4): "a taxpayer of a political subdivision
that pays fees or dues to the association or organization is entitled to appropriate injunctive relief to prevent any
further activity described by Subsection (a)(4)... or any further payments of fees or dues." The plaintiffs in the case
requested that the court do both. However, the opinion concluded that "if TAC is enjoined from further violations, it
makes no sense to also enjoin Williamson County from paying dues [to TAC]." Thus, the court will issue an
injunction prohibiting TAC from any further attempts to influence legislation. The injunction would be final
following the court's formal adoption of a final judgment.
The case does not in any way affect Texas cities. Section 89.002 governs counties. There is currently no similar
statute that would prohibit a city from paying dues to the Texas Municipal League. Further, the membership of the
League has made opposition to legislation that would "limit or prohibit the authority of the League to use any
revenue, however derived, to communicate with legislators" one of its highest priorities this legislative session.
PAXTON CRAFTS BILL TO EXPAND TRANSPARI+:NCY ON LOBBYING
BY PUBLIC ENTITIES
(Reprinted with permission of the Quorum Report.)
Rep. Ken Paxton (R-McKinney) will be filing legislation this session to require fuller disclosure of local tax dollars
being spent on city, county and school district lobbying, but Paxton does not intend to go as far as groups such as
Americans For Prosperity would propose, which would be a full prohibition of taxpayer -funded lobbying.
Over the summer, Paxton, as the chair of a Committee on Cenera! Investigations and Ethics' subcommittee on
lobbying, sent out a letter asking a list of cities, counties and school districts to provide a laundry list of lobby -
related information: information on lobbyists registered with the state; dues paid to outside organizations that lobby;
employees who use a part of their work day to compile or prepare fact sheets for the Legislature or work with
lobbyists; and the existence of outside contracts. Paxton also asked the governments to describe how they shared
that information with the public.
Paxton's chief of staff, Paul Powell, confirms that all of that reported information has been compiled and prepared
for the interim report. That interim report, however, has not been published because the committee has been without
a clerk since December. When the report is published, Powell admits it will not go as far as Americans for
Prosperity might like.
"Rep. Paxton does not believe local government should be banned from lobbying if lobbying is defined as
communication to elected state officials. He believes that state elected officials receive important input from local
officials, whether it's school boards, city or county," Powell said. "However, Rep. Paxton strongly believes that
there are severe inadequacies in reporting to citizens as to how their tax dollars are being spent on lobbying, and that
needs to be addressed."
Peggy Venable's group, Americans for Prosperity, has drawn a line in the sand over what it considers to be
taxpayer -funded lobbying against the interest of taxpayers. Venable has dubbed it "the lobby tax." According to
AFP's figures, 541 entities spent $52.6 million to hire 1,618 lobbyists to represent their interests at the Capitol last
session.
One strategy Venable intends to address the "lobby tax" is to take the sections in code that ban the ability of counties
to lobby and apply it to cities, utility districts and school districts. That may work as a broad concept, but extending
such a ban would be tricky, some say, because the ban on county lobbying is a Constitutional prohibition, one that
does not apply to cities, school districts, and other jurisdictions.
County government folks roll their eyes over that analysis. There is no constitutional ban on county lobbying or
providing information to the Legislature. Anyone who mounts that argument is pushing a red herring. The recent
Williamson county court decision was based on the government Code, not the Constitution.
Powell says Paxton understands AFP's position but his first legislative goal will be full disclosure, especially when
it comes to how lobbyists are registered. Paxton would like to see publicly hired lobbyists provide fuller disclosures
and more information than those hired by business. Once that information is available to the public, then it would
be up to the local jurisdiction to make choices as to what should be restricted, Powell said.
The Texas Education Agency is already taking a step in this direction under the governor's recent executive order,
the one that also created the 65-percent rule. School districts now are required to disclose expenditures on all
consultants, advertising, lobbying and association dues. In a letter sent out to school districts, Associate
Commissioner Adrain Johnson tried to add some clarity to the information gathering, noting how data needed to be
reported and parsed.
It would appear, from the guidance of the letter, that dues for groups such as the Texas Association of School
Administrators and Texas association of School Boards, among others, would be considered in one category of non -
lobby expenditures. Lobbying expenditures, under the questionnaire, would be limited to outside contracts and
payments to political action committees and caucus groups, as well as consultants.
(The puorum Report is a lrigl:ly regarded political newsletter based in Austin. The report's editor, Harvey
Kronberg, will be a featured speaker at the February 12 TML Legislative Briefing to be neld in Austin.)
A LITTLE RECOGNITION GOES A LONG WAY
(By TML President -Elect Todd Todd Pearson, Mayor, City of Rockport, and Chairman of the TML Legislative Task
Force on Intergovernmental Relations)
Have you ever let the opportunity to show appreciation or recognition for a person's actions pass you by? It happens
all the time, doesn't it? These missed opportunities run the gamut, from the seemingly insignificant to more
profound lapses. Perhaps you had a great stay at a hotel and forgot to tip your attentive housekeeping staff. Maybe
you had a good teacher who positively influenced your life, but never got around to offering your thanks.
Our state legislators help our cities in numerous ways, but when was the last time we thanked them for it?
Complicating the situation is that sometimes we disagree with our legislators on important issues. Fighting bad
legislation session after session can make city officials cynical, and can foster an "us -versus -them" mentality. This is
bad on several grounds. First, it really isn't a war we're engaged in, just a disagreement. After all, a legislator's
constituents are our constituents, too. It would be rare legislators indeed who didn't believe they had their
constituents' best interests at heart in the bills they file and support.
In fact, we can oppose legislation that would curtail city authority at the same time we recognize and thank the
sponsoring legislators for the good things they do. This is the essence of a healthy democracy —we have no
permanent enemies, just old friends who need gentle reminders about the importance of municipal government.
Often, the best way to deliver these reminders is simple recognition for the positive things our legislators do for us.
Don't like your legislator's support for revenue cap bills? Express your appreciation for assistance on the road
project.before you start in about the revenue caps!
4
Often, the best way to deliver these reminders is simple recognition for the positive things our legislators do for us.
Don't like your legislator's support for revenue cap bills? Express your appreciation for assistance on the road
project before you start in about the revenue caps!
Legislators have it tough in the recognition department. The authors of good bills often get forgotten in the shuffle
of amendments and sponsors in the other chamber. Many times these bills die, and no one ever remembers who was
behind them. Why not take the opportunity at the end of a legislative session to pat our legislators on the back for
the city -friendly bills they filed that weren't successful? You can call TML staff to help you figure out what these
bills were and who filed them.
How can we best recognize our legislators for their positive efforts? One good way is to ask them to speak at a TML
regional meeting or other local get-together and then sing their praises to our fellow citizens and elected officials. As
you introduce your state representative, for example, you can say, "...and this is our legislator who's filed the good
TCEQ bills the past two sessions that would have helped us in our permitting process. Let's give him a hand!" Small
acts of recognition reflect well, not only on others, but also on ourselves.
LETTER TO THE EDITOR
The following a -mail was received from a city official regarding a January 12 article in the TML Legislative Update:
Subject: Legislative Update dated January 12, 2007. Article titled "PUC ADOPTS NEW
ACCESS LINE RULES"
I would like for you to clarify that the providers DO NOT PAY ACCESS LINE FEES as is
indicated in your article. They pay the fees that are collected from their customers. It is a pass
through. And that is NOT an expense to the provider as would be indicated in the article. The
fees for the use of the ROW that are "owned" by the citizens are paid for by the citizens --NOT the
providers.
The article is slanted to give the impression that the franchise fees are "paid" by the providers.
Bill Kashouty, Mayor
Hideaway, Texas
CITY -RELATED BILLS FILED
H.B. 511 (Farabee) —Concealed Handguns: would: (1) prohibit a public or private employer from establishing,
maintaining, or enforcing any policy or rule that has the effect of prohibiting a concealed handgun license holder
from transporting or storing a concealed handgun in a locked vehicle in any parking lot, parking garage, or other
designated parking area; (2) authorize a private employer to prohibit an employee from transporting or storing a
concealed handgun in a vehicle in a parking lot, parking garage, or other parking area the employer provides for
employees if the parking lot, garage, or other area is completely surrounded by a gate and is not open to the public
and ingress to and egress from the parking lot, garage, or other area are monitored by security personnel; and (3)
provide that a public or private employer is not liable in a civil action for damages resulting from an occurrence
involving the possession of a concealed handgun by a license holder. (This bill is identical to H.B. 220 by King.)
5
H.B. 513 (Farabee) — Sales Tax: would exempt from sales taxes purchases made by certain permanently disabled
veterans.
H.B. 514 (Farabee) .-Electric Rates: would require a municipally -owned utility (MOU) to discount charges for
electric service provided to a public school district, with certain exceptions for an MOU that already provides
discounts.
H.B. 520 (Mowery) — Annexation: would provide that: (1) the voters of an area identified by an annexation plan or
an area annexed under an annexation plan may, by petition, request the attorney general or the district attorney of the
county in which a majority of the area is located to initiate appropriate legal proceedings if the voters believe that
the annexing municipality has failed to comply with the procedural requirements imposed by annexation law; (2) the
attorney general or district attorney, as appropriate, shall conduct an investigation of the facts presented in the
petition; (3) if the attorney general or district attorney, as appropriate, determines that the facts presented in the
petition support initiating the legal proceeding requested, the attorney general or district attorney shall initiate the
appropriate legal action; and (4) if the attorney general or district attorney, as appropriate, determines that the facts
presented in the petition do Pot support initiating the legal proceeding requested, the attorney general or the district
attorney may refuse to take action.
H.B. 524 (Woolen) —Property Tax: would provide that: (1) a property owner may challenge an annual appraisal
increase of more than five percent through mandatory arbitration; (2) such mandatory arbitration would be in lieu of
first protesting to the appraisal review board; and (3) each request for arbitration by a property owner would require
the appraisal district to post a $500 deposit.
H.B. 526 (Goolsby) —Vehicle Registrations: would allow a city and a county to enter into an interlocal contract
that would allow for the denial of a vehicle registration for any person who has an unpaid parking ticket if: (1) the
city gives a warning to a violator that vehicle registration may be denied if a ticket is unpaid; (2) the unpaid fine
totals more than $100; and (3) the city sends a notice by mail to the violator stating that the registration may be
denied due to unpaid tickets.
H.B 527 (Menendez) —Electronic Voting Machines: would provide that an electronic voting machine must allow
a voter to: (1) inspect and verify a paper record of the vote before the vote is recorded electronically; and (2) make
changes to the voter's electronic ballot after reviewing the paper record. In addition, the bill would provide that: (1)
a paper record of a ballot may be used for recount or audit purposes; and (2) paper records that are verified by the
voter as correct shall be preserved in the same manner as paper ballots to ensure that the paper records may be used
in a recount or manual audit.
