01/20/1998-CC-Minutes-RegularMINUTES: City Council
January 20, 1998
PRESENT: Mayor John Coker, Councilman Tommy Kincaid, Councilwoman Alice
Madden, Councilman Mike James, Councilman Jimmy hazier, Councilman
Jerry Jenkins
OTHERS
PRESENT: City Administrator Larry Keesler, City Secretary Rosalie Chavez, Street
Superintendent Chuck Tucker, Chief of Police Benny Erwin, City Mechanic
Tommy Belcher, Water/Wastewater Superintendent Eddie Branham, Lisa
Hardy - Sanger Courier, Bob Bearden - State Comptroller's Office, Austin,
Bonita Turner - Director Denton Economic Development, Julia Beavers,
Jayne Ashcraft
1. Mayor Coker Called the Meeting to Order. Councilman Kincaid led the Invocation,
followed with the Pledge of Allegiance.
CONSENT AGENDA
2. a) Approve Minutes
b) Disbursements
Motion was made by Councilman Jenkins to Approve Consent Agenda. Seconded
by Councilman James.
Motion Carried unanimously.
3. Citizens Input.
None.
4. Hear a Report on Economic Development Sales Tax.
Mayor Coker introduced Bob Bearden with the State Comptroller's office in Austin,
and Ms. Bonita Turner with the Denton Economic Development Board.
Mr. Bearden addressed the City's options regarding Sales Tax on Economic
Development. Mr. Bearden gave a report on the tax, how it is administered, how
revenues can be used on 4A & 4B tax. He indicated this type sales tax is very
popular with most Texas Cities. Mr. Bearden stated that since 1989 when the
Legislature authorized an Economic Development Sales Tax a total of 356 cities have
adopted this tax, and a total of 42 of these 356 have adopted both forms of the
Economic Development Sales Tax.
Mr. Bearden explained the 4A and the 4B tax and how the funds can be used for
each. The 4A tax is for business development, and the 4B tax can be used for a
variety of other projects, including park related facilities, and some infrastructure
matters as well.
Mr. Bearden indicated that the City of Sanger was eligible to adopt both taxes, and
each can be adopted for 1/2 of 1%. Mr. Bearden gave revenue estimates on the tax.
He also gave a summary on the Board members on 4A & 413 qualifications which
are appointed by Council and can be removed at any time by Council with or
without cause. Council can control as much of the affairs of the Development Corp.
as the City deems necessary. Council has the authority to make sure the funds are
spent properly according to State law.
Mr. Bearden indicated that if the City elected to adopt the tax, Council must first
adopt the ordinance 45 days before calling the election, which must be held on
Uniform Election Day. The next Uniform Election Day is in May, and the next one
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would be August.
PAGE 2
Mr. Bearden stated that if the Council held an election in May, the tax would
become effective October 1, with the City receiving revenues from the Comptroller
in December. If the Council decided to hold off on the election until August 1, then
the tax would become effective January 1. There is a 2 month delay before the City
received allocations from the Comptroller.
Concern was if the Council decided to hold the May election was there time enough
to work this. Mr. Bearden's response was that it was doable; however, it would be
tight.
Council must make sure that they have enough time to educate voters and making
sure voters understand what is being placed on the ballot.
Discussion continued in regard to the members appointed to the 4A or 415 boards.
Julia Beavers, Park Board member, wanted to be reassured that the 4B tax could
be used for parks. Mr. Bearden re-emphasized the uses for 4B tax, and the Board
does have authority for the use of these funds as authorized by Council.
The election must be successful in order to adopt the tax.
5. Conduct Public Hearing to Consider Submission of TCDP Grant Application.
6. Consider and Possible Action to Approve Resolution No. R01-98 Approving an
Application for Funding through the Texas Department of Housing and Community
Affairs Texas Capital Fund Infrastructure Grant Program.
Items 5 and 6 were postponed due to Mr. Chambers and Mr. Porter not being ready
to proceed.
7. Any Other Such Matters.
a) Mr. Keesler advised during Superbowl game this Sunday there will be a 3
minute preview of the movie Armageddon that was filmed in Sanger.
b) Eddie Branham advised that Vince and himself will be taking Basic
Wastewater Class and then will take the Collection Licenses next month.
c) The computer hardware will be here next week, and then Rose and her staff
will begin training in Lubbock.
d) Rose Chavez, City Secretary, advised Council that she wanted to
acknowledge appreciation of thanks to Chuck Tucker for all the help he h
given in my office in the absence of the Accounts Payable position. as
e) Jeff Morris reported that the ball park lights have come in. They are
scheduled to be put in once the poles come in, which they should come later
this month, or by the first part of February.
fl Chuck Tucker reported on the cost of his maintainer.
g� Julia Beavers asked the Council if they needed to get involved to get this tax
approved.
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01/20/98
PAGE 3
Mayor Coker advised this would be on the next Council agenda to pursue or
not to pursue.
Mayor indicated that if Council
does vote
to pursue
it they will need all the
help they can get to educate the
voters to
make this
successful.
Discussed was the issue of when to actually hold the election, and which tax
to pursue or to consider both.
Bonita Turner gave some information on how successful this tax was in Dallas
on the construction of the Arlington Ballpark. They anticipated that the park
would be paid for by the year 2023, but this tax has been so successful that
the park will be paid for by the year 2004.
8. Meeting Adjourned.
ATTEST:
L 0 ` &�
Rosalie Chavez, City Secret