H.B. 530 (Madden) —Municipal Court: would: (1) impose a new $50 court cost on Class C intoxication offense
convictions in municipal court; (2) dedicate the resulting revenue for drug court and treatment purposes; (3) allow a
city to retain 40 percent of the new court cost for its own drug court programs and ten percent as a collection fee;
and (4) require the city to remit the remaining 50 percent to the state for state drug court funding.
H.B. 539 (W. Smith) —Fireworks: would: (1) add "skyrockets with sticks" and other fireworks with rudders or
fins to the enumerated list of impermissible fireworks; (2) expand state fireworks law to preempt a city's regulation
or prohibition on fireworks except within city limits or, for home rule cities, within 5,000 feet of the city limits if the
regulation was in place before January 2, 2007; (3) require a city or county to provide "just and adequate
compensation" for damages caused to any person by an ordinance, order, or rule to discontinue otherwise permitted
or licensed sale, manufacture, storage, possession, or transport of fireworks; (4) charge the fireworks advisory
council with the establishment of a fireworks public awareness and safety campaign, as a cooperative effort between
industry and local governments; (5) prohibit the discharge of fireworks, in certain circumstances, in a manner
reasonably likely to harm another person and with intent to harm another person; (6) change the age at which a child
may be sold fireworks from 12 to 16; and (7) prohibit the employment of persons younger than 16 years old to
manufacture, distribute, sell, or purchase fireworks in the course of the person's business, and prohibit a person of
16 or 17 years of age from selling fireworks at a retail sales location without being accompanied by a person who is
at least 18 years old.
0
H.B. 540 (Martinez Fischer) — Dangerous Driving: would: (1) require the Texas Department of Public Safety
(DPS) to develop and operate a 24-hour hotline for persons to report incidents of suspected driving while intoxicated
or other dangerous driving to DPS; and (2) require the DPS to forward reports from that hotline to the city police
department or sheriff's office with jurisdiction in the area.
H.B. 552 (Turner) —Electric Rates: would: (1) require certain affiliated retail electric providers to make electricity
available to residential customers of the affiliated transmission and distribution utility at a market -based price set by
the Public Utility Commission (PUC); (2) provide that the price set by the PUC must be made available until sixty
percent or more of the electric power consumed by residential customers in the area is served by nonaffiliated retail
electric providers; (3) authorize the PUC, on its own motion or on the motion of a city in the affiliated transmission
and distribution utility's certificated service area, to review and adjust the affiliated retail electric provider's fuel
factor to ensure that the factor accurately reflects the cost of natural gas and purchased energy used to serve retail
customers; and (4) require the PUC to survey each transmission and distribution service area in which customer
choice has been introduced to determine whether a competitive retail market exists in that area, and take any action
necessary to make the market competitive.
H.B. 553 (Turner) —Electric Market: would: (1) require the Public Utility Commission (PUC) to initiate an
investigation if it receives notice that electric market abuses are occurring; (2) require the PUC to make available to
the public the name of each person who is subject to the investigation; (3) require the PUC to order a person who is
found to have engaged in electric market abuse to make restitution to each person financially damaged as a result of
the abuse; and (4) create the crime of market abuse and make the crime a felony of the second degree.
H.B. 558 (Noriega) —Sex Offenders: would: (1) prohibit a registered sex offender under community supervision,
on parole, or on mandatory supervision from living near another registered sex offender; (2) provide notice of the
address of a sex offender to the state senators and state representatives who represent the area, as well as the heads
of the governing bodies of the city, county, and school district in which the sex offender is living; and (3) clarify that
the child safety zone in which parolees who are registered sex offenders may not go is 1,000 feet from premises
where children commonly gather, with some exceptions.
H.B. 559 (Noriega) — Abatement of Abandoned Vehicles: would require a public hearing before the removal of
an abandoned vehicle that is a public nuisanceonly if the hearing is requested by a person who receives notice of the
nuisance.
H.B. 560 (Noriega) —Substandard Buildings: would require a city to provide confirmed mail notice of all
proceedings related to the enforcement of an ordinance involving substandard buildings.
H.B. 561 (Noriega) —Junked Vehicles: would require a city to provide confirmed mail notice of the abatement and
removal of a junked vehicle.
H.B 569 (Gonzales) — Open Records: would: (i) authorize a program to protect the confidentiality of a victim of
stalking, sexual assault, or family violence, and allow the victim to use a post office box as an official address; and
(2) require a city to accept the designated substitute post office box address in place of the individual's true
residential address, with certain exceptions. (Companion bill is S.B. 74 by Lucio.)
H.B.. 586 (Gonzalez Toureiltes) —Driving Safety Course: would require a municipal judge, under certain
circumstances, to require a defendant charged with driving a motorcycle at a speed of 95 miles per hour or more to
successfully complete a driving safety course or a course under the motorcycle operator training and safety program.
H.B. 588 (Gonzalez Toureiltes) — Municinal Court Fees: would allow a municipal court to assess an
administrative fee of not more than $10 when a charge of no proof of financial responsibility is dropped because the
defendant was able to prove financial responsibility was in effect at the time of the alleged offense.
HB 593 (Chisum) —Taxes: would give the State Office of Administrative Hearings jurisdiction over most
contested tax hearings.
H.B. 597 (Guillen) — Address Confidentiality Program: would: (1) create an address confidentiality program for
victims of family violence; (2) require the attorney general's office to administer the program by creating a substitute
address for victims; (3) provide that a state or local agency must accept the substitute address if presented to the
agency by a participant as the participant's true residential, business, or school address; and (4) authorize the
attorney general to permit an agency to require a participant's true residential, business, or school address, if
necessary for the agency to perform a duty or function that is imposed by law.
H.B. 600 (W. Smith) —Electronic Voting Machines: would exempt an election of a political subdivision (other
than a joint election in which a federal office appears on the ballot) from the requirement to have an electronic
voting machine at each polling place if, in the previous general election, less than 100 votes were cast in: (1) the
precinct the polling place serves; or (2) all precincts the polling place serves, if the polling place serves more than
one precinct.
S.B. 188 (Brimer) —Traffic Citations: would provide that a city that uses an automated citation system may
substitute an oral promise to appear for a signature on the citation.
S.B. 190 (Brimer) —Sales Tax: would permit any city to request information from the comptroller regarding sales
tax remittance by a particular business. (Current law permits only cities with populations of 275,000 or less to
request such information.)
S.B. 191 Brimer) —Venue Taxes: would prohibit a city from spending venue taxes to demolish and reconstruct
venue projects that were previously built using other funding methods.
S.B. 195 (Jackson) —Red Light Photo Enforcement: would repeal the authority of a city to regulate traffic
through civil enforcement and would, therefore, remove the authority of a city to issue a civil penalty as part of a red
light photo enforcement system.
S.B. 207 (Ellis) —Minimum Wage: would allow a city to establish a minimum wage greater than the federal
minimum wage.
S.B. 215 (Fraser) —Residential Construction Commission: would prohibit a city from issuing a building permit
unless the city has determined that the builder is registered with the Texas Residential Construction Commission.
S.B. 223 (Ellis) —Computerized Data: would require a city to: (1) quickly report any breach of computerized
sensitive personal information to any person whose sensitive personal information was possibly disclosed; (2) notify
any other owners or license holders who also have ownership rights in the information of any breach; (3) notify the
attorney general of any breach; and (4) contact all consumer reporting agencies if the breach of information involves
more than 10,000 persons.
S.B. 233 (Harris) —Boating Sobriety Checkpoints: would allow a city that employs a police officer to patrol any
public waters of the state to operate temporary boating sobriety checkpoints.
TML member cities may use tl:e material herein jor any purpose
No other person or entity may reproduce, duplicate, or distribute any
part of this document without the written authorization of the
Texas Municipal League
For further information contact the TML Legislative Services Department
1821 Rutherford lane, Suite 400, Austin, Texas 78754-5128 512-231-7400, Fax 512-231-7494 • www.tml.org
Recommendation I: Require Voter Approval for Spending in Excess of Reasonable Levels of
Government Growth
Despite the description above, this recommendation has nothing at all to do with spending. Rather, it
proposes a radical new approach to limiting property tax revenue. The recommendation would make
the following changes in current law:
1. Redefine the effective tax rate calculation and the rollback rate calculation in a way that
removes the exclusion of "new property value" (construction and annexation) from the calculations.
2. Reduce the rollback rate from eight percent to five percent.
3. Provide that there shall be an automatic vote of the people if the rollback rate of five percent is
exceeded.
4. Require that the automatic rollback election take place on the date of the next election in the
area "and preferably on the same election date as the elected officials requesting the vote." (For most
cities, this would mean a May election on a tax rate that had become effective the previous October.)
Here's another way to look at this TFAR proposal:
Current Law: As it prepares for its upcoming budget year, City A must calculate its
effective tax rate, the rate that will generate in the upcoming year the same amount of
property tax revenue that was generated in the current year when the rate is applied
to the updated appraised value of property that existed at the beginning of the
current year. That effective tax rate is then applied to all property, including new
property — property that was built or annexed during the current year. In other words,
the current formula allows City A to adjust its tax rate to account for new property.
The TFAR Proposal: As it prepares for an upcoming budget year, City A would
calculate a "Truth in Taxation Effective Rate," the rate that would generate the same
amount of property tax revenue that was generated in the current year when the rate is
applied to all property, including new property. In other words, the TFAR proposal
would not allow City A to adjust its tax rate to account for new property. In short,
the proposal assumes that it will not take extra revenue to serve more property than
existed in the previous year.
Under the TFAR proposal, most cities (especially rapidly growing cities) would start out in a hole.
The combination of the requirement that new property count against the rollback rate, along with
automatic elections, would mean that fast -growth cities would automatically be forced to conduct a
rollback election each year just to maintain the same level of taxation on existing properties as the
previous year.
Put another way, the rollback rate in a fast growth city would be many percentage points lower than
it would be under current law (a decrease in the rate from eight to five percent, plus an additional
"penalty" for new growth).
2
Incredibly, the TFAR report goes on to say that these new rollback provisions raise concerns over the
possibility that cities may increase fees in order to generate additional revenue (revenue that would
obviously be needed, particularly in growing cities), and that these "other tax or fee increases...as
with all government revenue sources... should be approved by voters." (It is well-known, of course,
that not a single state tax or fee increase is ever subject'to voter approval.)
For many months, the task force chairman and other supporters of property tax revenue caps have
been saying that the automatic election called for in the TFAR proposals shouldn't be any problem,
since city officials would merely have to convince voters that extra revenue is needed. Using city
resources to convince voters to vote in a certain way is, of course, illegal. Section 255.003 of the
Texas Election Code prohibits an officer or employee of a political subdivision from spending or
authorizing the spending of public funds for political advertising. The Texas Ethics Commission has
consistently ruled that a communication is political advertising if it advocates a particular outcome in
an election. (For more information, go to www.ethics.state.tx.us/fiIinginfo/padpubs.htm.)
Recommendation II: Improve the Fairness of the Appraisal Process
This section of the TFAR report contains numerous proposals, including the following:
� The central appraisal district (CAD) board would be made up of five members: two
appointed by
taxing entities within the CAD, the elected tax assessor -collector in the county, and two "taxpayer
representatives" appointed by a district judge.
• Minimum qualifications would be established for service on an appraisal review board
(ARB).
0 Property owners would be allowed to make greater use of arbitration.
ing primarily on sales prices to establish market value.
• CADs would be prohibited from rely
0 The amount of information required on a property tax notice would be significantly
expanded.
Recommendation III: Change the Comptroller's Property Value Study
Under current law, the state comptroller is required to annually conduct a property value study to
distribute state funding to schools and ensure uniformity and accuracy in local appraisal practices.
This set of recommendations would, among other things, allow the study to be done every three years
and allow an appraisal district to be inaccurate by up to 10 percent in determining fair market values.
Current law allows inaccuracy of up to only five percent.
Recommendation IV: Prospectively Prohibit Unfunded State Mandates
The TFAR report states that it can do nothing about federal mandates. (Actually, it could do
something about federal mandates — it could recommend that local governments always have the
authority to generate enough revenue to pay for them!)
The report recommends the elimination of "future unfunded state legislative and regulatory
mandates." Specifically:
1. The attorney general would determine it an unfunded mandate was enacted.
3
2. The state comptroller would determine the amount of money required to pay for the
unfunded
mandate.
3. The mandate would be suspended until and unless the legislature provides money to pay
for
the mandate.
Recommendation V: Require Sales Price Disclosure
This recommendation was adopted by the task force members on a split vote and is watered-down, to
say the least. First, the report specifies that sales price disclosure must be tied to limits on increases
in property tax revenues (see Recommendation I, above). Otherwise, the report says, "sales price
disclosure simply becomes another method for local governments to raise revenues without
substantive controls by the people..."
Second, the rendering of value would be done by the property's purchaser for what the purchaser
deems to be market value. The purchaser would be required to provide some support for the
rendering of market value; that is, some evidence that the price paid on the open market is not, in
fact, market value!
Recommendation VI: Constitutional Amendments
The task force recommended two amendments to the Texas Constitution:
1. "Protect all taxpayers from large fluctuations in ad valorem tax bills by giving all taxpayers in all
local taxing entities (including but not limited to residential,, commercial and industrial properties),
the option of electing to pay all ad valorem taxes based on the five-year rolling average appraised
value..
2. "Give the option to city and county governments to have a public election in each jurisdiction... to
reduce their reliance on property taxes to fund local services by enacting an optional %2-cent county-
wide sales tax constitutionally dedicated to property tax reduction. In conjunction with the passage
of this sales tax, the affected taxing entities would simultaneously (a) have the constitutional
appraisal cap for single family owner occupied homesteads for local entities (other than school
districts) reduced from the existing 10% limit to 5%; and (b) have the single family owner occupied
homestead exemption for local entities (other than school districts) increase from $3,000 to $6,000."
Statistics That Mislead
In an opening statement of the TFAR report, task force chairman Tom Pauken makes the following
statement:
From 2000 to 2004, property taxes on single family residential homes in the major
metropolitan areas of Austin, Dallas, Ft. Worth, Houston, and San Antonio rose by a
staggering 46%. Houston, Dallas, and Ft. Worth showed the highest property tax
increases on homes with 50%, 49% and 48% increases respectively.
n
The same statistics are laid out in a table entitled "4-Year Average Single -Family Residential Tax
Bill Increases (Statewide)."
Mr. Pauken may not be trying to intentionally mislead the reader, but that's the result. The reader
will assume that: (a) the property tax bill on the average home that existed in 2000 went up by 46
percent in four years; and (b) most of that increase was generated by cities, since Mr. Pauken uses
city (not county or school district) names. Both are wrong.
First, the average tax bill went up over afour-year period because newer homes tend to be bigger and
more expensive. Homes built in 2004 tend to be more expensive than those built in 2003, and so on.
To argue that the tax bill for each home went up by 46 percent is like arguing that because the
average age in Texas is coming down, we're all getting younger.
Second, most of the increase in property tax bills in recent years resulted from increases in school
taxes, a problem created to a great extent by the state's failure to properly fund schools. (This is not
merely the opinion of the TML Legislative Update, it was the opinion of the Texas Supreme Court.)
A Final Word
The accusatory tone of the task force report and its recommendations for radical revenue cuts should
come as no surprise. Even before the task force held its first hearing, the chairman announced that,
while the task force would keep an open mind and consider all viewpoints, the appraisal system is
broken and needs to be fixed. In other words, not all viewpoints (for example, the viewpoint that the
appraisal system is working exactly as it was designed to) would be welcome, despite the chairman's
protestations to the contrary.
After the completion of the task force's public hearings, the chairman wrote an inflammatory letter to
the editor of the Houston Chronicle. In the letter he said that the many local government officials
who had testified against appraisal caps and revenue caps are "tone deaf' and simply don't appreciate
"the level of frustration felt by homeowners and other property owners because of sky rocketing
appraisals and higher and higher property taxes." The fact is that it's most likely that those local
government officials have a much better understanding of their constituents than does the task force
chairman.
In a December 13 article in the Austin American -Statesman, the chairman was quoted as follows: "I
did not realize until I got through this process how adamant the local government officials were — in
too many instances — that they want to spend all the money they can get up to the highest possible
limit."
This descent into mud -slinging is unfortunate. Because we hold ourselves to a higher standard, we
have refused to be drawn into the muck and mire, the name-calling, and the groundless, baseless
attacks. We have confidence that the facts will speak for themselves and that the legislature, at the
end of the day, will not create an intergovernmental system in which cities are unable to generate the
revenue necessary to provide the hundreds of services the state will not and can not provide.
In a press release, Governor Rick Perry said that the task force proposals will "ensure taxpayers are
no longer rendered powerless in stopping large tax and spending increases that often occur even
without a vote of their local representatives. (Emphasis added.). It's difficult to know exactly
what's meant by that statement, but it is known that state tax revenue has grown by 20.2 percent over
the past two years, and that state expenditures have grown by 13.4 percent in the same two-year
period, without a single vote of the people.
(Note: the entire TFAR report can be accessed and downloaded at www.governor.stateAx.us.)
LEG
)N WOULD
UTILITIES
)RITY OVER 1
H.B 651, by Rep. Will Hartnett, would authorize a gas utility to escape municipal jurisdiction over its
rates, operations, and services by electing to be subject to the jurisdiction of the Texas Railroad
Commission (Commission). At first glance, the bill appears to simply streamline the gas ratemaking
process, but in reality it would have numerous negative effects for the citizens of Texas. While it is
true that some gas utility matters are ultimately decided at the Commission level, cities play a vital
role in ensuring fair and reasonable rates.
Many types of public utilities, such as telecommunications and electricity, have been partially
deregulated. While these utilities have moved away from traditional regulation of rates, retail gas
service continues to be a fully -regulated monopoly. The majority of Texas cities are served by these
regulated gas utilities. In a statutory scheme that has been in place for many years, a city has
exclusive original jurisdiction over the rates, operations, and services of the natural gas utility within
the city limits.
At the risk of oversimplifying acomplicated process, the current regulatory process can be
summarized as follows. A request regarding a gas utility's rates is submitted to the city with
jurisdiction over the gas utility's rates. Cities often refuse to grant a utility's request to increase its
rates and suspend the implementation of the increase in order to study whether the increase is
justified. However, in a majority of the requests to increase rates, the cities and the gas utility are able
to work out an acceptable compromise. Studying the proposed increase usually involves the hiring
of rate consultants, accountants, auditors, attorneys, and engineers. State law requires a gas utility to
reimburse a city for the costs of hiring those consultants. In a minority of rate increase requests, after
the proposed increase is studied, the city denies the request, the gas utility appeals that denial to the
Commission, and the Commission votes to grant or deny the increase.
After reading the previous paragraph, one might conclude that it's logical to eliminate a city's
authority and allow a rate increase to proceed directly to the Commission for a decision. However,
doing so would be a great disservice to the state's gas utility customers. Cities have been granted
jurisdiction over gas rates for a reason: local elected officials are in the best position to hear from the
citizens, and to take action to protect those citizens. In addition, by virtue of its original jurisdiction,
a city is granted parry status at the Commission level. A city's expertise and input regarding a
proposed increase is vital to the Commission's decision. Unlike the Public Utility Commission staff,
the Railroad Commission staff is without the necessary expertise in a number of critical ratemaking
areas to fully investigate possible overcharges in hundreds of cities. But city -initiated investigations
have rooted out inappropriate spending and unfair rates. H.B. 651 would eliminate a city's authority
to initiate an investigation into the rates and practices of a utility that holds a monopoly over the
city's residents, and would take away the citizens' voice.
0
Rate proceedings brought by cities are time-consuming and expensive, but they are not frivolous, nor
are they without merit. For example, the City of Tyler and CenterPoint Energy Entex (CenterPoint)
have been embroiled in gas rate disputes for several years involving various complicated rate -setting
matters. The City of Tyler obtained information that suggests its gas customers have been
overcharged by tens of millions of dollars, and is still litigating issues surrounding the alleged
overcharges. Without the current statutory scheme, the citizens of Tyler would not have had the
benefit of the city advocating on their behalf.
The goals of a regulated utility market are to protect the customers against potential market abuses by
a monopoly provider and to allow the utility a reasonable rate of return while securing just and
reasonable rates. H.B. 651 would erode rate regulation in the non-competitive retail gas market.
Without city jurisdiction to investigate rates, the citizens of this state could certainly be victimized.
The League will monitor H.B. 651, and keep the membership updated should action become
necessary in the future.
QI]
GS ACT
NS
As the House of Representatives debated their procedural rules on Friday, January 12, Representative
Yvonne Davis of Dallas offered an amendment that would have subjected House committee
meetings to the postings requirements of the Open Meetings Act. After much discussion of "criminal
penalties" and "unintended consequences," the amendment was tabled 91-37.
CITY
SILLS FILED
(Note: a copy of the 2007 TML Legislative Program can be viewed here:
http://www.tml.org�resolutions/2007LegislativePro6ram nd11
Howardl — Proaerty Tax: would allow land
d for wildlife
H.B. 605 (D. Howardl — Library Districts:authorize a library district to include any
contiguous territory within one or more counties; (2) provide procedures to create amulti-county
district; and (3) provide that if the boundaries of a proposed district include any territory that is part
of a city that operates a municipal public library that is accredited for membership in the state library
system, then the governing body of that city must consent to the inclusion of that territory in the
proposed district.
H.B. 609 (Smith, Todd) — Building Codes: would. (1) allow a city to extend, by ordinance, the
application of its building code to its extraterritorial jurisdiction (ETJ); and (2) repeal current law
prohibiting a city from enforcing building codes or issuing building permits in its ETJ.
H.B. 610 (F. Brown) — Annexation: would mandate that: (1) an annexation service plan include a
list of all services required to be provided under the Municipal Annexation Act, and (2) a city list in
the service plan the services that it cannot reasonably provide.
H.B. 614 (Quintanilla) —Red Light Cameras: would require that the minimum change interval for
a yellow light at an intersection with a photographic traffic monitoring system be established in
accordance with the Texas Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices.
H.B. 617 (Quintanilla) —Building Codes: would: (1) require a county to adopt a building code
governing single-family dwellings in the unincorporated area of the county; and (2) provide that a
city ordinance prevails within the city's jurisdiction.
H.B. 625 (P. King) —Sales Taz: would create aone-day sales tax holiday each year for the purchase
A certain energy efficient products.
H.B. 626 (P. King) —Voter Registration: would require an applicant for voting to: (1) provide
proof of citizenship when applying to votes (2) provide, at the time of voting, a photo identification
that matches a name on the statewide computerized voter registration list; (3) provide photo
identification and an affidavit if accepted for provisional voting because of a discrepancy between
the voter's identification and the statewide voter list; or (4) provide proof of identify to the voter
registrar not later than the fifth day after the election.
H.B. 633 (P. King) — Animal Control Officer Training: would provide for a criminal penalty and
injunctive relief against an animal control officer who does not: (1) complete basic animal control
training of at least twelve hours; and (2) complete thirty hours of continuing education every three
years. The bill would also prohibit a city from hiring or retaining an animal control officer who does
not meet the training requirements.
H.B. 634 (Eilandl —Health Benefits: would require a health insurer or a health risk pool to provide
health and accident coverage for expenses incurred as a result of an injury that occurs while a
covered employee is intoxicated or under the influence of a narcotic.
H.B. 641 (Coleman) —Minimum Wage: would allow a city to establish a minimum wage greater
than the federal minimum wage. (Companion bill is S.B. 207 by Ellis.)
H B 642 (Callegari) —Water Certificates of Convenience and Necessity: would provide that: (1)
if a landowner beyond a city's .extraterritorial jurisdiction regularly receives and pays for water
service from a city, the landowner is considered to have consented to the city's certificate of public
convenience and necessity (CCN) unless the landowner specifically objects to the city's service in
writing; (2) the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) may not grant to a retail
public utility a CCN for an area that is outside of a city's extraterritorial jurisdiction and is served by
the city under a CCN before September 1, 2007, if the city: (a) is providing continuous and adequate
service to the area; and (b) has a binding service commitment to a platted subdivision in the area or
has another commitment to provide service in the area; and (3) the TCEQ must give notice of a CCN
E:3
application by mail to each owner of a tract within the proposed service area that is at least 25 acres
in size.
H.B. 644 (HuEhes) — Property Tax: would provide a property tax exemption for leases that are: (1)
granted by a county to a third party; and (2) are part of a county transportation facility.
H.B. 646 (McCall) —Sales Tax: would exempt from sales taxes certain non -vehicular fuel cells.
H.B. 651 (Hartnett) —Gas Utility Jurlsldlctlon: would authorize a gas utility to escape municipal
jurisdiction over its rates, operations, and services by electing to be subject to the jurisdiction of the
Texas Railroad Commission. (Please see related article in this issue of the TML Legislative Update.)
H.B. 652 (Quintanilla) —Inattentive Driving: would double the fine for certain traffic offenses if
the offenses are committed while the driver is reading, writing, performing personal grooming, eating
or drinking, interacting with a pet, interacting with a passenger, or using a personal communications
device.
H.B. 656 (Coleman) —Health Benefits: would require that health coverage for a mental disorder be
provided in the same way that coverage is provided for a physical illness.
H.B. 658 (Villareal) — Property Tax: would increase from $5,000 to $15,000 the minimum amount
A newly enacted, local option residence homestead property tax exemptions. (Please see H.J.R. 45
)elow.)
H.B. 659 (Coleman) —Health Benefits: would require certain health benefit plans to provide
coverage for anorexia and bulimia.
H.B. 671 (Swinford) —Outdoor Advertising: would provide, among other things, that: (1) if the
Texas Department of Transportation, a county, city, or other governmental entity, a public utility, or
a quasi -governmental entity prevents the maintenance of existing outdoor advertising or requires that
the maintenance of existing outdoor advertising be discontinued, the entity shall pay just
compensation as if it had made an acquisition by eminent domain; and (2) if a governmental entity or
another entity with eminent domain authority requires the alteration or removal of a lawfully erected
sign that is located on property acquired by the entity through a voluntary transaction, the entity shall
pay just compensation as if it had made an acquisition by eminent domain.
H.B. 673 (Oliveira) —Public Improvement Districts: would: (1) add street lights and sea walls to
the list of authorized projects within a public improvement district (PID); and (2) permit sea walls to
be built on private property within a PID if the city council determines that doing so serves a public
purpose.
HB 685 (Orr) —Motor Fuels Taxes: would exempt purchases made by volunteer fire departments
from motor fuels taxes.
H.B. 690 (B. Brown) —Electronic Voting Machines: would exempt an election of a political
subdivision with a population of 7,500 or less (other than a joint election in which a federal office
appears on the ballot) from the requirement to have an electronic voting machine at each polling
place.
H.B. 696 (Bohac) — Property Tax: would permit the governing body of a political subdivision,
including a city, to reduce the homestead appraisal cap from ten percent to five percent. (Note:
Please see H.J.R. 47 below.)
H.B. 697 (Bohac) — Property Tax: would enact an additional homestead property tax exemption
equal to 10 percent (or up to 25 percent at the option of the city council) of the average appraised
value of all residence homesteads in the county. (Note: Please see H.J.R. 48 below.)
H.B. 699 (Turner) —General Land Office: would provide that information relating to the
development, location, purchase price, or sale price of real property developed, purchased, or sold by
or for the School Land Board, Veterans' Land Board, General Land Office, or Texas Land
Commissioner, including a contract provision related to the development, purchase, or sale of the
property, is confidential. (Note: This bill is important to cities because the state agencies in the bill
routinely develop land within cities.)
H.B. 707 (Turner) —Blood Testing: would provide that a peace officer may not take a blood
specimen to prove an offense under the Transportation Code regardless of whether the officer is
otherwise authorized to take a blood specimen.
H.B. 724 (Solomons) —Workers' Compensation: would allow for a contested hearing to resolve
disputes regarding workers' compensation claims for medical benefits.
H.B. 730 (Kolkhorst) —Debt: would require that the ciTy's published notice of intent to issue
certificates of obligation contain a provision outlining the ability of citizens to petition for an
election.
H.B. 731 (Kolld►orst) —Electronic Voting Machines: would: (1) exempt an election of a political
subdivision in which a federal office does not appear on the ballot from the requirement to have an
electronic voting machine at each polling place; and (2) require the authority holding the election to
notify the Texas Secretary of State if no electronic voting machines are provided.
H.B. 734 (Chisum) —Construction Contracts:
contractor from enforcing a contingent payment
completed its duties under the contract, unless the
subcontractors.
would, among other
clause against a ci
contractor's failure
H.B. 735 (Straus) — Telecommunications Infrastructure Fund
Telecommunications Infrastructure Fund.
things, prohibit a general
Ty until the contractor has
is due to the failure of its
would discontinue the
H.B. 742 (Dutton) —Municipal Courts: would allow a municipal court to issue an occupational
driver's license.
H.J.R. 45 (Villareal) —Property Tax: would amend the Texas Constitution to increase from $5,000
to $15,000 the minimum amount of newly enacted, local option residence homestead property tax
exemptions. (Please see H.B. 658 above.)
10
H.J.R. 47 (Bohac) —Property Tax: would amend the Texas Constitution to authorize the
legislature to permit the governing body of a political subdivision, including a city, to reduce the
homestead appraisal cap from ten percent to five percent. Once lowered, the appraisal cap could be
raised again to 10 percent by action of the governing body. (Note: Please see H.B. 696 above.)
(Bohac) —Proper Tax: would amend the Texas Constitution to authorize the
legislature to enact an additional homestead property tax exemption equal to 10 percent (or up to 25
percent at the option of the city council) of the average appraised value of all residence homesteads
in the county. (Note: Please see H.B. 697 above.)
H.J.R. 49 (Vo) —Sales Tax: would amend the Texas Constitution to prohibit new sales taxes that
would apply to food, drink, or medicine.
S.B. 236 (Zaffirini) —Retirement Benefits: would require a city that is a member of the Texas
Municipal Retirement System to continue paying retirement benefits to a retiree who returns to work
for a city.
S.B. 242 (Shapiro) —Taxes: would give the State Office of Administrative Hearings jurisdiction
over most contested tax hearings. (Companion bill is H.B. 593 by Chisum.)
S.B. 252 (Estes) —Parks: would do the following: (1) divide cities into two groups for purposes of
calculating eligibility for state grant funding for local parks —cities under 500,000 in population, and
cities of 500,000 or more in population; (2) for cities under 500,000 in population, restructure the
local grant funding formulas based on the sporting goods sales tax; (3) for cities of 500,000
population or more, provide restructured funding for grants from the sporting goods sales tax, but
allow such grants only to satisfy a city's match requirement for a federal grant or for other
specifically defined purposes such as benefiting "underserved" populations; and (4) provide that
cities of 500,000 or more in population may receive state park grants only if recommended by a
regional planning commission. (Companion bill is H.B. 6 by Hilderbran.)
S.B. 257 Carona) —Transportation Sales Taxes: would exempt most mass transit sales taxes from
the two -percent cap on local option sales taxes. (Note: because of the complexity of the various
mass transit tax statutes within the Transportation Code, each city with a mass transit sales tax, or a
city that is contemplating a mass transit tax, should have its city attorney carefully review the bill to
confirm that the city's tax would be exempt.)
S.B. 261 (Zaffirini) —Municipal Jails: would clarify the circumstances and procedures under which
a jail or other non -medical holding facility may be utilized for temporary detention of a person who
is detained by a peace officer for mental health issues.
S.B. 270 (Wentworth) —Property Tax: would require sales price disclosure in all deed instruments
when real property is sold.
S.B. 279 (Gallegos) —Public Safety: would: (1) require the Texas Building and Procurement
Commission (TBPC) to create a statewide public building mapping information system for the
purpose of storing information related to public buildings in an electronic format that will be readily
accessible to first responders in the event of an emergency; (2) provide that the mapping include: (a)
Floor plans and other relevant building maps; (b) fire protection information; (c) evacuation plans; (d)
11
,utility information; (e) known hazards; and (f) text and digital images showing emergency personnel
contact information; (3) create the Public Building Mapping Information System (PBMIS)
Committee to advise the TBPC; (4) provide that the PBMIS Committee is composed of one
representative of each of the following entities, appointed by the single statewide elected or
appointed governing officer or administrative head of the entity: (a) the TBPC; (b) the Department of
Public Safety; (c) the Department of Information Resources; (d) the Texas Association of Counties;
(e) the Texas Municipal League; (f) the Sheriffs' Association of Texas; (g) the Texas Police Chiefs
Association; and (h) the Texas Fire Chiefs Association; (4) require each public agency that creates or
stores maps and other information related to a public building to submit the maps and information to
the TBPC for storage in the public building mapping information system; (5) provide that
information received and maintained by the TBPC related to the mapping system is excepted from
required disclosure under the Texas Public Information Act; and (6) grant immunity from civil
liability to a local government and its employees for any act or omission relating to the creation and
use of the public building mapping information system, unless the act or omission was grossly
negligent or done in bad faith.
S.B. 280 (Gallet?osi — MunicipaI Court: would alter the collection improvement program operated
by the Office of Court Administration for cities over 100,000 population as follows: (1) make certain
collection procedures optional rather than mandatory; (2) require the Office of Court Administration
to take into account the good faith efforts of cities attempting to comply with the program; and (3)
prohibit penalties against a city before the date by which the Office has determined the city is able to
implement the program.
S.B. 281 (Gallegos) —Public Information Act: would: (1) provide that the date of birth of a current
or former employee of a governmental body is excepted from disclosure; and (b) authorize a
governmental body to redact the date of birth without the necessity of requesting a decision from the
attorney general.
S.B. 287 (Lucio) —Workers' Compensation: would allow a court to appoint an attorney for a
workers' compensation claimant when an insurance carrier initiates a court proceeding, and allow the
attorney to recover fees from the workers' compensation injury fund.
TML member cities may use the material herein for any purpose.
No other person or entity may reproduce, duplicate, or distribute any
part of this document without the written authorization of the
Texas Municipal League
For further information contact the TML Legislative Services Department
1821 Rutherford Lane, Suite 400, Austin, Texas 78754-5128 • 512.231-7400, Fax 512-231-7490 www.tml.org
2/01/2007
12:39 PM REGULAR DEPARTMENT PAYMENT REGISTER
PAGE:
1
PACKET:
00805 Regular Payments 2/06/07
VENDOR SET:
99
FUND
001 GENERAL FUND
DEPARTMENT:
10 MAYOR & CITY COUNCIL
BANK:
SB99
BUDGET TO
USE: CB -CURRENT BUDGET
VL. jR
NAME ITEM #
G/L ACCOUNT NAME
DESCRIPTION
CHECK#
AMOUNT
99-00710
DATA BUSINESS FORMS INC
I-236932-00
001-10-5210
OFFICE SUPPLI
WHITE SECOND SHEET 25%COTTON
000000
10.45
99-08770
CPI OFFICE PRODUCTS
I-INV: 1613874-0
001-10-5210
OFFICE SUPPLI
COLOR PAPER FOR ELECTION PACKE
000000
5.86
I -IV: 1605630-0
001-10-5210
OFFICE SUPPLI
LABEL TAPE/CASSET TAPES/PENS
000000
69.98
99-16270
R&B ASSOCIATES, INC.
I-INV: 06-454
001-10-5420
CONTRACTUAL S
WORK ASSOC. W/ SANGER RANCH VI
000000
198.00
DEPARTMENT 10 NAYOR & CITY COUNCIL TOTAL: 284.29
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
2/01/2007
12:39 PM REGULAR DEPARTMENT PAYMENT REGISTER
PAGE:
2
PACKET:
00805
Regular Payments 2/06/07
VENDOR SET:
99
FUND
001
GENERAL FUND
DEPARTMENT:
15
ADMINISTRATION
BANK:
SB99
BUDGET TO
USE:
CB -CURRENT BUDGET
VD,. JR
NAME
ITEM #
G/L ACCOUNT NAME
DESCRIPTION
CHECK#
AMOUNT
99-01920
NICHOLS,
JACKSON, DILLA
I-51096
001-15-5425
LEGAL SERVICE
GENERAL LEGAL SERVICE
000000
735.70
99-02170
REINERT
PAPER & CHEMICA
I -IV: 195954
001-15-5245
JANITORIAL SU
TOWLES/GLOVES/BLEACH/
000000
15.75
99-02460
CINGULAR
WIRELESS
I-51192
001-15-5510
TELEPHONE SER
CELL PHONES
000000
35.20
I-51192
001-15-5510
TELEPHONE SER
CELL PHONES
000000
42.16
99-02480 EMBARQ
I-51163 001-15-5510 TELEPHONE SER PHONE SERVICE 000000 32.07
99-02490 EMBARQ
I-51145
001-15-5510
TELEPHONE SER
PHONE SERVICE
000000
190.78
99-03230 PJ'S CONVENIENCE STORE
I-51165
001-15-5320
MOTOR VEHICLE
FUEL
000000
17.09
I-51217
001-15-5320
MOTOR VEHICLE
FUEL
000000
14.02
99-08770 CPI OFFICE PRODUCTS
I -IV: 1605630-0
001-15-5210
OFFICE SUPPLI
CALENDER REFILL
000000
2.43
DEPARTMENT 15 ADMINISTRATION TOTAL: 11085,20
2/01/2007
12:39 PM
REGULAR DEPARTMENT PAYMENT REGISTER
PAGE:
3
PACKET:
00805
Regular Payments 2/06/07
VENDOR
SET:
99
FUND
001
GENERAL FUND
DEPARTMENT:
18
ENGINEERING
BANK:
SB99
BUDGET
TO
USE:
CB -CURRENT BUDGET
VL JR
NAME
ITEM if
G/L ACCOUNT NAME
DESCRIPTION
CHECK#
AMOUNT
99-00710
DATA BUSINESS FORMS INC
I-237185 & 237198
001-18-5210
OFFICE SUPPLI
BUSINESS CARDS
000000
17.50
I-INV:236933-00
001-18-5210
OFFICE SUPPLI
ULTIFAST NOTARY STAMP Gi/
INK 000000
33.00
99-02480
EMBARQ
I-051163
001-18-5510
TELEPHONE SER
PHONE SERVICE
000000
1.67
99-02490
EMBARQ
I-051145
001-18-5510
TELEPHONE SER
PHONE SERVICE
000000
26.16
99-08460
DELL COMPUTERS
I-T80815850
001-18-5210
OFFICE SUPPLI
250 GB 7200 RPMUSB
000000
36.48
DEPARTMENT 18 ENGINEERING
TOTAL:
114.81
2/01/2007 12:39 PM REGULAR DEPARTMENT PAYMENT REGISTER
PACKET: 00805 Regular Payments 2/06/07
VENDOR SET: 99
FUND 001 GENERAL FUND
DEPARTMENT: 20 POLICE
BUDGET TO USE: CB -CURRENT BUDGET
V� JR NAME ITEM # G/L ACCOUNT NAME DESCRIPTION CHECK#
99-00710 DATA BUSINESS FORMS INC
I-INV:236343-00 001-20-5265 DRUG PREVENTI P.D. PENS 00000
99-01310 LUTTRULL MCNATT
PAGE:
4
I-INV:
510988
001-20-5325
R
&
M
MOTOR
V
GASKET KITS
000000
I-INV:
510992
001-20-5325
R
&
M
MOTOR
V
FLASHER MODULES
000000
I-INV:
510999
001-20-5325
R
&
M
MOTOR
V
WINDOW REGULATOR
000000
I-INV:
511005
001-20-5325
R
&
M
MOTOR
V
WATER PIPES
000000
99-02190 RADIO SHACK
I-51081 001-20-5325
99-02170 REINERT PAPER & CHEMICA
I -IV: 195954 001-20-5245
99-02480 EMBARQ
I-51163 001-20-5510
99-02490 EMBARQ
I-51145 001-20-5510
99-02970 OFFICE DEPOT
I-INV: 370257687-001 001-20-5210
99-03010 WEBB AUTO PARTS
I-6814 001-20-5325
99-03230 PJ'S CONVENIENCE STORE
I-51165 001-20-5320
I-51217 001-20-5320
99-09640 HARTS AUTO SUPPLY
I-INV: 26012 001-20-5325
R & M MOTOR V FUSE & FUSE BLOCKS/PLUG
JANITORIAL SU TOWLES/GLOVES/BLEACH/
TELEPHONE SER PHONE SERVICE
TELEPHONE SER PHONE SERVICE
OFFICE SUPPLI PRINTER TONER
R & M MOTOR V STOCK REPAIR ITEMS
MOTOR VEHICLE FUEL
MOTOR VEHICLE FUEL
R & M MOTOR V FRONT & REAR BRAKE PADS
DEPARTMENT 20 POLICE
000000
000000
000000
000000
000000
000000
000000
000000
AMOUNT
239.04
63.83
598.30
160.92
8.21
29.46
31.51
24.20
149.51
203.67
2.75
2,444.99
1,536.63
122.42
TOTAL: 5,615.39
2/01/2007 12:39 PM REGULAR DEPARTMENT PAYMENT REGISTER PAGE: 5
PACKET: 00805 Regular Payments 2/06/07
VENDOR SET: 99
FUND 001 GENERAL FUND
DEPARTMENT: 22 ANIMAL CONTROL BANK: SB99
BUDGET TO USE: CB -CURRENT BUDGET
VL jR NAME ITEM # G/L ACCOUNT NAME DESCRIPTION CHECK# AMOUNT
99-02460 CINGULAR WIRELESS
I-51192 001-22-5520 CELLULAR & TE CELL PHONES 000000 72.24
99-03230 PJ'S CONVENIENCE STORE
I-51165 001-22-5320 MOTOR VEHICLE FUEL 000000 329.43
I-51217 001-22-5320 MOTOR VEHICLE FUEL 000000 264.12
DEPARTMENT 22 ANIMAL CONTROL
TOTAL: 665.79
------------------------
2/01/2007
12:39 PM REGULAR DEPARTMENT
PAYMENT REGISTER
PAGE:
6
PACKET:
00805 Regular Payments 2/06/07
VENDOR SET:
99
FUND
001 GENERAL FUND
DEPARTMENT:
24 FIRE DEPARTMENT
BANK:
SB99
BUDGET TO
USE: CB -CURRENT BUDGET
VD.._JR
NAME ITEM #
G/L ACCOUNT NAME DESCRIPTION
CHECK#
AMOUNT
99-00640
COMMERCIAL SERVICES
I-50161
001-24-5420
CONTRACTUAL S
ICE MACHINE RENTAL
000000
100.00
99-00790
COUNTY BUILDING CENTER
I-INV: 10015934
001-24-5310
R & M BUILDIN
WATER HOSE NOZZLE & TAPE
000000
24.94
99-00810
DENTON CO FIRE CHIEF'S
I-INV: 07-020
001-24-5235
DUES & REGIST
12 MO DUES
000000
125.00
99-01310
LUTTRULL MCNATT
I-INV: 510992
001-24-5325
R & M MOTOR V
DOOR HANDLE/HOOD LATCH
000000
38.80
I-INV: 510999
001-24-5325
R & M MOTOR V
ARM REST
000000
27.34
99-02460
CINGULAR WIRELESS
I-51192
001-24-5520
CELLULAR PHON
CELL PHONES
000000
94.56
99-02480 EMBARQ
99-02490 EMBARQ
I-51145
99-"'010
WEBB
AUTO PARTS
I-6814
99-03230
PJ'S
CONVENIENCE STORE
I-51165
I-51217
99-07750
HOME
DEPOT/GECF
I-50139
99-08460
DELL
COMPUTERS
I-51094
99-16530
FIRE
ENGINEERING
I-51147
001-24-5510
001-24-5510
001-29-5325
001-24-5320
001-24-5320
001-29-5310
001-24-5210
001-24-5235
TELEPHONE SER PHONE SERVICE 000000 14.67
TELEPHONE SER PHONE SERVICE 000000 59.72
R & M MOTOR V STOCK REPAIR ITEMS 000000 21.90
MOTOR
VEHICLE
FUEL
000000
637.08
MOTOR
VEHICLE
FUEL
000000
598.65
R & M BUILDIN 8 LIGHT FIXTURES & BULBS 000000 426.60
OFFICE SUPPLI INV: T69293079 250 GB 7200 USB 000000
DUES & REGIST SUBSCRIPTION/DUES
DEPARTMENT 24 FIRE DEPARTMENT
145.92
95.50
TOTAL: 2,310.68
2/01/2007
12:39 PM
REGULAR DEPARTMENT
PAYMENT REGISTER
PAGE:
7
PACKET:
00805
Regular Payments 2/06/07
VENDOR SET:
99
FUND
001
GENERAL FUND
DEPARTMENT:
26
MUNICIPAL COURT
BANK:
SB99
BUDGET TO
USE:
CB -CURRENT BUDGET
V� jR
NAME
ITEM #
G/L ACCOUNT NAME DESCRIPTION
CHECK#
AMOUNT
99-02480
EMBARQ
I-51163
001-26-5510
TELEPHONE SER
PHONE SERVICE
000000
8.43
99-02490
EMBARQ
I-51145
001-26-5510
TELEPHONE SER
PHONE SERVICE
000000
56.13
99-12730
LAW OFFICE STEVE POSTON
I-50080
001-26-5425
LEGAL SERVICE
COURT APPEARANCE O1/2-9-11/07
000000
900.00
DEPARTMENT 26
MUNICIPAL COURT
TOTAL:
964.56
2/O1/2007 12:39 PM REGULAR DEPARTMENT PAYMENT REGISTER PAGE: 8
PACKET: 00805 Regular Payments 2/06/07
VENDOR SET: 99
FUND 001 GENERAL FUND
DEPARTMENT: 28 ENFORCEMENT/INSPECTION BANK: SB99
BUDGET TO USE: CB -CURRENT BUDGET
VL. .iR NAME ITEM # G/L ACCOUNT NAME DESCRIPTION CHECK# AMOUNT
99-02480 EMBARQ
I-51163 001-28-5510 TELEPHONE PHONE SERVICE 000000 7.89
99-02490 EMBARQ
I-51145 001-28-5510
99-08460 DELL COMPUTERS
I-51094 001-28-5210
I-T80815850 001-28-5210
99-08770 CPI OFFICE PRODUCTS
I -IV: 1605630-0 001-28-5210
99-12800 PUBLIC SAFETY SERVICES
I-JAN INSPECTIONS 001-28-5420
99-13930 PAT DUNLAP
TELEPHONE PHONE SERVICE 000000
OFFICE SUPPLI INV: T69029207 USB PS2 ADAPTER 000000
OFFICE SUPPLI 250 GB 7200 RPMUSB 000000
OFFICE SUPPLI BLUE FILE FOLDERS
000000
CONTRACTUAL S 166 INSPECTIONS 1/02-1/31/07 000000
I-JAN INSPECTTIONS 001-28-5420 CONTRACTUAL
S 60
PLUMBING INSP.
1/02-1/31/07 000000
DEPARTMENT
28
ENFORCEMENT/INSPECTION
TOTAL:
52.31
13.31
72.96
5,280.00
1,475.00
7,003.44
2/O1/2007
12:39 PM REGULAR DEPARTMENT
PAYMENT REGISTER
PAGE:
9
PACKET:
00805
Regular Payments 2/06/07
VENDOR SET:
99
FUND
001
GENERAL FUND
DEPARTMENT:
30
STREETS
BANK:
SB99
BUDGET TO
USE:
CB -CURRENT BUDGET
VE_ .iR
NAME
ITEM #
G/L ACCOUNT NAME DESCRIPTION
CHECK#
AMOUNT
99-00640
COMMERCIAL
SERVICES
I-50161
001-30-5420
CONTRACTUAL S ICE MACHINE RENTAL
000000
50.00
99-01480
LAURA'S
LOCKSMITH
I-INV: 66317 & 66339
001-30-5310
R & M BUILDIN SIMPLEX LOCK W/ KEYS
000000
179.67
99-02170
REINERT
PAPER & CHEMICA
I -IV: 195954
001-30-5245
OTHER OPERATI TOWLES/GLOVES/BLEACH/
000000
31.50
99-02190 RITE -WELD
I -ORDER # 988283-00 001-30-5325
99-02200 ROADRUNNER TRAFFIC SUPP
I-INV: 32250 001-30-5380
99-02460 CINGULAR WIRELESS
I-51192 001-30-5510
99-02490 EMBARQ
I-51145
99-03010 WEBB AUTO PARTS
I-6814
99-03230 PJ'S CONVENIENCE STORE
I-51165
I-51217
99-06080 DONALD PADDACK FERTILIZ
I-INV: 220670
99-08030 SOUTHWEST INTERNATIONAL
I-51080
99-09690 DESIGNS ETC.
I-INV: 729802
99-12290 TRIPLE JB TRANSPORTATIO
I-INV: 3458
99-16550 UNIQUE PAVING MATERIALS
I-INV: 170879
001-30-5510
001-30-5510
001-30-5325
001-30-5320
001-30-5320
[�IIjQ:i�II.'iCyll
001-30-5325
001-30-5255
001-30-5370
001-30-5370
R & M MOTOR V GIELDING SUPPLIES
000000
STREET SIGNS STOP SINS/STREET NAMES/POST 000000
TELEPHONE SER CELL PHONES
TELEPHONE SER PHONE SERVICE
TELEPHONE SER PHONE SERVICE
R & M MOTOR V STOCK REPAIR ITEMS
MOTOR VEHICLE FUEL
MOTOR VEHICLE FUEL
STREETS SALT BAGS 50L6
000000
000000
000000
000000
000000
000000
000000
R & M MOTOR V TOV] SERV. NOT COV.BY [']ARRANTY 000000
WEARING APPAR LONG SLV SNAP DENIM V]K SHIRTS 000000
78.25
1,161.90
98.39
3.93
52.31
4.95
1,038.02
861.80
303.25
1,119.00
STREETS COAL LAY PICK UP 000000 300.00
STREETS COAL LAY (UPM) 000000 1,711.81
DEPARTMENT 30 STREETS TOTAL: 7,010.78
2/01/2007 12:39 PM REGULAR DEPARTMENT PAYMENT REGISTER PAGE: 10
PACKET: 00805 Regular Payments 2/06/07
VENDOR SET: 99
FUND 001 GENERAL FUND
DEPARTMENT: 32 PARKS BANK: SB99
BUDGET TO USE: CB -CURRENT BUDGET
Vh.._JR NAME ITEM # G/L ACCOUNT NAME DESCRIPTION CHECK# AMOUNT
99-00450 SUPER SAVE
I-51064 001-32-5222 BOARDS & COMM DRINKS P&Z MEETING 1/11/07 000000 11.61
DEPARTMENT 32 PARKS TOTAL: 11.61
2/01/2007 12:39 PM REGULAR DEPARTMENT PAYMENT REGISTER PAGE: 11
PACKET: 00805 Regular Payments 2/06/07
VENDOR SET: 99
FUND 001 GENERAL FUND
DEPARTMENT: 34 POOL BANK: SB99
BUDGET TO USE: CB -CURRENT BUDGET
VEi."JR NAME ITEM N G/L ACCOUNT NAME DESCRIPTION CHECK# AMOUNT
99-02490 EMBARQ
I-51145 001-34-5510 TELEPHONE SER PHONE SERVICE 000000 100.92
DEPARTMENT 34 POOL TOTAL: 100.92
2/01/2007
12:39 PM REGULAR DEPARTMENT PAYMENT REGISTER
PAGE:
12
PACKET:
00805
Regular Payments 2/06/07
VENDOR SET:
99
FUND
001
GENERAL FUND
DEPARTMENT:
36
VEHICLE MAINTENANCE
BANK:
SB99
BUDGET TO
USE:
CB -CURRENT BUDGET
VE.,.JR
NAME
ITEM it
G/L ACCOUNT NAME
DESCRIPTION
CHECK#
AMOUNT
99-02460
CINGULAR
WIRELESS
I-51192
001-36-5520
CELLULAR PHON
CELL PHONES
000000
36.12
99-02480
EMBARQ
I-51163
001-36-5510
TELEPHONE SER
PHONE SERVICE
000000
4.44
99-02490
EMBARQ
1-51145
001-36-5510
TELEPHONE SER
PHONE SERVICE
000000
41.50
99-03230
PJ'S CONVENIENCE
STORE
I-51165
001-36-5320
MOTOR VEHICLE
FUEL
000000
55.79
I-51217
001-36-5320
MOTOR VEHICLE
FUEL
000000
79.45
99-09040
J RANDY
THOMPSON
I-51078
001-36-5375
MINOR EQUIPME
TORQUE WRENCH/METRIC SOCKETS
000000
145.95
99-10700
OCT
I-INV: 258215-DCT-1
001-36-5375
MINOR EQUIPME
SAFETY VESTS/WK GLOVES/TOOLS
000000
179.61
DEPARTMENT 36 VEHICLE MAINTENANCE
TOTAL:
542.86
2/01/2007 12:39 PM REGULAR DEPARTMENT PAYMENT REGISTER PAGE: 13
PACKET: 00805 Regular Payments 2/06/07
VENDOR SET: 99
FUND 001 GENERAL FUND
DEPARTMENT: 40 SULLIVAN CENTER BANK: SB99
BUDGET TO USE: CB -CURRENT BUDGET
Vh-jR NAME ITEM # G/L ACCOUNT NAME DESCRIPTION CHECK# AMOUNT
99-02490 EMBARQ
I-51145 001-40-5510 TELEPHONE SER PHONE SERVICE 000000 46.17
DEPARTMENT 40 SULLIVAN CENTER TOTAL: 46.17
2/01/2007
12:39 PM REGULAR DEPARTMENT
PAYMENT REGISTER
PAGE:
14
PACKET:
00805 Regular Payments 2/06/07
VENDOR SET:
99
FUND
001 GENERAL FUND
DEPARTMENT:
42 LIBRARY
BANK:
SB99
BUDGET TO
USE: CB -CURRENT BUDGET
V" .iR
NAME ITEM #
G/L ACCOUNT NAME DESCRIPTION
CHECK#
AMOUNT
99-02480
EMBARQ
I-51163
001-42-5510
TELEPHONE SER
PHONE SERVICE
000000
10.13
99-02490
EMBARQ
I-51145
001-42-5510
TELEPHONE SER
PHONE SERVICE
000000
82.63
99-04850
MICRO MARKETING ASSOC.
I-INV: 229800
001-42-6050
BOOKS
TAX GUIDE
000000
15.25
99-10760
BRODART CO
I-INV: U973375
001-42-6050
BOOKS
BOOKS & PROCESSING
000000
28.04
99-16540
GOLDEN TRIANGLE FIRE PR
I-51109
001-42-5310
R & M BUILDIN
INSPECTION ON FIRE
SPRINKLER 000000
325.00
DEPARTMENT 42
LIBRARY
TOTAL:
461.05
2/01/2007
12:39 PM REGULAR DEPARTMENT PAYMENT
REGISTER
PAGE:
15
PACKET:
00805 Regular Payments 2/06/07
VENDOR SET:
99
FUND
001 GENERAL FUND
DEPARTMENT:
44 COMMUNITY CENTER
BANK:
SB99
BUDGET TO
USE: CB -CURRENT BUDGET
VE.,JR
NAME ITEM #
G/L ACCOUNT NAME
DESCRIPTION
CHECK#
AMOUNT
99-00640
COMMERCIAL SERVICES
I-50161
001-44-5310 R
& M BUILDIN ICE MACHINE RENTAL
000000
100.00
99-16020
LLOYD'S ELECTRIC MOTOR
I-INV: 202
001-44-5327 R
& M OTHER BEARINGS/MINOR REPAIR
000000
141.95
DEPARTMENT 49 COMMUNITY CENTER TOTAL: 241.95
2/01/2007
12:39 PM REGULAR DEPARTMENT
PAYMENT REGISTER
PAGE:
16
PACKET:
00805
Regular Payments 2/06/07
VENDOR SET:
99
FUND
001
GENERAL FUND
DEPARTMENT:
46
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
BANK:
SB99
BUDGET TO
USE:
CB -CURRENT BUDGET
Vt..�JR
NAME
ITEM #
G/L ACCOUNT NAME DESCRIPTION
CHECK#
AMOUNT
99-02460
CINGULAR
WIRELESS
I-51192
001-46-5510
TELEPHONE SER
CELL PHONES
000000
147.46
99-02480
EMBARQ
C-51192
001-46-5510
TELEPHONE SER
PHONE SERVICE
000000
3.35-
I-51163
001-46-5510
TELEPHONE SER
PHONE SERVICE
000000
3.35
99-02490
EMBARQ
C-51163
001-46-5510
TELEPHONE SER
PHONE SERVICE
000000
52.31-
I-51145
001-46-5510
TELEPHONE SER
PHONE SERVICE
000000
52.31
99-08880
COOPER'S
COPIES
I-51091
001-46-5420
CONTRACTUAL
EDC SURVEY POST CARDS
000000
348.90
DEPARTMENT 46
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
TOTAL:
496.36
VENDOR SET 001
GENERAL FUND
TOTAL:
261955.86
2/01/2007
12:39 PM REGULAR DEPARTMENT PAYMENT REGISTER
PAGE:
17
PACKET:
00805 Regular Payments 2/06/07
VENDOR SET:
99
FUND
008 ENTERPRISE FUND
DEPARTMENT:
10 Mayor and City Council
BANK:
SB99
BUDGET TO
USE: CB -CURRENT BUDGET
VL,.�OR
NAME ITEM ik
G/L ACCOUNT NAME
DESCRIPTION
CHECK#
AMOUNT
99-00710
DATA BUSINESS FORMS INC
I-236932-00
008-10-5210
OFFICE SUPPLI
WHITE SECOND SHEET 25%COTTON
000000
10.45
99-08770
CPI OFFICE PRODUCTS
I-INV: 1613874-0
008-10-5210
OFFICE SUPPLI
COLOR PAPER FOR ELECTION PACKE
000000
5.86
I -IV: 1605630-0
008-10-5210
OFFICE SUPPLI
LABEL TAPE/CASSET TAPES/PENS
000000
69.98
99-16270
R&B ASSOCIATES, INC.
I-INV: 06-454
008-10-5420
CONTRACTUAL S
WORK ASSOC. W/ SANGER RANCH VI
000000
198.00
DEPARTMENT 10
Mayor and City Council TOTAL:
284.29
2/01/2007
12:39 PM
REGULAR DEPARTMENT PAYMENT REGISTER
PAGE:
18
PACKET:
00805
Regular Payments
2/06/07
VENDOR SET:
99
FUND
008
ENTERPRISE FUND
DEPARTMENT:
15
Administration
BANK:
SB99
BUDGET TO
USE:
CB -CURRENT BUDGET
V� .JR
NAME
ITEM #
G/L ACCOUNT NAME
DESCRIPTION
CHECK#
AMOUNT
99-01920
NICHOLS,
JACKSON, DILLA
I-51096
008-15-5425
LEGAL SERVICE GENERAL LEGAL SERVICE
000000
735.69
99-02170
REINERT
PAPER G CHEMICA
I -IV: 195954
008-15-5245
JANITORIAL SU TOWLES/GLOVES/BLEACH/
000000
15.75
99-02460
CINGULAR
WIRELESS
I-51192
008-15-5510
TELEPHONE SER CELL PHONES
000000
42.16
99-02480 EMBARQ
I-51163 008-15-5510 TELEPHONE SER PHONE SERVICE 000000 32.06
99-02490 EMBARQ
I-51145
008-15-5510
TELEPHONE SER
PHONE SERVICE
000000
190.78
99-03230 PJ'S CONVENIENCE STORE
I-51165
008-15-5320
MOTOR VEHICLE
FUEL
000000
17.09
I-51217
008-15-5320
MOTOR VEHICLE
FUEL
000000
14.02
99-08770 CPI OFFICE PRODUCTS
I -IV: 1605630-0
008-15-5210
OFFICE SUPPLI
CALENDER REFILL
000000
2.92
DEPARTMENT 15 Administration TOTAL: 1,099.97
2/01/2007
12:39 PM REGULAR DEPARTMENT
PAYMENT REGISTER
PAGE:
19
PACKET:
00805
Regular Payments 2/06/07
VENDOR
SET:
99
FUND
008
ENTERPRISE FUND
DEPARTMENT:
18
ENGINEERING
BANK:
SB99
BUDGET
TO
USE:
CB -CURRENT BUDGET
VL...JR
NAME
ITEM #
G/L ACCOUNT NAME DESCRIPTION
CHECK#
AMOUNT
99-00710
DATA BUSINESS FORMS INC
I-237185 & 237198
008-18-5210
OFFICE SUPPLI
BUSINESS CARDS
000000
17.50
99-02460
CINGULAR
WIRELESS
I-51192
008-18-5510
TELEPHONE SER
CELL PHONES
000000
35.20
99-02480
EMBARQ
I-051163
008-18-5510
TELEPHONE SER
PHONE SERVICE
000000
1.68
99-02490
EMBARQ
I-051145
008-18-5510
TELEPHONE SER
PHONE SERVICE
000000
26.15
DEPARTMENT 18
ENGINEERING
TOTAL:
80.53
2/01/2007
12:39 PM REGULAR DEPARTMENT PAYMENT REGISTER
PAGE: 20
PACKET:
00805 Regular Payments 2/06/07
VENDOR SET:
99
FUND
008 ENTERPRISE FUND
DEPARTMENT:
19 Data Processing
BANK: SB99
BUDGET TO
USE: CB -CURRENT BUDGET
VENliOR
NAME ITEM #
G/L ACCOUNT NAME DESCRIPTION
CHECK# AMOUNT
99-00710
DATA BUSINESS FORMS INC
I-237185 & 237198
008-19-5210 OFFICE SUPPLI DEPOSIT ONLY STAMPS
000000 40,00
I-INV:236933-00
008-19-5210 OFFICE SUPPLI ULTIFAST NOTARY STAMP W/ INK
000000 33.00
99-02050 PITNEY BOS•IES
99-03140 DATA FLOW
I-51095
I-INV: 91191
99-08460 DELL COMPUTERS
I-51094
I-51094
I-TB0815850
99-08770 CPI OFFICE PRODUCTS
I -IV: 1605630-0
[�I�I III L•II-.' it7l �.'
008-19-5205
R & M MACHINE POSTAGE MACHINE
1 1 / IIIIf,
DATA PROCESSI PAYROLL & ACCT PAYABLE CHECKS 000000
008-19-5205
DATA PROCESSI
INV:T67529628 USB TO PS2 ADAPT
000000
008-19-5205
DATA PROCESSI
INV:T72477231 SERVER
000000
008-19-5210
OFFICE SUPPLI
250 GB 7200 RPMUSB
000000
008-19-5210
OFFICE SUPPLI
PENS/SCISSORS/INK CART/ADDTAPE
000000
185.00
362.66
13.31
87.58
36.48
251.27
DEPARTMENT 19 Data Processing TOTAL: 1,009.30
2/01/2007
12:39 PM REGULAR DEPARTMENT
PAYMENT REGISTER
PAGE:
21
PACKET:
00805
Regular Payments 2/06/07
VENDOR SET:
99
FUND
008
ENTERPRISE FUND
DEPARTMENT:
36
Vehicle Maintenance
BANK:
SB99
BUDGET TO
USE:
CB -CURRENT BUDGET
VE..,..JR
NAME
ITEM #
G/L ACCOUNT NAME
DESCRIPTION
CHECK#
AMOUNT
99-02460
CINGULAR
WIRELESS
1-51192
008-36-5520
CELLULAR PHON
CELL PHONES
000000
36.12
99-02480
EMBARQ
I-51163
008-36-5510
TELEPHONE SER
PHONE SERVICE
000000
4.43
99-02490
EMBARQ
I-51145
008-36-5510
TELEPHONE SER
PHONE SERVICE
000000
41.50
99-03230
PJ'S CONVENIENCE
STORE
I-51165
008-36-5320
MOTOR VEHICLE
FUEL
000000
55.79
I-51217
008-36-5320
MOTOR VEHICLE
FUEL
000000
79.44
99-09040
J RANDY
THOMPSON
I-51078
008-36-5375
MINOR EQUIPME
TORQUE WRENCH/METRIC SOCKETS
000000
145.95
99-10700
DCT
I-INV: 258215-DCT-1
008-36-5375
MINOR EQUIPME
SAFETY VESTS/WK GLOVES/TOOLS
000000
179.60
DEPARTMENT 36
Vehicle Maintenance
TOTAL:
542.83
2/01/2007
12:39
PM REGULAR DEPARTMENT PAYMENT REGISTER
PAGE: 22
PACKET:
00805 Regular Payments 2/06/07
VENDOR SET:
99
FUND
008
ENTERPRISE FUND
DEPARTMENT:
50
Water
BANK: SB99
BUDGET TO
USE:
CB -CURRENT BUDGET
VEji.,jR
NAME
ITEM # G/L ACCOUNT NAME DESCRIPTION
CHECK# AMOUNT
99-00050
CONLEY
SAND & GRAVEL
I-INV: 6921 008-50-5360 R & M OTHER SAND & ROCK
000000 3,000.00
99-00450
SUPER SAVE
I-51029
008-50-5223
CHEMICAL SUPP
BLEACH
000000
7.08
99-00640
COMMERCIAL SERVICES
I-50161
008-50-5310
R & M BUILDIN
ICE MACHINE RENTAL
000000
50.00
99-00790
COUNTY BUILDING CENTER
I-49349
008-50-5360
R & M OTHER
COUPLING/TIES/BUSHINGS/MISC.
000000
130.04
I-INV: 10015451
008-50-5360
R & M OTHER
HEATER & PROPANE BOTTLES
000000
26.97
99-01310
LUTTRULL MCNATT
I-INV: 511005
008-50-5325
R & M MOTOR V
SIDE MIRORS
000000
283.22
99-01480
LAURA'S LOCKSMITH
I-INV: 66317 & 66339
008-50-5310
R & M BUILDIN
SIMPLEX LOCK W/ KEYS
000000
179.66
99-02140
RADIO SHACK
I-49957
008-50-5360
R & M OTHER
BATTERIES INV:10025512
000000
29.98
99 "170
REINERT PAPER & CHEMICA
I -IV: 195954
008-50-5245
JANITORIAL SU
TOWLES/GLOVES/BLEACH/
000000
31.50
99-02460
CINGULAR WIRELESS
I-51192
008-50-5520
CELLULAR PHON
CELL PHONES
000000
94.84
99-02480
EMBARQ
I-51163
008-50-5510
TELEPHONE SER
PHONE SERVICE
000000
6.92
99-02490
EMBARQ
I-51145
008-50-5510
TELEPHONE SER
PHONE SERVICE
000000
136.36
99-02910
UPPER TRINITY
I-INV:W270701
008-50-5385
WATER PURCHAS
VOLUME CHARGE
000000
41427,00
I-INV:W270701
008-50-5420
CONTRACTUAL S
DEMAND CHARGE
000000
11,416.67
99-03230
PJ'S CONVENIENCE STORE
I-51165
008-50-5320
MOTOR VEHICLE
FUEL
000000
1,163.41
I-51217
008-50-5320
MOTOR VEHICLE
FUEL
000000
796.29
99-08460
DELL COMPUTERS
I-51094
008-50-5210
OFFICE SUPPLI
INV:T72477231 SERVER
000000
87.57
99-14030
STUART HOSE & PIPE CO
I-ORD# S000082610
008-50-5325
R & M MOTOR V
1 1/2 X5 HOSE & THREAD COMPND.
000000
18.65
-
DEPARTMENT 50
Water
TOTAL:
211886.16
2/01/2007 12:39 PM REGULAR DEPARTMENT PAYMENT REGISTER PAGE: 23
PACKET: 00805 Regular Payments 2/06/07
VENDOR SET: 99
FUND 008 ENTERPRISE FUND
DEPARTMENT: 52 Waste Water Collection BANK: SB99
BUDGET TO USE: CB -CURRENT BUDGET
VLi4�JR NAME ITEM # G/L ACCOUNT NAME DESCRIPTION CHECK# AMOUNT
99-02260 S&S TELEMETRY
I-INV: 7103 008-52-5315 R & M LIFT ST WASTE PUMP/START CAPACITORS 000000 4,074.80
DEPARTMENT 52 Ylaste Vlater Collection TOTAL: 9,079.80
2/01/2007
12:39 PM REGULAR DEPARTMENT PAYMENT REGISTER
PAGE: 24
PACKET:
00805
Regular Payments 2/06/07
VENDOR SET:
99
FUND
008
ENTERPRISE FUND
DEPARTMENT:
54
Waste Water Treatment
BANK: SB99
BUDGET TO
USE:
CB -CURRENT BUDGET
VE�.�JR
NAME
ITEM #
G/L ACCOUNT NAME DESCRIPTION
CHECK# AMOUNT
99-02490
EMBARQ
I-51145
008-54-5510 TELEPHONE SER PHONE SERVICE
000000 132.99
99-16510
APPLIED
INDUSTRIAL TECH
I-INV: 01159524
008-54-5310 R & M BUILDIN 3979 TAPERED ROLLER BEARINGS
000000 39.29
DEPARTMENT 54 Waste Via ter Treatment TOTAL: 172.28
2/01/2007 12:39 PM REGULAR DEPARTMENT PAYMENT REGISTER
PACKET: 00805 Regular Payments 2/06/07
VENDOR SET: 99
FUND 008 ENTERPRISE FUND
DEPARTMENT: 58 Electric Department
BUDGET TO USE: CB -CURRENT BUDGET
VL,,�jR NAME ITEM # G/L ACCOUNT NAME
99-00560 CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
DESCRIPTION
I-INV: SCC 07-130 008-58-5450 ECONOMIC DEVE MEMBERSHIP DUES
99-00640 COMMERCIAL SERVICES
I-50161 008-58-5420 CONTRACTUAL S ICE MACHINE RENTAL
99-01480 LAURA'S LOCKSMITH
I-INV:
66317
&
66339
008-58-5310
R
&
M
BUILDIN
TRILOGY
LOCK
W/
KEYS
I-INV:
66317
&
66339
008-58-5310
R
&
M
BUILDIN
SIMPLEX
LOCK
W/
KEYS
99-02170 REINERT PAPER & CHEMICA
I -IV: 195954 008-58-5245 OTHER OPERATI TOWLES/GLOVES/BLEACH/
99-02460 CINGULAR WIRELESS
I-51192 008-58-5520 CELLULAR TELE CELL PHONES
ZIIIYZf.I1»1•uieT�t7�,
PAGE: 25
BANK: SB99
CHECK#
000000
000000
000000
000000
000000
[�Pl1I�lI1]
AMOUNT
325.00
100.00
658.00
179.67
31.50
82.94
I-51163
008-58-5510
TELEPHONE SER
PHONE SERVICE
000000
7.03
99-02490
EMBARQ
I-51145
008-58-5510
TELEPHONE SER
PHONE SERVICE
000000
150.34
99 " 690
TECHLINE
I-INV:
1622925-00
008-58-6020
IMPROVEMENTS
150 W HPS /150 W GLOBES
000000
797.00
I-INV:
1623105/3122
008-58-6020
IMPROVEMENTS
AUTO SPLICE/NEUTRAL COMPRES
000000
493.15
I-INV:1623222-00
008-58-6020
IMPROVEMENTS
REPAIR 25 KVA POLEMOUNT TRNFMR
000000
3,720.00
I-IV:1622768
& 3163
008-58-6020
IMPROVEMENTS
SOLID DOOR CUT OUTS
000000
30.00
99-03010
WEBB AUTO PARTS
I-6814
008-58-5325
R & M MOTOR V
STOCK REPAIR ITEMS
000000
2.00
99-03230
PJ'S CONVENIENCE STORE
I-51165
008-58-5320
MOTOR VEHICLE
FUEL
000000
1,274.10
I-51217
008-58-5320
MOTOR VEHICLE
FUEL
000000
767.90
99-07750
HOME DEPOT/GECF
I-50160
008-58-5210
OFFICE SUPPLI
CABINET FOR BREAK ROOM
000000
113.00
99-08460
DELL COMPUTERS
I-51094
008-58-5210
OFFICE SUPPLI
INV:T72477231 SERVER
000000
87.57
99-12670
MAYSTEEL
I-INV:
20131219
008-58-6020
IMPROVEMENTS
ULTRA 15 STANDARD CONFIG.
000000
4/740900
I-INV:
20131219
008-58-5220
POSTAGE
FREIGHT
000000
125.00
99-15010
ARBORV70RKS LLC
I-INV:
6290
008-58-5420
CONTRACTUAL S
TREE TRIMMING ENDING 1/13/07
000000
2,011.68
I-INV:
6295
008-58-5420
CONTRACTUAL S
TREE TRIMMING ENDING 1/20/07
000000
2,011.68
2/01/2007
12:39
PM REGULAR DEPARTMENT PAYMENT REGISTER
PAGE: 26
PACKET:
00805
Regular Payments 2/06/07
VENDOR SET:
99
FUND
008
ENTERPRISE FUND
DEPARTMENT:
58
Electric Department
BANK: SB99
BUDGET TO
USE:
CB -CURRENT BUDGET
VENUJR
NAME
ITEM # G/L ACCOUNT NAME DESCRIPTION
CHECK# AMOUNT
99-15570
TEXAS
GATES & FENCE
I-INV: 60279 008-58-5310 R & M BUILDIN REPLACE RADIO RECVR/SERVICE
CA 000000 112.50
DEPARTMENT 58 Electric Department
TOTAL: 17,819.56
VENDOR SET 008 ENTERPRISE FUND
TOTAL:
96,919.72
REPORT
GRAND TOTAL:
73,875.58